Purpose:

The summer reading program supports our conviction that a student’s vocabulary and power of expression improve with reading. The English department is providing this book list, which is continually reviewed and updated to provide appropriate reading and to stimulate interest in reading for all students.

Reading and Writing Requirement:

Choose ONE book to read from the Summer Reading List and complete the Summer Reading Graphic Organizer (link here). In September you will participate in a group discussion and assessment related to this book. These assessments and your graphic organizer will be part of your first quarter grade. Please bring the graphic organizer (and a copy of the book, if possible) to class on the day that you will complete the summer reading assessment.

Extra Credit:

For extra credit, read a second book from this list and complete a second Summer Reading Graphic Organizer. You may be asked to participate in two group discussions.

The Crossover (graphic novel version) 

by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Dawud Anyabwile

"This graphic-novel adaptation of Alexander's 2015 Newbery Medal winner offers powerful visuals to an already-cherished narrative....Veteran comics illustrator Anyabwile brings an expansive range of black-boy emotional expressiveness to the page, accompanied by a striking attention to detail and pop-cultural reference....Flashy and engaging with emotional depth—a slam-dunk thrill."—Kirkus

Doll Bones

by Holly Black

Zach, Poppy, and Alice have been friends forever. And for almost as long, they’ve been playing one continuous, ever-changing game of pirates and thieves, mermaids and warriors. Ruling over all is the Great Queen, a bone-china doll cursing those who displease her. But they are in middle school now. Zach and Alice and Poppy set off on one last adventure to lay the Queen’s ghost to rest. But nothing goes according to plan, and as their adventure turns into an epic journey, creepy things begin to happen. Is the doll just a doll or something more sinister? And if there really is a ghost, will it let them go now that it has them in its clutches?

Legend

by Marie Lu

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

Love is a Revolution

by Renee Watson

When Nala Robertson reluctantly agrees to attend an open mic night for her cousin-sister-friend Imani's birthday, she finds herself falling in instant love with Tye Brown, the MC. He's perfect, except . . . Tye is an activist and is spending his summer putting on events for the community when Nala would rather spend hers watching movies and trying out the new flavors at the local creamery. In Love Is a Revolution, the ultimate love story is not only about romance but about how to show radical love to the people in your life, including to yourself. –School Library Journal

The Boy in the Black Suit

by Jason Reynolds

A 2016 Coretta Scott King Author Honor book.

Just when seventeen-year-old Matt thinks he can’t handle one more piece of terrible news, he meets a girl who’s dealt with a lot more—and who just might be able to clue him in on how to rise up when life keeps knocking him down—in this “vivid, satisfying, and ultimately upbeat tale of grief, redemption, and grace” (Kirkus Reviews)

We Were Liars

by E. Lockhart

Clever, alluring, and wildly addictive. Each summer the wealthy, seemingly perfect, members of the Sinclair family gather on their private island. We Were Liars is the story of those annual reunions; in particular what happened during a summer that protagonist Cadence is unable to remember. Lazy days of sticky lemonades on the roof and marathon Scrabble games give way to twisty suspense, true love, and good intentions gone horribly wrong. We Were Liars is a story that begs to be read in one sitting.