What are some popular summer reading books for high school students? Do schools generally assign classics, or are they more open to popular modern novels?
High school summer reading materials often vary by school, grade level, and what courses you'll be taking in the coming year. Typically, the selections include a mix of modern literature and classics. These lists are curated by your school to ensure that they provide both enjoyment and educational enrichment. Here are some examples of books that are often included in high school summer reading lists:
- To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee: A classic piece of American literature that discusses race, morality, and the loss of innocence.
- 1984, George Orwell: A dystopian novel that addresses themes of power, corruption, and control.
- The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald: A tale of love and disillusionment in the roaring twenties, exploring themes of wealth, love, and identity.
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Stephen Chbosky: A modern novel that provides a candid look at the challenges and joys of adolescence.
- The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Sherman Alexie: A contemporary read that explores the experiences of a Native American teenager who leaves his reservation to attend an all-white high school.
- The Hate U Give, Angie Thomas: A popular modern novel that deals with issues of race and police violence.
- Educated, Tara Westover: This memoir details the author's journey from growing up in a strict and abusive household in rural Idaho to earning her PhD from Cambridge University.
Assignments vary, and you might even be able to choose from a list of books provided by your school. Also, the choice of reading materials is often connected to themes or topics that will be studied in the upcoming year, and they can serve as a way for students to explore subjects of interest to them. Additionally, reading helps build vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills, which can be crucial for success in high school and beyond.
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