The summer reading program is designed to give students plenty of choice about what to read while at the beach or in the mountains, but to direct that choice towards works of literature which may help students to a greater depth of understanding, both in their English classes and elsewhere.
-
Click here to see the Lower School summer reading list
-
Click here to see the Middle School summer reading list
Upper School Summer Reading
Upper School students read at least three books during the summer: one chosen from a list of books recommended by members of the English department, one chosen from a list of books which have won literary recognition, such as the Pulitzer Prizer of the National Book Award, and finally, the community book. Use the links to the left to find your summer reading list.
The idea of the community book may be familiar to you from other secondary schools as well as from universities around the country. The community book is read by every student in a class. Parents are also invited to read the community book. During the first week of school, English teachers will review, conduct, or oversee projects, presentations, and group discussions of the community book -- all in an effort to generate a sharing of ideas as a community.
| Maclay Community Books |
| Freshman |
Night, by Elie Weisel |
| Sophomores |
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, by Mark Haddon, or
What Ho, Jeeves!, by P.G. Wodehouse |
| Juniors |
Grendel, by John Gardner |
| Seniors |
The Things They Carried, by Tim O'Brien |
