The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller is an epic tale inspired by Homer's Iliad. It tells the story of a legendary hero, Achilles, his beloved companion Patroclus, and their fight against destiny in pursuit of glory. This novel has become one of the most acclaimed works in modern literature due to its captivating narrative structure and richly developed characters.

Erich Maria Remarque published his novel All Quiet on the Western Front in 1929. It tells the story of Paul Baumer, a young German soldier who fights during World War I and experiences the horrors of trench warfare. The novel explores themes such as camaraderie, loyalty, patriotism, innocence lost due to war, disillusionment with society's values, and ultimately death. Through its vivid descriptions of battle scenes and its examination of human emotions surrounding war-time events like shell shock or physical injury from combat injuries, it has become one of the most widely read works about World War I. As such, it has been seen as an important piece for understanding how literature can be used to explore social issues related to conflict in general.

Cry, the Beloved Country is a classic work of literature written by South African author Alan Paton in 1948. The novel tells the story of two fathers from different backgrounds—one white and one black—whose sons are implicated in a crime committed in Johannesburg. Through their journeys to find justice for their children, both men come to recognize the deep racial divides that have been created within South Africa due to its history of apartheid. As they experience firsthand how racism affects people's lives, each man learns valuable lessons about tolerance and forgiveness that will stay with them long after their journey has ended.

Les Misérables is a classic novel written by French author Victor Hugo in 1862. It tells the story of Jean Valjean, an ex-convict who struggles to make a life for himself despite his past and the relentless pursuit of Inspector Javert. The novel has been praised as one of the greatest works of literature ever written, with its themes of justice, redemption, love, and sacrifice resonating through centuries since it was first published.

Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress is a novel by Dai Sijie, published in 2000. The story follows two young boys, Luo and Ma, who are sent to a re-education camp during China's Cultural Revolution of the 1960s. At this camp, they meet an old tailor known as "the Tailor," who introduces them to his granddaughter, the titular Little Chinese Seamstress. Through their interactions with her, both boys begin to develop new perspectives on life beyond what was taught at school or accepted within their society.

The Help is a 2009 novel by American author Kathryn Stockett. It tells the story of African-American maids working in white households in Jackson, Mississippi, during the early 1960s and their efforts to challenge racial segregation by telling their stories. Through its exploration of race relations, class divisions, and gender roles, The Help has become an important work of literature for both adults and young readers alike.

The Grapes of Wrath, written by John Steinbeck in 1939, is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that tells the story of an Oklahoma family's migration to California during the Dust Bowl. This classic work of literature has become a staple in American classrooms and libraries for its vivid depiction of the struggles endured by migrant workers during the Dust Bowl. It also serves as a reminder about how important it is to treat all people with respect and dignity, regardless of their social or economic status.

Stephen Crane's classic novel, The Red Badge of Courage, is one of his best works. It was first published in 1895 and tells the story of Henry Fleming, an American soldier who served during the Civil War. The novel follows his psychological journey as he comes to terms with courage and cowardice while experiencing combat for the first time. Through this narrative, Crane brings to life the physical and mental aspects of war that were often ignored or misrepresented at the time it was written.