Fahrenheit 451, The Great Gatsby, Wuthering Heights and The Scarlet Letter have long topped the lists of classics read in high schools nationwide. Required reading in 2018, however, now includes titles written within these students’ lifetime to educate and inspire our nation’s future leaders. Here are eight books that many high schoolers are reading now!

The Wal-Mart Effect: How the World’s Most Powerful Company Really Works – and How It’s Transforming the American Economy by Charles Fishman

The Wal-Mart Effect takes an intimate look at the inner workings of big business and the influence the world’s biggest company has on its customers, workers and suppliers. How has the company managed its growth, and how has it affected our nation’s economy? Readers find these answers and more, along with exclusive interviews with company executives.

Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal by Eric Schlosser

In his international bestseller, Eric Schlosser reveals how the fast food industry has transformed food production throughout the world and fueled an epidemic of obesity. Filled with shocking statistics and frightening food facts, the book is credited with changing the way millions of people think about what they eat.

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline

Christina Baker Kline writes about a seldom-explored humanitarian catastrophe in our nation’s history when more than 200,000 orphaned children were sent to the Midwest by train. Molly Ayer, a child close to “aging out” out of the foster care system connects with an elderly immigrant, and as the pair form a bond, Molly discovers answers that could ultimately free them both.

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

Mariam and Laila are a generation apart with very different views of life, family and love. But when war brings them together, they form a unique bond that affects the rest of their lives. A Thousand Splendid Suns is about love, self-sacrifice and family – and ultimately, survival.

Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

Steven D. Levitt studies the riddles of everyday life, turning conventional wisdom on its head as he examines everything from crime and racism, to parenting and real estate. And through his clever insight and gift of storytelling, he ties it all back to economics – and demonstrates how we are all, as a nation, affected.

The Distance Between Us by Reyna Grande

In her emotional memoir about growing up in Mexico, Reyna Grande thoughtfully explores the immigrant experience from her perspective on the other side of the border. From crossing the border in pursuit of the American dream, to living in cramped quarters with her grandmother while her parents paved the way, Grande recalls the memories and milestones that shaped who she is today.

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

Before evangelical Baptist Nathan Price uproots his wife and four daughters to Africa, they prepare by praying, planning and packing everything they think they’ll need. But the rules are different on African soil and it’s up to the family to reconstruct their lives in this foreign new land.

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King

In this critically-acclaimed bestseller, author Stephen King shares the experiences and habits that have shaped his iconic career. Part memoir, part instructional guide for aspiring writers, King meanders through memories and his writing process, revealing the moments that were most impactful on his life and his craft.