There are many compelling and comprehensible novels available today, many of which are rich in authentic culture that teachers want to address as part of a formal unit. This session will explore how to “teach’ a novel by using its themes and characters as a jumping-off point to engage students in authentic texts, music, film, and articles in order to generate meaningful interpersonal communication. We will also discuss ways to vary how the novel itself is presented in order to capture and maintain student interest.