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2024 Upper School Summer Reading Suggestions

Summer Reading in High School

Summer is a great time for high school students to engage in "choice reading" – the practice of allowing students to select their own reading materials based on their interests and preferences, rather than having specific texts assigned to them.

Choice reading during the summer is crucial for high school students as it fosters a love for reading by allowing them to select books that genuinely interest them. This autonomy in choosing what to read can transform reading from a chore into an enjoyable activity, encouraging lifelong reading habits. Engaging with books that align with their personal interests or passions can also enhance students' critical thinking and analytical skills, as they are more likely to delve deeper into the material, reflect on its themes, and relate it to their own experiences. Moreover, summer reading helps maintain and even improve literacy skills during the break, ensuring that students are better prepared for the upcoming academic year.

This guide will provide a large variety of fiction and nonfiction titles to explore your interests, but it is by no means exhaustive. Students are encouraged to explore their interests and passions through reading this summer. Other great places to find book recommendations are online through hashtags like BookTok or BookTube, your local public library, and independent booksellers.

Use the tabs on left or the links below to navigate the guide:

Young Adult Fiction

Adult Fiction

Nonfiction

Memoir or Biography

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