Summer Opportunities: Summer Reading: High School

This book is timely, as it deals with the current geopolitical landscape with regards to Africa, North Korea and China. I believe it is one of Ken Follett's best works and left me really questioning the future, as conflicts continue without much hope for democracy and peace to prevail.

This book captures the spirit of the protest moment during the Vietnam War. The reason I recommend it is because it is from the perspective of the women who were combat nurses during the conflict. As they return to the USA, they face all of the anti war protestors and have to navigate life back in a country that does not even recognize that women were on the front line too. It is a real page turner.

This sci-fi novel sends you on a thrilling adventure through a virtual reality world called the OASIS, where teenage gamer Wade Watts races against fearsome foes to find an Easter egg hidden by the online world's creator, promising immense wealth and control of the OASIS. Packed with '80s pop culture references and non-stop action, this futuristic quest challenges Wade to outsmart adversaries in both the digital and real worlds. This one is for the gamers out there who are familiar with the history of video games.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides is a psychological thriller about Alicia Berenson, a famous painter who stops speaking after being accused of murdering her husband. Her silence intrigues forensic psychotherapist Theo Faber, who becomes determined to uncover the truth behind the crime. As Theo delves deeper into Alicia's past and psyche, he uncovers shocking revelations that blur the lines between reality and illusion.

This novel would appeal to readers who enjoy psychological thrillers, character-driven stories, and suspenseful mysteries.
This thrilling novel causes the audience to question every interaction the main character has. It is a quick read with

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is a historical fiction novel set in France during World War II. It tells the story of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, and their struggles for survival and resistance against the occupation. The novel explores themes of love, loss, courage, and the impact of war on ordinary people, highlighting the strength and resilience of women during wartime.

This book would appeal to readers interested in World War II historical fiction, deeply emotional and character-driven narratives, strong female protagonists, complex family dynamics, and themes of bravery, sacrifice, and resilience.

It's real life Love and Basketball! Maya Moore, one of the all time WNBA greats, quit basketball to work on freeing a man wrongfully convicted of murder. This book investigates his impoverished upbringing and the miscarriage of justice. Maya and Jonathon eventually fall in love and his conviction is overturned. This is a great book to read if you are interested in the Criminal Justice system and activism efforts. Plus its a touching love story.

This is an excellent investigation into the extreme inflationary period of the 70s and early 80s, and the brave and painful decisions made by the Federal Reserve to combat consistently increasing price levels. This is a long book, but don't be intimidated. It is very well written and exciting, perfect for incoming AP Macro students, and others interested in financial history and mechanisms.

I'm typically not a fan of popular psychology books, but I find myself recommending this to everyone. In this age of divisiveness, it has me thinking about what I can do to bring people together, both in my personal life and my professional life. I will read it again.

This is a powerful story of three nurses stationed in the Philippines during World War Two at the time of the Japanese attack. Their resilience is tested as they face the horrors of captivity during the darkest days of the war in the Pacific. Each of their stories is told by a different author, woven together beautifully as they drift in and out of each other's lives under Japanese occupation. The book is based on the true experiences of nurses in the Philippines at that time who were called "the angels of Bataan." Aficionados of World War Two era historical fiction will enjoy reading about this perspective of the war.

This is Amra's moving account of her teenage years, living in Bihac, Bosnia in the 1990's during the time of the Serbian persecution and Bosnian genocide. She doesn't give up on her dreams for further education despite the brutality of war. The darkness of these difficult years is lightened by the stray cat that provides comfort and protection for her family. High school students may relate fairly easily to this book because Amra was their age at the time, and she also spoke to us earlier this year.

Alicia Berenson’s life is seemingly perfect. A famous painter married to an in-demand fashion photographer, she lives in a grand house with big windows overlooking a park in one of London’s most desirable areas. One evening her husband Gabriel returns home late from a fashion shoot, and Alicia shoots him five times in the face, and then never speaks another word.

This thrilling novel causes the audience to question every interaction the main character has. It is a quick read with

A strange and fascinating genre mashup of period drama and sci-fi containing a story within a story within a story. Hard to categorise but completely enthralling.

Another genre mashup - this one mixes up English country-house mystery, visceral war novel and love story. An incredibly moving read. Hard to say much more without spoilers. The film is great but read the book first.

Epic story of resilience and perseverance

Leviathan Wakes is the first novel in a nine book series known as 'The Expanse'. The world building is extremely well developed, dropping readers into a tense political landscape across the two major superpowers; the United Nations of Earth and the newer but more technically advanced government of Mars. The first book takes place amongst the outer planets, the domain of humans with a distinct physiology and culture from generations spent off-planet known as 'belters'.

The series is ideal for those that enjoy creative world-building in Sci-Fi without departing too far from timeless and recognizably human problems. The series is a soft Sci-Fi exploration of the impact the expansion of human society into the outer solar system and beyond might have on human politics, economics and psychology. All of this is written in neatly packaged narratives with likable characters and a slowly unravelling mystery that keeps you guessing at the bigger picture.

Students should read "Elsewhere" over the summer because it offers a unique perspective on life and death, challenging traditional notions of existence. The novel's setting, Elsewhere, provides a fascinating exploration of an afterlife where one ages backward, presenting thought-provoking themes about the passage of time and the meaning of existence. Through Liz's journey, readers are encouraged to contemplate their own desires, fears, and aspirations, prompting deep introspection. Additionally, the book addresses universal themes of grief, loss, and acceptance, offering valuable insights for young readers navigating their own experiences of loss and change. With its blend of humor, warmth, and poignant storytelling, "Elsewhere" promises to captivate students and leave a lasting impression on their hearts and minds.

Imagine stepping into a world where your favorite books come to life on a mysterious island full of surprises and secrets. The story whisks you away to Clock Island, where anything can happen—from puzzles that test your wits to whimsical adventures that stir your imagination. Competing for a one-of-a-kind book, you'll be on the edge of your seat as you uncover hidden clues and face thrilling challenges. The enchanting twist that the mastermind author, Jack Masterson, has up his sleeve will keep you guessing until the very end. This book is like a literary treasure hunt, combining the joy of reading with the thrill of discovery and the magic of wishes coming true. Get ready for a fun-filled escape where dreams really can become reality!

I had to do one history book! This is the best one I read this year. "A Woman of No Importance" tells the thrilling and adventurous story of Virginia Hall, a real-life superhero spy. Imagine a woman with a prosthetic leg outsmarting the Gestapo and blowing up bridges in occupied France – it's like a real-life action movie! Virginia Hall's daring escapades and incredible courage make for an exciting read that feels like a spy thriller. Her story shows how one determined person can change the course of history, proving that anyone, regardless of obstacles, can make a huge impact. The book is full of suspense, secret missions, and narrow escapes, making it a page-turner that’s hard to put down. Sonia Purnell’s vivid storytelling brings this hidden hero to life, showing how Virginia Hall’s bravery helped win World War II. Reading about Virginia Hall is not only fun but also incredibly inspiring, highlighting the importance of perseverance and bravery in shaping history.

It is a fantasy pirate adventure set along the Red Sea. Well written and a good adventure story with a strong female lead.

Ann Leckie is one of the most tremendously talented authors writing science fiction right now. This book is in the same universe as Ancillary Justice but involves other characters. As with all her books, it will challenge the way you think and do it with a fantastic story.

Once you pick this up, you'll have to cancel your other plans. This magical book about magical books has all the elements of a great summer adventure: running through airports, family ties, spells, suspense, enchanted objects, low-key romance, and corpses sent through mirrors. I polished it off in two days (and two nights of not enough sleep). Put it on your list!