This thesis is divided into four sections. The first piece is an examination into literature circles, their purpose and their structure. A literature circle is a small group of students who gather together to discuss a piece of literature. Research indicates that literature circles allow students to gain a deeper meaning and increased understanding from what they are reading. After this examination into literature circles, a brief synopsis and explanation is given for the format used in this literature unit. The third piece of this thesis contains a literature unit that incorporates literature circles and integrative activities around the award-winning novel Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse. The fourth piece contains a reflection on how this unit incorporates the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium principles of model standards for beginning teacher licensing and development.