When I taught Les Misérables to eighth graders, one of my favorite assignments was a final project in which students were to choose contemporary songs to go along with the book. I always loved seeing the connections students made between the novel and popular culture. Inevitably, at least one student would choose Abba’s “Waterloo,” but there were also some very original choices as well. In the early years of the project, students turned their songs in on cassette tapes, but over time they switched to CDs.

I wonder, If you were to make a mix tape of songs about the book up to this point, what songs would you choose, and why? Here are few of my choices, along with my rationale.

Midnight Rider by Gregg Allman – I imagine this song representing Jean Valjean during the various times he tried to escape from prison.

Undo It by Carrie Underwood – Rather than the wistful sound of “I Dreamed a Dream,” this is the angry Fantine, after Félix Tholomyès has left her behind to face motherhood alone.

Backseat of a Greyhound Bus by Sara Evans – This is about Fantine again, and the affect Cosette’s birth has on her.

Fix You by Coldplay – As Fantine rests in the hospital, Valjean sits next to her bed and contemplates her situation.

What songs would you choose?