The following collection of thematically related readings is available in The Chosen and Related Readings in McDougal Littell's Literature Connections series.

Excerpt from Somewhere a Master by Elie Wiesel
Summary: In this traditional Hasidic tale, two well-known rabbis demonstrate both the responsibilities and the rewards of friendship.

Excerpt from In My Father's Court by Isaac Bashevis Singer, ©1966
Summary: In this memoir, a famous Yiddish author recalls his parents' reactions when a scholarly stranger with an extraordinary grasp of Jewish teachings visits their home to make an unholy business proposition.

"I Never Saw a Moor" by Emily Dickinson
Summary: The speaker of this poem reveals an unwavering belief in heaven's existence.

The Three Hermits by Leo Tolstoy
(from The Raid and Other Stories, © 1982)
Summary: In this Russian folk tale, a bishop learns an unforgettable lesson about faith when he tries to teach his way of praying to three hermits living on a remote island.

Excerpt from The Way to Rainy Mountain by N. Scott Momaday, © 1969
Summary: The Native American author of this selection describes the rich cultural heritage of his people, the Kiowa, and shares some poignant memories of his grandmother.

Excerpt from Fifth Chinese Daughter by Jade Snow Wong, © 1945
Summary: In this excerpt from her autobiography, Wong recalls the conflict she experienced between traditional Chinese culture and the American culture in which she grew up.

"New African" by Andrea Lee
(from Sarah Phillips, © 1984)
Summary:In this short story, the daughter of a well-respected Baptist minister stubbornly goes against the expectations of her family and of the parishioners in her father's church.