Bethel High School
Summer Reading 2014 (archived page)
We're trying out something new!
The Assignment
*Please note that students enrolled in honors and AP courses for the 2014-15 school year will have additional/alternate required reading and associated assignments to complete. Click here to access the Honors/AP summer reading information.
The Books
Looking for Alaska
by John Green
Maus
The first graphic novel to win the Pulitzer Prize, Maus is Art Spiegelman's first-hand account of his experiences during the Holocaust. Using a simple metaphor that characterizes members of different races as types of animals, the author is able to reach an unprecedented depth of emotion.
The Alchemist
The Alchemist tells the story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who seeks out treasure and finds out what is most valuable in life along the way. This magical fable has become a modern-day classic containing fantastic pearls of wisdom for its readers.
The Night Circus
The Night Circus comes and goes without warning. It is there one day, gone the next and holds adventures inside beyond people's wildest dreams. Behind the scenes of this magical circus there is a duel going on between two aspiring magicians, Celia and Marco, who are fighting in a battle begun by their mentors in which only one can remain.
A Long Way Gone
This riveting memoir tells the story of a young man growing up in Sierra Leone. After seeing his village destroyed by rebel forces, Beah struck out on his own and was forced to become a child soldier at the age of 13. In A Long Way Gone, Beah recounts these memories and the horrors surrounding his actions as a soldier in the national army, leading up to his eventual rehabilitation and work as an advocate for children enduring similar circumstances.
Room
Imagine being trapped in one small room for your whole life. For five-year-old Jack, an eleven-by-eleven space his mother calls "Room" is all he has ever known. And although being trapped in this space has given Jack an inventive and very active imagination, he begins to question why they must remain there and starts to look for a way out.
Freakonomics
This groundbreaking look at economics became a best-seller when it was initially published in 2006. Since its release, Freakonomics has inspired two follow-ups as well as an accompanying blog and radio show. With chapters titled things like "What Do Schoolteachers and Sumo Wrestlers Have in Common?" and "Why Do Drug Dealers Still Live With Their Moms?" how can you go wrong?
En el tiempo de las mariposas
"Set during the waning days of the Trujillo dictatorship in the Dominican Republic in 1960, this extraordinary novel tells the story the Mirabal sisters, three young wives and mothers who are assassinated after visiting their jailed husbands" (Goodreads.com). Students entering upper level Spanish courses are encouraged to read the Spanish version, but students have the choice to read this novel in English as well.
I am Malala
The full title for this book really describes the essence of the story itself: I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban. Malala Yousafzai almost died from her injuries and her recovery has become a beacon of hope for people struggling for recognition and equality in the world.
The Power of One
Set during the time period in South Africa when apartheid began to take hold, this inspirational tale tells the story of Peekay, a young English boy trying to understand racism and other issues of equality while also working towards becoming a successful boxing champion. The Power of One is a story with a wide appeal and an important message.
Things a Little Bird Told Me
Written by the co-founder of Twitter, Things a Little Bird Told Me is a semi-memoir that emphasizes the importance of creativity and empathy in finding success both as an individual and within a business endeavor. Written in an accessible narrative style, this selection will appeal to anyone interested in the creative arts or applied studies.
The Violinist's Thumb
In this narrative non-fiction selection, author Sam Kean explores the role of genes and DNA in human history and its potential role in our future. Kean delves into mysteries like why one man was able to survive into his 90s after being present at the nuclear events of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and what makes Niccol Paganini such a successful violinist. The Violinist's Thumb is a great read for anyone interested in science and for novices, too!
The Poisoner's Handbook
Part mystery and part informative text, this engaging narrative non-fiction title provides readers with a fascinating look at the origins of forensic science in the United States. Looking back at a time period wrought with corruption, the author shows how science made its way into the courtroom and gained the credibility it garners today. The Poisoner's Handbook is a perfect selection for those interested in science or history.
Physics of the Impossible
Is time travel possible? Can invisibility cloaks really be created? These questions and many more are explored in Physics of the Impossible. Taking inspiration from technologies that only exist in science fiction, theoretical physicist Michio Kaku discusses how what was once seen as impossible is now possible and how further understanding of physical laws could change our future landscape.
Sold
Told through a series of vignettes (brief stories), Sold is the tale of Lakshmi, a thirteen-year-old girl from Nepal, and her journey from innocent girl on her family's farm to unknowingly being sold into prostitution in India. Written in an accessible manner, McCormick delves into the world of child slavery with an eye for how the human spirit can overcome even the harshest adversity.
The Golden Ratio
What do flower petals, mollusk shells, hurricanes and spiral galaxies have in common? All of these things demonstrate the pattern of phi, the focus of Mario Livio's book The Golden Ratio. In this selection, the author explores the mathematical and historical significance of this number, including its impact on art, architecture, and science.
Dracula
Also available as a free ebook via Project Gutenberg, Dracula is the classic story of a vampire who victimizes the innocent in his quest for blood. This Gothic novel exemplifies the elements of suspense and horror and is a must-read for fans of the genre.
The Scorch Trials
Perfect for fans of The Hunger Games, this second installment in The Maze Runner series continues the story of Thomas and the Gladers in their dystopian world. The Scorch Trials places the characters in a race to cross the most burned-out part of the world and tests their loyalty to each other along the way.
Creativity, Inc.
Where can I find a copy of my chosen book?
- Bethel Public Library
- iConn.org (search for books in libraries throughout CT)
- Project Gutenberg (free classic ebooks like Dracula)
- Amazon.com (Many of the Kindle versions of these books are now available at reduced prices. Most titles are also available in paperback versions that are priced lower than the hardcover versions.)
- Local bookstores: Rainy Day Paperback Exchange (click for an updated list of available BHS Summer Reading Books), Barnes & Noble, Byrd's Books, Relay Bookhouse
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