What do I do?

Read as many books as you like, but be sure to follow the instructions for the English class you are enrolled in for the 2019-2020 school year. All courses except E102, E108, E208, E336, E319, and E419 will have free choice. Check below to see the Summer Reading assignment for your course. When school starts, your English teacher will assess your knowledge of the book.

What is a course level?

Check your class schedule to identify which class you will take next year. Books are identified by these course levels.

Click here for great links to amazing book lists.

Where can I find these books?

Local Libraries

• Arlington Heights
• Barrington
• Palatine
• Rolling Meadows
• Schaumburg

Online Retailers

• Amazon.com
• BN.com
• …and more!

Local Bookstores

Barnes & Noble

• Deer Park
• Schaumburg

Active Reading Strategies

Ask questions

Active readers question anything they wonder about or don’t understand. Then they are on the lookout for clues to answer those questions.

Make predictions

Active readers predict what might happen based on the information in the story.

Clarify

Active readers look for answers to their questions to clarify and gain a better understanding of the text.

Make connections

Active readers relate what they are reading to their own knowledge and experience, as well as to other texts.

Evaluate

Active readers draw conclusions about what they have read. By evaluating a selection, active readers are able to form their own opinions about characters, actions and the selection as a whole.

Determine the meanings of new words

Active readers try to figure out what new words mean. They may look in a dictionary, examine the different parts of the word or read surrounding text for clues.

React personally

Active readers comment on different aspects of the text according to their own beliefs and attitudes.

Summer Reading by Course

English 102

Freshman Year, we’ll be talking about identity. Please choose a book that you ENJOY for your summer reading. As you read, consider how it helps you define yourself and the world around you; we’ll talk about this when you enter your English Class this fall!

We have two caveats: First, you must choose a novel appropriate to your reading level. Second, your parent(s)/guardian(s) must approve the novel choice.

English 208

Read over the summer and bring a copy of the book to English class on the first day of school.

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

Although this is the only required summer reading book for E208, to prepare for the stamina and rigor expected at the pre-AP level, it is strongly recommended that you read additional fiction or non-fiction texts.

English 336

Read over the summer and bring a copy of the book to English class on the first day of school.

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

Malcolm Gladwell explores the world of "outliers" - the most famous and most successful people - and questions what sets them apart from other people.

English 319 (Juniors & Seniors)

AP Language & Composition

Read over the summer and bring a copy of the book to English class on the first day of school.

Parkland: Birth of a Movement by Dave Cullen

English 419

AP Literature & Composition

Read over the summer and bring a copy of the book to English class on the first day of school.

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

All other English classes

You may pick a fiction or non-fiction book that meets your own tastes.

We have two caveats: First, you must choose a novel appropriate to your reading level. Second, your parent(s)/guardian(s) must approve the novel choice.

Enjoy your summer reading selection. You must have your novel completed by the first day of school. We will be working on a summer reading project during the first week of class.

If you have trouble making a choice please check out our reading lists below (You do not have to pick one of these books).

Reading Lists: Click here for great links to amazing book lists.