LibGuides: Summer Reading 2021: All Students

Summer Reading 2021

Remote Control by Nnedi Okorafor
Suggested by Ms. McLean: “This book has a little bit of everything, including suspense, adventure, and philosophy. Sankofa, the main character, is searching – for herself, for answers, for a way beyond grief. It is a story anyone would love and enjoy reading.”
When We Were Lost by Kevin Wignall
Suggested by Mr. Wojciechowski: “This is a fast-paced book that explores the “what ifs” of a plane crashing in the jungle during a school trip. The characters resonate as realistic high school students trapped in an intense situation.”
Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson
Suggested by Mr. Tanski: “A friend suggested this book and I finished it in a single setting. It is a wonderful work set in a private high school and focuses on contemporary issues in society today. Even though it is a quick read, it is inspiring and leaves you thinking about many topics that students encounter every day.”
Girl, Stolen by April Henry
Suggested by Mrs. Hajian: “A student recommended this young adult author (April Henry) to me. Her book Girl Stolen lived up to his praise. It is a real page turner.”
The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen
Suggested by Ms. Notargiacomo: “This book is inspiring in so many ways. It is full of many great lessons for young people about facing obstacles, overcoming your fears, and seeing through differences in others.”
The Circuit by Francisco Jiménez
Suggested by Mrs. DiMascio: “I love that we get to see everything from the perspective of a child. It is so nice to read a novel made up of short stories. Just take a seat in your favorite
spot and enjoy.”
Once a Runner by John L. Parker Jr.
Suggested by Mr. Lourenco: “Many books have attempted to describe the lifestyle of a high level runner, but this is the first to ever accurately capture how it feels to train hours upon end for a chance at four minutes of perfection. The protagonist Quentin Cassidy is forever etched into the mythology of track and field culture. This is a must read for any athlete who has ever pushed themselves beyond their limits in pursuits of athletic excellence.”

Summer Reading 2021

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
Suggested by Mr. Pare: “A gripping novel told in verse. I had recently been introduced to this style of writing and find it fascinating. There is no place to pause in this compelling story of a young man contemplating revenge for his murdered brother. The author, Reynolds, says that poets ‘taught me the functionality and power of language.’ He learned that lesson well.”
Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
Suggested by Ms. Cerros: “Turtles All the Way Down is a deep dive into the mind of a teenager with anxiety and OCD, wrapped in a package of mystery and crime.” Students who have enjoyed John Green in the past will love this book.”
City of the Beasts by Isabel Allende
Suggested by Mr. Vargas: “This is just such a wonderful book that I know students will enjoy. Its long, but it reads quickly. I loved that it put me in an imaginary place; the main character learns so much about herself.”
The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult
Suggested by Ms. Rambone: “I seem to gravitate toward historical fiction. I read this last summer at the lake while my kids splashed around all day. It is definitely a pick it up and can’t put it down book.”
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis
Suggested by Mr. Miszkiewicz: “At its heart, a fun story that immerses you into its imaginary world. But it also forces you to think about it on a deeper level due to its heavy symbolism and allegory.”
Spin by Lamar Giles
Suggested by Mr. White: “A friend had recommended this author to me, and they didn’t steer me wrong. Set to the backdrop of the hip-hop, R&B industry, it keeps you guessing. This book has won several national awards for Young Adult fiction. It’s a must read for anyone interested in music and mysteries.”
Ishmael by Daniel Quinn
Suggested by Mr. Martinez: “There is the theme of caring for the environment that I think is apropos today. And the idea of a gorilla communicating with people through mental telepathy is just so interesting.”

Summer Reading 2021

Athletic Shorts by Chris Crutcher
Suggested by Ms. Ridolf: “As a child, I was a reluctant reader. I chose this because it was a collection of short stories and I was sold on the word “short” alone. This book was unlike any I was forced to read in school. I found a piece of myself in each teenage character who navigates their way through the confusing social world of high school.”
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
Suggested by Mr. Hajian: “What drew me in was that it wasn’t too far from a future society in which the “virtual” world is the only place from which to escape from a world on the brink of financial, societal, and ecological collapse. The characters are believable. You want them to triumph over the bad guys.”
The Wright Brothers by David McCullough
Suggested by Mrs. Trissler: “I am in awe of authors who are such great storytellers that they write nonfiction that reads like a page-turning novel. McCullough is one!"
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Suggested by Mr. Santiago: “I first read The Alchemist years ago and every year I am drawn in and captivated by this simple, yet powerful story. The author takes you on a spellbinding journey in the footsteps of a young boy who dares to dream and then pursues that dream. The story gets at the very heart of deep existential questions we all wrestle with.”
Chomp by Carl Hiaasen
Suggested by Mr. Skelly: “I started picking up Carl Hiaasen books years ago. They are fast paced, funny, and there is always a twist. I have now been able to introduce them to my son, which has been a great way to show him how enjoyable reading can be.”
Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber
Suggested by Ms. Carpenter: “I love this book because it exudes happiness! It has all of my favorite qualities: family, romance, and a little bit of magic.”
The Natural by Bernard Malamud
Suggested by Mr. McVey: “I wasn’t a reader when I was young. I was drawn to this book because it was about sports. But it has a little bit of everything. It is funny, and sad – just a real interesting story.”

Summer Reading 2021: All Students

Summer Reading 2021: Faculty Favorites (All High School Students)

Summer Reading 2021

Summer Reading 2021

Summer Reading 2021