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70,000+

Participating Teachers

5,000,000+

Free Books Provided

2002

Year Founded

NOVEL

Anthem

105 Pages   |   Available in Paperback and Digital   |   8th-10th Grade   |   2-4 Weeks

About the Book
  • Anthem is Ayn Rand’s “hymn to man’s ego.” It is the story of one man’s rebellion against a totalitarian, collectivist society. Equality 7-2521 is a young man who yearns to understand “the Science of Things.” But he lives in a bleak, dystopian future where independent thought is a crime and where science and technology have regressed to primitive levels.
  • All expressions of individualism have been suppressed in the world of Anthem; personal possessions are nonexistent, individual preferences are condemned as sinful and romantic love is forbidden. Obedience to the collective is so deeply ingrained that the very word “I” has been erased from the language.
  • In pursuit of his quest for knowledge, Equality 7-2521 struggles to answer the questions that burn within him — questions that ultimately lead him to uncover the mystery behind his society’s downfall and to find the key to a future of freedom and progress.
  • Anthem anticipates the theme of Rand’s first best seller, The Fountainhead, which she stated as “individualism versus collectivism, not in politics, but in man’s soul.”
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“The value is priceless”

“These novels allow for in-depth discussions and talks with students I would never have thought possible. Students keep the books and are able to re-read them as they wish. I have found some students reading the novels a few times!”
JessicaTeacher at Bishop Classical Academy in ME, United States
"Two years ago, I received a handwritten note from a very shy and quiet student. She thanked me for introducing her to her "new favorite book." It was Anthem. Something in this story emboldened her to engage in dialogue and generate art."
AnnaTeacher at North Forsyth High School in FL, United States
"I received a free copy of The Fountainhead in high school from a teacher who participated in this program and it changed the course of my life. I am now an ELA teacher myself and was so thrilled to find out this program is still available."
WillTeacher at Central Middle School in KS, United States
"There is nothing quite like passing a copy of Anthem to young and inspired minds. The lightbulb on the cover always sparks such interest. Once students finish reading the book they are often inspired in ways few other books can accomplish."
MikealTeacher at Shaker High School in NY, United States
"I have been teaching Anthem for 10 years. It remains a favorite amongst my students year after year. It teaches them to open their minds and their eyes to the world. To chose and not be chosen for. To move and not be pushed. A real culture influencer."
WhitneyTeacher at Sallisaw High School in OK, United States
"These novels changed how I look at the world and opened my eyes to compelling and insightful storytelling. It is my hope that these books will inspire students to be lifelong learners, and to see the value of asking poignant questions about the world at large."
JasonTeacher at Jersey Village High School in TX, United States
"I read Anthem as a teen for AP English class. It was so engaging that I read The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged on my own later that summer. The ideas are timeless and relevant and well worth the time it takes to read and discuss them."
KimTeacher at Homeschool Co-Op in PA, United States
"The value is priceless. Exposing students to works that are thought-provoking, engaging, and relevant is the work of any teacher, but especially those of us who teach literature. Students who read Ayn Rand never forget her books or lessons."
CrystalTeacher at Cape Central Senior High in MO, United States
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How The Program Works

Our Free Books for Teachers program makes it easy for you to get the resources you need for your classroom.

01

Fill out our online order form

Complete our short form by telling us which books you want, how many, and where to send them. We will also help you decide which books best fit your teaching needs.

02

Receive your books & resources

After submitting your order, you will receive your books within 3 to 4 weeks. We will also provide you with a number of teaching resources to help with lesson planning.

03

Thank an ARI donor

Our donors are fans of Rand’s work, and want to give students the opportunity to read and discuss her novels in school. We ask that you write them a brief note of thanks for making your donation of books possible.

20+ Years of Supporting Teachers

The Ayn Rand Institute has provided high school and middle school educators across the United States and Canada with more than 5,000,000 free copies of Ayn Rand’s novels over the years.

Order copies for your classroom today while supplies last!

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Why Teach Ayn Rand’s Novels

Since our launch of the program in 2002, more than 70,000 teachers have received free copies of Ayn Rand’s novels for their students. Learn why they continue to return to these classic texts, year after year, to help make their classrooms come alive.

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Gripping Content

Ayn Rand’s novels appeal to young readers like few other books do. They are rich with dramatic storytelling, strong and complex characters, and enduring themes. They also challenge students to think more deeply about the world, about the choices they make in their lives, and about the kind of person they want to become.

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Expert Resources

In addition to the books, we provide teachers with dozens of free resources that make it easier to incorporate the books into a curriculum and spark in-class discussion—from teachers guides and lesson plans to chapter lead-in videos and virtual classroom Q&As with our team of experts.

FAQs

How much does a classroom set of books cost me or my school?

Nothing! This is a donor-funded program with no financial obligation to you or your school. We provide teachers and schools with review copies of the novels as well as full classroom sets at no expense.

How long does it take to receive my shipment of books?

Unless otherwise noted, all physical shipments are sent out approximately 2 – 3 weeks before your expected teaching date. To request an order be shipped sooner (or later) than this time frame, please email us at education@aynrand.org.

Which novels do you offer, and are they appropriate for my classroom grade level?

Anthem is suitable for grade levels 8 – 12; We the Living for grade levels 9 – 12; The Fountainhead for grade levels 10 – 12; and Atlas Shrugged for grade levels 11 – 12.

Can I let students take notes in the books? Can I give students the books after they have been read?

Yes, you are encouraged to give the books to students for them to own!

How do I know if my school or classroom eligible to receive a free classroom set of books?

All public and private schools are eligible, although the aforementioned grade restrictions and conditions apply.

Why are some titles only available in digital format and not paperback?

Due to pandemic-related delays in the book printing industry, some titles may only be available in digital format. Our ebooks are easily accessible by teachers and students on a range of electronic devices, and have been used by thousands of teachers the past few years. If you can only use physical books, you may contact us by email at education@aynrand.org to request them. However, as our supply is limited we cannot guarantee the provision of physical books.

I don't teach English, Literature, or Language Arts. Am I eligible for this program?

Yes, you may order books for your classroom. There are no restrictions with regard to what subject or class the books are used for, as long as you plan to use them with students within a year of placing your order.

I'm a librarian and would like a few copies for the school library. Am I eligible for this program?

Yes, librarians are allowed to order up to three copies of each novel for their school library.

I've never read Ayn Rand before. Am I allowed to get a free review copy of one or more of her books before committing to teaching her work in the classroom?

Yes, you are welcome to order a free review copy of one or more titles.

Have a different question?

Write to us at education@aynrand.org. We typically respond within two to five business days.

Start Your Order Now!

We’ll walk you through selecting your books and making sure you have enough for all of the students you teach. Then we’ll ask you where to ship them and confirm your order.

Within a few days, we’ll reach out to let you know that your order is approved and ready to ship.

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It's Truly Free!

Our Free Books program is made possible by the donors of the Ayn Rand Institute and especially the following individuals and organizations, who want to give students the opportunity to read and discuss Rand’s novels in school.

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Please enter your country information below so we can send you a free digital copy of Atlas Shrugged.

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