I teach an Ag Leadership class and have done different things with the class
including, community service around the school, preparing FFA items, etc.
Since the class is a year long and the students only get 0.25 credits- they are
not required to do much. I've found this an easy way to get them to gain knowledge
with the "real world" of leadership.

As far as assessment, I let them come up with how they are going to be
graded. A few examples I've suggested to them include: Top ten things
they've leaned about, an in-depth reason why the title was chosen, drawing
a timeline of events, writing a letter to a character, etc (google "book
report +high school” for more ideas). They will have to turn in one of
the previously listed ideas every two weeks or so. At the end of the
semester they have to come up with a learning idea to "teach" the
others what they have learned. Lots of time they present a situation and ask
the class how they would react to it. They
would then explain the book. I do like
them to present a PowerPoint with the end of the book summary. I have had great results. Please ask any more question

Here are a few suggestions to add to your list...

Stephen C. Lundin- he writes shorter books. They are also a
short read and will hold a high school audience. All the books I've read
are GREAT, a few are "FISH! A remarkable way to boost morale and Improve
Results," and "Fish! Tales: real life stories to help you transform
your workplace and life.

John C. Maxwell- This is a more advance reader. I would be a
great author for a student that has a job placement SAE and maybe manages
people. One title he has wrote is, "Leadership 101: What every
leader needs to know.

Mark Sanborn has written, "You don't need a title to be a leader:
how anyone anywhere, can make a positive difference."