What books do high schoolers read the most?

Out of curiosity, I'm wondering what books are most commonly studied in high school. Is there a set list or does it vary by school and grade? If anyone knows if there's some sort of database or list, can you point me in that direction?

The literature read in high school certainly varies by grade, curriculum, country, state, and even individual teachers within the same school. However, there are a few classics that seem to be universally studied in high schools across the United States.

In American high schools, students often study notable works such as "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, "1984" by George Orwell, and "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding. It's also common to read Shakespeare, particularly plays like "Romeo and Juliet," "Macbeth," and "Hamlet." Editorials and essays as well as poetry from various authors also often make their way into the curriculum.

It's important to note that some high school English programs, particularly those using Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, may have a more varied or more specific reading list. They might include more modern works or books reflecting diverse authors and perspectives.

For a more specific list, the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) used by many states do have recommended texts for each grade level, which you can find on their website. However, these are just recommendations, and not all teachers are required to adhere strictly to this list.

There isn't a comprehensive database that includes every book read in every school. However, you can often find the reading list for specific schools or courses online—in some cases, schools will post syllabi or reading lists for their English classes on their websites.

Overall, I would say, the goal of high school reading lists is to challenge students with complex texts that inspire discussion about major themes such as society, justice, and individual identity. It's not just about reading, but about learning to critically analyze and discuss what you read.