Required Summer Reading

Access to the required summer reading can be accessed using this link.

Who has to do summer reading?

EVERYONE!

In previous years, summer reading was only for students taking honors or AP English classes. But we found that this kept a lot of capable students from taking honors level classes because they wanted to avoid the summer project or posed a problem when a student who had originally been given a regular level class decided to switch to an honors level class at the start of the school year. So, this year, we've redesigned our summer reading projects to be accessible and appropriate for all students at all levels. Every student can benefit from summer reading!

Why do we do summer reading?

Your brain needs exercise just like your body. An athlete who takes the summer off and does no physical activity will have a much harder time getting back into shape at the start of the season; likewise, students who do no mental exercise during the summer will find it harder to readjust to school learning. Summer reading is a simple way to keep your brain active so that you can transition to the next level of English more easily.

But we recognize that summer is also an important time for relaxing, spending time with friends and family, and exploring things that you are interested in as an individual. So, this year, our summer reading assignments are focused on engagement rather than assessment. You'll find that the assignment for each group provides choice and flexibility. We encourage you to explore things that interest you within the structures provided by these assignments.

The reading materials for each group of students tie into the themes and ideas that you will be exploring in your English classes next school year. Reading any of the books from the list will give you a starting point to talk and write about these ideas in your class and with your peers. We hope that the book you read will be thought-provoking, inspiring, relatable, and enjoyable.