Charlotte's Web is an American classic, rife with farming imagery, family values, and an animated Paul Lynde. However, this book presents challenging themes of mortality and friendship, not to mention the controversial question of proper husbandry in America, which are issues that are universally relevant and fodder for endless discussion.

For example, encourage your students to address the issue of the "proper" treatment of animals. Sure, Wilbur's life is saved in the end because of his best friend who happens to be a bookish and adorable spider, but what about the next pig the farmer owns? What about the pig in the pen beside Wilbur at the fair? What about pigs in factory farms? Is this novel whitewashing an issue that needs to be addressed head-on?