Summer reading

Overview

Summer reading builds skills that help you in school and on standardized tests. Plus, it can be fun!

Why Read Over Summer?

Academic Benefits

• Maintains reading skills
• Builds vocabulary naturally
• Improves comprehension
• Prepares you for more challenging texts

Personal Benefits

• Entertainment and escape
• Learning about new topics
• Different perspectives
• Relaxation

What to Read

Required Reading

• Check if your school assigns summer reading
• Complete these first
• Take notes if required

Personal Choice

Mix different types:

• Fiction (stories, novels)
• Non-fiction (biography, history, science)
• Classics and contemporary
• Topics that interest you

Suggested Books for Rising Sophomores

• To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
• The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho
• The Hate U Give - Angie Thomas
• Into the Wild - Jon Krakauer
• Born a Crime - Trevor Noah
• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time - Mark Haddon

Making Reading a Habit

Tips

• Set a daily reading time (even 20 minutes)
• Always have a book with you
• Find comfortable reading spots
• Try audiobooks for variety
• Join a library summer reading program

Goals

• Number of books (reasonable, like 3-5)
• Minutes per day
• Variety of genres

Getting Books

Free Options

• Public library (tons of options!)
• Library apps (Libby, OverDrive)
• Project Gutenberg (free classics)
• School library

Keeping Track

• List books you've read
• Note favorites and quotes
• Write brief reflections
• This could help with future essays!