Tenth Grade Summer Reading Lists Program

By tenth grade, most students are reading varied genres and learning how to interpret layers of meaning within books. They have graduated to the adult section of the bookstore and library and are ready to read more "meaty" works. Students might get frustrated if the books are too difficult or the subject matter too heavy. They will read more if they are enjoying it. There's time for Dostoevski in school.

While summer is a time of fun and relaxation, it is critical to continue reading. Set aside a designated reading time for each day and stick to it! Encourage the student to spend 40-60 minutes reading each day.

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood (Must Read)

In this futuristic novel, Offred is a Handmaid. She is not allowed to read and she may only leave home once a day to go to the market. Her main purpose is to try to conceive a child for the Commander and his wife. She remembers a time when her life was her own, but now she must pray that she gets pregnant, otherwise she will no longer be of use.

Breakfast of Champions: or, Goodbye, Blue Monday by Kurt Vonnegut (Must Read)

Vonnegut has a gift for satire. Kilgore Trout and Dwayne Hoover meet just as Trout is about to receive the Nobel Prize. A very funny take on America.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith

Those who remember reading Pride and Prejudice will appreciate this zombie-infested remix. Elizabeth Bennet is momentarily distracted from her mission to eradicate the zombies when Mr. Darcy arrives. Romance, zombies, cannibalism, and swordfights all ensue.

The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett

Sam Spade is the stereotypical private investigator of the twenties. He's a womanizer with plenty of wisecracks to spare. In this caper, an ancient statuette is at stake and Spade's client is lying about something...

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garc�a Marquez

War, revolution, poverty, riches, love, and lust are all part of this engaging story of a family in the town of Macondo.

The Firm by John Grisham

A young lawyer gets an offer that seems too good to be true. He finds himself facing the FBI and some deadly secrets. Fast-paced and intriguing, this will engage even reluctant readers.

The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

On Eddie's 83rd birthday, he dies trying to save a little girl's life. In the afterlife, he finds that his life is explained to him by five people. Eddie finds out what his life meant through their stories.

I,Robot by Isaac Asimov

This is a collection of short stories with the common theme of robots. Those who saw the movie should not expect to recognize it within these pages as Hollywood has twisted yet another good story.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

A fifteen year old boy with Asperger's syndrome is intrigued as he investigates the murder of a neighbor's dog. His inability to relate to others may make his search for the truth more difficult.

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

South Carolina, 1964, is the setting for this story about Lily Owens, a girl whose life is forever altered by her mother's death. This is a very powerful story about women and love.

Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach

Have you ever wondered what happens to cadavers that are donated to science? This is a fascinating collection of information about the incredible contributions made by these bodies.

A Separate Peace by John Knowles

In the early years of World War II, Gene meets Phineas. They were opposites in many ways, yet became friends at boarding school.