American Studies II & III, Grade 11 ... The Shadow Rising by Robert Jordan ... the
first weeks of school! 3. In Advisory, everyone will write book reviews on 3x5.
The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks makes you laugh out loud and then tears come pouring out. Amazing book. Very good storyline with several different elements, and an ending that is both sad and happy at the same time. Gabrielle, class of 2012 Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton This book was about a girl who loved to surf. After a shark bit her arm off she still managed to get back in the water and surf with one arm. This book is very inspiring to teens. Sarah, class of 2015 The Widower’s Tale by Julia Glass A story about a widower with two daughters and a grandson. He is enjoying retirement after raising his daughters after the tragic death of his wife. Somehow the author squeezes in topics of environmental issues, hate crimes, alternative life styles, health issues and new love. Mrs. Juhl, Math The Shadow Rising by Robert Jordan Book 4 of the 15 book series was a good continuation. However, it had much less action in comparison to the other books, but was crucial in terms of character development. Patrick, class of 2014 Race Across Alaska by Libby Riddles This book is about the first female Iditarod winner. Libby Riddles tells her story about what it’s like racing against the big guys, encountering dangers, and caring for her dogs in freezing weather. Sled dog racing is harder than most think. Ashley, class of 2012
AP Courses: American Studies II & III, Grade 11 Don’t Know Much about History by Kenneth Davis Chemistry Chapters 1, 2, and 3 in Chemistry by Steven and Susan Zumdahl English, Grade 11 The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck “The Ways We Lie” by Stephanie Ericsson “The World of Doublespeak” by William Lutz English, Grade 12 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys Spanish Language La Catrina- El Último Secreto by David Curland
Suffield High School
Summer Reading 2013-2014 The Summer Reading Program is simple…
READ A BOOK! All students, faculty, and staff read a book to discuss in an Advisory class. How to Prepare:
1. Read a book during the summer that reflects your interests and is appropriate for high school.
2. Be ready to talk about the book with your Advisory class during the first weeks of school!
3. In Advisory, everyone will write book reviews on 3x5 index cards, including the Title, Author, and a Rating. (Use stars, numbers, etc.)
Great Reads! Student, Faculty, and Staff Suggestions
What Happened to Goodbye? by Sarah Dessen This book was about a teenage girl whose parents get divorced. She ends up moving all over the country with her father. While doing this she develops many different personalities. This is a book about selfdiscovery of who you really are. Klaire, class of 2013
Genome by Matt Ridley This book explains one gene from each of the 23 chromosomes that make up the human genome. Ridley explores reasons for aging, disease, and human nature as he tours our genetic code. Keith, class of 2012
Molakai by Alan Brennart Historical fiction detailing the lives of people in Hawaii living with leprosy in the 19th century. One family is highlighted chronicling their experiences. An emotional, powerful read. Mrs. Lombard, Life Education
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot Missing Biology? This is a phenomenal non-fiction book about the first ever created 'immortal HeLa cells'. Henrietta Lacks was a poor black tobacco farmer whose cells were taken without her permission or knowledge in 1951. Over the last 60+ years her cells have been grown by the millions and used to develop vaccines, treatments, genetic engineering practices, in vitro fertilization, human genome understanding - virtually every corner of modern medicine. The irony is that her current family can't even afford health care. It’s a great and fast read. Mr. Beigel, Science
The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck The Good Earth was an excellent book told from the perspective of a Chinese farmer. It talked about the hardships he faced with the land as the years went by. Throughout the book, it gave detailed descriptions of Chinese culture and was interesting to read. Nur, class of 2013
Swamplandia! by Karen Russell A coming-of-age story about a girl raised by an unusual family who runs an alligator wrestling show in the swamps of Florida. She and her family take an unusual journey apart in order to come back together. Vivid descriptions of the swamps and interesting history of Florida! The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing: Traitor to the Nation by M.T. Anderson A two-book series about a slave during the Revolutionary War who is brought up to be a scholar and a gentleman in an experiment to see if blacks can have equal intelligence to whites when given the proper education. His life drastically changes in the early days of the Revolution and he goes on many adventures and learns about the lives of slaves in the day of our fledgling nation. Ms DeAngelis, English PRE: the Story of America’s Greatest Running Legend Steve Prefontaine by Tom Jordan I loved this book because it was extremely inspirational and I was able to relate to it because I am a runner. Kristyn, class of 2014 Rough & Tumble by Mark Bavaro A fictitious look at the life of an NFL player focusing on someone returning from injury. A fast-paced, action-packed story of a player resurrecting his career. Mr. Senger, Life Education
A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron is a must read for any dog lover! Told from the emotional point of view of a dog who has many lives, this is an endearing story of human relationships, as well as of the touching bonds we dog lovers share with our special pets. Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay is a powerful story told from the points of view of two females. One, Sarah, is a holocaust survivor living with terrible guilt, the other, a 21st century woman who learns she is connected to Sarah through family and circumstance. This is a book you won't put down! Mrs. Potter, English Twisted: Pretty Little Liars #9 by Sara Shepard This is my favorite series, and the story changed greatly during this book. I’m excited for the plot twist — I couldn’t put it down. Natalie, class of 2012 Chosen by Chandra Hoffman An adoption gone bad. A business that makes money matching babies/pregnant moms with rich couples having fertility issues. Could this be happening? Mrs. LaFlamme, Agriscience 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson When her favorite aunt dies, 17-year-old Ginny receives a mysterious package containing $1,000 and 13 envelopes. Each envelope contains instructions that take Ginny on a summer European adventure. No map. No cell phone. No help. Just 13 envelopes to guide her. Ms Johnson, Media Center
Some book suggestions may contain mature language, themes, or situations. Parents and Guardians should preview books for their students.
