One School, One Book, One Summer
This summer, all students will read The Warrior's Heart by Eric Greitens.
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The Warrior's Heart is an inspiring and powerful book that will endure decades from now about one American who deeply cares about human suffering... and does something about it. Check out the reviews for The Warriors Heart on Goodreads and The New York Times.
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Melrose High School Summer Reading 2013
In addition to The Warrior's Heart, CP level students will choose at least one book from the staff-suggested list. Honors students will choose at least two. Advanced Placement students may be required to complete additional course work.
If you are going to be in 11th Grade AP English Language click here for your summer reading assignment. If you are going to be in 12th Grade AP English Literature click here for your summer reading assignment. Teacher recommendations, book reviews, and assignments are below. Click on each title for a book review from Goodreads.com. |
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Print versions of books can be found at local libraries and bookstores and available via Amazon.com. Some titles can be found for free or reduced rates in eBook (electronic) versions via iTunes and Amazon.com. Twenty-three of the 31 titles can be found in audio versions via iTunes or youtube.com. Titles available in audio identified by (A) symbol.
Many titles will also be accompanied by teacher-led Edmodo groups. For each book, check for a group code. If there is a code, join or log in to Edmodo to join the online discussion!
Many titles will also be accompanied by teacher-led Edmodo groups. For each book, check for a group code. If there is a code, join or log in to Edmodo to join the online discussion!
Teacher Recommendations:
1. 19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult
Recommended by Ms. Amy Pascarell, English Dept and the Wellness Dept: This is the story about a high school shooting told from multiple points of view. It discusses issues related to bullying. (A)
To join this book's Edmodo discussion group, create an account, log in, and provide this group code: 70gq8m. Where it says "groups" on your home page, just click "join."
To join this book's Edmodo discussion group, create an account, log in, and provide this group code: 70gq8m. Where it says "groups" on your home page, just click "join."
2. After the First Death by Robert Cormier
Recommended by Ms. Heather MacDonald, English Dept: Though published in 1979, After the First Death remains tragically reflective of our current world. The narrative details the events surrounding the seizure of a bus full of children by terrorists who believe they are fighting for their homeland, a nation they have never seen. The book uses multiple points of view and explores the motifs of fathers and sons, courage, the nature of evil, sacrifice, endurance, and survival.
3. All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
Recommended by Mr. Ryan Stewart: This classic takes a look at war through the eyes of a young German soldier fighting in France during World War I. Its elegant prose and vivid descriptions of the realities of wartime have captivated readers for generations. (A)
4. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Recommended by Ms. Suzanne Troy and Ms. Brittney Martin, Science & Tech Dept: The Art of Racing in the Rain is a heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope—a captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life . . . as only a dog could tell it. (A)
5. The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland by Jim Defede
Recommended by Mrs. Denise Wagstaff, Foreign Language Dept: As someone who recalls the horrors of 9/11, I enjoyed reading this positive story that recounts the generosity of the people of Gander, Newfoundland, who helped and housed travelers whose planes were rerouted due to the temporary closing of American airspace. Weaved throughout the story are accounts of real people who were trying to get home, some of whom were directly touched by the terrible event. Even though most students were very young when this tragedy occurred, they will enjoy reading about the acts of kindness from our “neighbors to the North” during a very difficult time.
6. Dune by Frank Herbert
Recommended by Mr. Scott Santos, Social Studies Dept: An English teacher once told me that Shakespeare was the best because he covered everything in life except birth. Herbert does so and covers birth! Dune is an epic of science fiction set on a desert planet in the far-flung future. The planet is the sole source of a mind-altering substance that allows for the folding of the space and time continuum making traveling the cosmos possible. A messianic figure leads the indigenous people of Dune against the corrupt government forces of the intergalactic Empire in a battle for control of the planet. It is by far one of the best works of fiction that I have had the pleasure to read. (A)
7. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
Recommended by Mr. Steven Malley: An easier read about a boy who is chosen for a space-based, armed-forces academy. It’s science-fiction and has a solid story line. Soon to be a movie starring Harrison Ford, coming to theaters this November! (A)
To join this book's Edmodo discussion group, create an account, log in, and provide this group code: e1u0do. Where it says "groups" on your home page, just click "join."
To join this book's Edmodo discussion group, create an account, log in, and provide this group code: e1u0do. Where it says "groups" on your home page, just click "join."
