I read those, along with the few you name below. Some of them are extremely interesting, they have good writing that's on a slightly higher (but not too high) level, they teach that life isn't perfect. I love this list of books, actually.

I don't think I'd want my kids just to escape from the life they lead- I'd want them to read stories that taught them that even though life is tough, they aren't the only kids experiencing rough situations (in reference to your suggestions to your wife).

And Harry Potter would be ok, but many parents are idiots about it, and I suppose it could be disruptive for a teacher to try to go with it. In some areas anyway.

edit: I do think they need to think about changing it up for high school though. I'm not quite sure why some of those books are required, unless it's to have contact with the classics at least once in one's life. I hated Great Expectations because I was too young. Then again, I loved Slaughterhouse Five. *shrugs*