Lesson Planning

I'm still here! Just busy and I am afraid life is about to get busier. Right now I am working on lesson plans for Gabriel and Hannah. They will be doing a lot of independent study this year but still need a guide line. They will be doing American History and American Literature. I'm not using any curriculum for American Literature. I figure the best thing is to have them read something that lines up with the time period they are studying in American History. What do you think about Edgar Allen Poe? Is he a "must" or do we skip him like Stephen King? Your opinions are appreciated and I need to get back to my lesson plans! What are your kids studying this year?