8. Far From the Tree: Parents, Children, and the Search for Identity by Andrew Solomon
Recommended by Ms. Kristen McCarthy, Fine Arts Dept: I have been reading this book and sharing parts of it with some of my students because I felt that it was so profound. I think it would be a great book for students to read, especially since it is a very interesting piece of non-fiction and it presents the idea of diversity and acceptance from a different perspective than most would think. (A)
To join this book's Edmodo discussion group, create an account, log in, and provide this group code: 6dq49a. Where it says "groups" on your home page, just click "join."
To join this book's Edmodo discussion group, create an account, log in, and provide this group code: 6dq49a. Where it says "groups" on your home page, just click "join."
9. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
Recommended by Mrs. Francesca LoGrasso, Guidance Dept: I first read Flowers for Algernon in my sophomore year of high school, and it continues to be one of my favorite stories. Flowers for Algernon is the story of Charlie Gordon, a mentally disabled man who is chosen as the subject of an experimental surgery meant to increase his intelligence. Students interested in psychology, education, and ethics will enjoy Charlie’s story and are encouraged to choose this book. (A)
10. Foundation by Isaac Asimov
Recommended by Ms. Kim Talbot, Foreign Language Dept: I first read Foundation as a high school student for summer reading because the faculty sponsor was a favorite teacher. I have sponsored this book at two other schools and have always enjoyed the discussions that students have about it. What I love about this book – and the entire series – is how it made me rethink the evolutions of government and communities from our own history. I love to think about the ideas of fate vs. free will, statistical probability vs. the power of the individual, and the ability of humanity to triumph. The ideas from this book changed the way I evaluate historical and current events, and I re-read the series regularly. (A)
To join this book's Edmodo discussion group, create an account, log in, and provide this group code: x2wt8c. Where it says "groups" on your home page, just click "join."
To join this book's Edmodo discussion group, create an account, log in, and provide this group code: x2wt8c. Where it says "groups" on your home page, just click "join."
11. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Recommended by Mr. Josh Cristiano, English Dept: Many of us are familiar with Frankenstein; however, did you know that the actual Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein, was not a monster but a scientist? As it happens in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, first published in 1818, Victor Frankenstein toys with science to create what is known as Frankenstein’s Monster, a creature who has no place in society. (A)
To join this book's Edmodo discussion group, create an account, log in, and provide this group code: v7clj0. Where it says "groups" on your home page, just click "join."
To join this book's Edmodo discussion group, create an account, log in, and provide this group code: v7clj0. Where it says "groups" on your home page, just click "join."
12. The Girls of Atomic City by Denise Kiernan
Recommended by Ms. Julie Shea, Science & Tech Dept: In The Girls of Atomic City, Denise Kiernan takes an intimate and personal approach to telling this amazing story of Oak Ridge, Tennessee (where 60% of the approximately $2 billion of “Manhattan Project” money was spent) using the eyes (and memories) of some of the working ladies who actually did the real work of separating uranium (without knowing it), checking the leaks in pipes (not knowing where the pipes went), keeping the statistical data, doing the hard work of a janitor, a chemist (who got closest to the “product”) and secretaries who saw documents they could never discuss. This approach results in a more realistic telling of the day to day activities in Oak Ridge and the government sites of X-10, Y-12, K-25 and S-50. The intrigue springs from every page!
13. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
Recommended by Ms. Michelle Stepper, Foreign Language Dept & Ms. Kerri Scott, Science & Tech Dept: This book is a study in journalism, but more importantly it addresses the issue of who owns our genetic material. Through the history of Henrietta Lacks, her family, and some other major players, the author discusses the basics of cell biology while constantly addressing the question of genetic ownership. Do we own our DNA? Is it ethical for someone to profit from our DNA without our knowledge? What are the consequences of others having our genetic material? If you knew your genetic sequence, would you be able to make decisions about your health and medical care? These are important questions in a world where you can have your DNA sequenced for just $100.
