Students entering 9th and 10th grade are required to read one book for English, one book for History, and one free-choice book.
Spending time reading this summer will sharpen your thinking, broaden your perspective, and spark your curiosity—all qualities that will help you succeed as a Prep School student. If you are already a reader, we want you to continue this practice, and if you do not yet call yourself a reader, this is the perfect time to start. Use your free-choice book as a way to explore your interests or try something new!
English —We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
History—Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave by Frederick Douglass
History—Animal Farm by George Orwell
You must read ONE free-choice books over the summer. To assist you in this search, check out the books on this page, the Free Choice Recommendations page, or the Faculty Favorites page.
You can any books that interest you and are somewhat comparable in reading level. If you are concerned that a book you have chosen is too light or easy, then try to pair it with something more challenging. Spend time browsing in the library, a bookstore or online for something that seems interesting, whatever it takes to find books that you like or that will stretch you as a reader. Have fun choosing: talk to your friends, talk to your family, talk to your teachers or the Prep School Librarian, Ms. Friedlander. If you need a book recommendation after school lets out, fill out the Summer Reading Book Match form and Ms. Friedlander will pick out a book just for you.
Feel free to read your books in print, or choose an ebook or an audiobook. Check out the the library's digital catalog, Sora for free. Whatever you pick, be prepared to discuss your choices thoughtfully when school begins in the fall. Happy Reading!
1984 by 
Born a Crime by 
Death on the Nile [Movie Tie-In 2022] by 
Shatter Me by 
The Summer I Turned Pretty by 
The Unwanteds by 