I enjoyed this book because it deals with ethics, race, medicine and the healing of a family. The book is about a poor black woman whose cells are taken without her knowledge in 1951. Her cells became important tools for medical research. (A)
I enjoyed this book because it deals with ethics, race, medicine and the healing of a family. The book is about a poor black woman whose cells are taken without her knowledge in 1951. Her cells became important tools for medical research. (A)
14. The Lady Tasting Tea: How Statistics Revolutionized Science in the Twentieth Century by David Salsburg
Recommended by Ms. Christina Cardella, Math Dept: The Lady Tasting Tea is a new book by David Salsburg (a Ph.D. mathematical statistician). The title of the book is taken from the famous example that R. A. Fisher used in his book The Design of Experiments to express the ideas and principles of statistical design to answer research questions. The subtitle How Statistics Revolutionized Science in the Twentieth Century really tells what the book is about. The author relates the statistical developments of the 20th Century through descriptions of the famous statisticians and the problems they studied.
15. Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Recommended by Ms. Angela Singer, English Dept: This is a good dystopian novel that suggests what life might like if the moon’s orbit were to change. The first of four books in this series, the story is told well. Watch out – you may get hooked and read all four! (A)
16. Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer by James Swanson
Recommended by Mr. Gerard Tannetta, Social Studies Dept: This book is a non-fiction account of the search for John Wilkes Booth after Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. The coincidences, close calls, and luck of Booth make for an interesting and exciting build-up. The book reads like a crime novel and had me on the edge of my seat until the last page. (A)
17. The Monkey Wrench Gang by Edward Abbey
Recommended by Mrs. Nancy Naslas, Science & Tech Dept: I read this book when I lived in the western US and remember that it really brings to life this part of the country and the types of characters I met there. On television/internet and in the printed press, we encounter so much bad news about the environment and often feel frustration about how to fix our many problems. This extreme example of protecting the environment is fun to read, in a vicarious, what-if sort of way.
18. Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals by Michael Pollan
Recommended by Ms. Kerri Scott, Science & Tech Dept: Michael Pollan takes the reader through the natural history of four of his meals, discussing chemicals and processing (or lack thereof) required to put a meal on your plate. It really made me question what I was eating. Is there really a difference between commercially and organically grown food? Is one healthier? Should the health of the environment be considered when food choices are being made? I can say that after reading this book, I think a great deal more about what I eat, where it came from, and the resources it took to get it on my plate. (A)
19. Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
Recommended by Mr. Bryan Corrigan, Social Studies Dept: What makes the best, the brightest, the most famous, and the most successful excel? The answer to this question, Malcolm Gladwell insists, resides in the culture, family, and upbringing of these high achievers. Outliers explains what the Beatles and Bill Gates have in common, the extraordinary success of Asians at math, the hidden advantages of star athletes, and the reason you have never heard of the world’s smartest man. Gladwell presents a fascinating and provocative blueprint for making the most of human potential. (A)
To join this book's Edmodo discussion group, create an account, log in, and provide
this group code: 68vrzk. Where it says "groups" on your home page, just click "join."
To join this book's Edmodo discussion group, create an account, log in, and provide
this group code: 68vrzk. Where it says "groups" on your home page, just click "join."
20. A Portrait Of The Artist As A Young Man by James Joyce
Recommended by Mr. Greg Moss, English Dept: This is my favorite example of a bildungsroman, and James Joyce is AWESOME. Portrait treats youth with more direct honesty than any other novel I know. Joyce believed that our everyday lives could inspire great art. If you blog (and let's face it, who doesn't?) you share this philosophy with James Joyce. Oh - and the book is widely available online for free. (A)
To join this book's Edmodo discussion group, create an account, log in, and provide this group code: 8uzroc. Where it says "groups" on your home page, just click "join."
To join this book's Edmodo discussion group, create an account, log in, and provide this group code: 8uzroc. Where it says "groups" on your home page, just click "join."
21. A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
Recommended by Mrs. Jennifer O’Sullivan, English Dept: I read this book years ago while on spring break from college and I could not put it down. I even read through the night one evening. It’s a great story about two kids growing up in New Hampshire in the 1950s and 60s. The story is told from the perspective of one of those kids as an adult, where the reader discovers the very memorable character of Owen Meany. (A)
22. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith
Recommended by Tanja Hiti-Stearns, English Dept: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is a unique combination of Jane Austen's classic tale of the five Bennet sisters looking for love and a modern horror story that finds our heroines defending their native England against hordes of hungry zombies. This novel is an intriguing and original read but definitely not for the faint of heart!
To join this book's Edmodo discussion group, create an account, log in, and provide this group code: u87k99. Where it says "groups" on your home page, just click "join."
To join this book's Edmodo discussion group, create an account, log in, and provide this group code: u87k99. Where it says "groups" on your home page, just click "join."
23. Rich Dad, Poor Dad For Teens by Robert Kiyosaki
Recommended by Mr. Stephen Fogarty, Assistant Principal and Mr. Aaron Chernisky, English Dept: Who doesn’t hope to be “wealthy” someday? Each of us may define personal wealth in different ways, but any idea how to achieve it? It’s not as simple as just getting a high paying job. This book will help you gain perspective on money and money-making and help you better understand how to save for the things you want while also staying out of debt. These are skills we all need, especially the young entrepreneur. (A)
24. Room by Emma Donoghue
Recommended by Mrs. Michelle Kane-Sewyck, Social Studies Dept: Written from the point of view of a 5-year-old, the story is about the life he and his mother live as captives in an 11’ x 11’ room. It also chronicles their attempted and ultimate escape, as well as the start of their life afterwards. Fast and easy read. (A)
To join this book's Edmodo discussion group, create an account, log in, and provide this group code: tp5o0u. Where it says "groups" on your home page, just click "join."
To join this book's Edmodo discussion group, create an account, log in, and provide this group code: tp5o0u. Where it says "groups" on your home page, just click "join."
25. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Recommended by the Wellness Dept: The movie and subject matter are covered and used in the wellness curriculum. It is a story about a high school age girl who is sexually assaulted at a party and the ways in which it affects her life.
To join this book's Edmodo discussion group, create an account, log in, and provide this group code: 0cm4yg. Where it says "groups" on your home page, just click "join."
To join this book's Edmodo discussion group, create an account, log in, and provide this group code: 0cm4yg. Where it says "groups" on your home page, just click "join."
26. Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson
Recommended by Ms. Jenn Mochi, Special Education Dept: Once upon a time, before there was Wendy, Peter Pan loved another and her name was Tiger Lily. I chose Tiger Lily because of my childhood love for the book Peter Pan and my favorite character, Tinkerbell. Told through the eyes of Tink, a fairy with her own love for Peter, we see the untold love story of Peter and Tiger Lily in this prequel. Tiger Lily shows what life was like before Wendy, when you traveled past the second star to the right and straight on ‘til morning, to the island of Neverland. Fairy tales, happily ever after, true love – is this what is meant for Tiger Lily and Peter? Will Tinkerbell find this someday as well? What about Ole Captain Hook or first mate Smee? You just have to read on and see! (A)
27. A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson:
Recommended by Mrs. Lisa Donovan, English Dept: This book will make you laugh out loud as you read about the author's sojourn on the Appalachian Trail. (A)
28. Watership Down by Richard Adams
Recommended by Mr. Jon Morisseau, Foreign Language Dept: Watership Down has it all! It’s an epic tale of adventure and survival, a story of love and hate, a discussion of society and politics, a history of a culture’s spiritual mythology and legends, and a lesson in values, all told through the eyes, minds, and hearts of rabbits and the animals they encounter. (A)
To join this book's Edmodo discussion group, create an account, log in, and provide this group code: owe971. Where it says "groups" on your home page, just click "join."
To join this book's Edmodo discussion group, create an account, log in, and provide this group code: owe971. Where it says "groups" on your home page, just click "join."
29. When I Stop Talking, You’ll Know I’m Dead: Useful Stories from a Persuasive Man by Jerry Weintraub
Recommended by Mr. Anthony DiBenedetto, Science & Tech Dept: This book contains a lot of interesting stories from a range of pop culture, from Elvis to the Ocean’s 11 trilogy. It is also the source of one of my favorite quotes: “Besides, life’s too short to be spent in the company of morons.” (A)
30. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
Recommended by Mr. Aaron Chernisky, English Dept: I’m sure many of us share the same experience of growing up on the 1939 film adaptation, but how many of us know the real story? How many of us know the author’s inspiration or his fight to even be published? Some of the simplest stories have the deepest roots. It’s up to us to uncover them and encourage others to do so with us. Join me as we follow the Yellow Brick Road. (A)
To join this book's Edmodo discussion group, create an account, log in, and provide this group code: 3k457q. Where it says "groups" on your home page, just click "join." The group name is Oz.
To join this book's Edmodo discussion group, create an account, log in, and provide this group code: 3k457q. Where it says "groups" on your home page, just click "join." The group name is Oz.