As part of the curriculum for the English Department at Notre Dame High School, each student is expected to make reading an important part of her life. A large part of this expectation involves summer reading. During the summer months, most ND students (besides rising Rhetoric and Composition students) will read one required book assigned to her grade level, as well as a second book of her choosing from a list of approved works. In addition to reading these books, each student will be expected to take careful notes, keep a reader’s log, and be ready to take a test over the required book at the start of the school year.

Required Class Books

Every student is required to read the book assigned to her grade level. During the first week of the semester, she will be tested on this required book. The list of books for this year is as follows:

• Freshmen: A Step Toward Falling by Cammie McGovern

• Sophomores: Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

• Juniors: The Help by Kathryn Stockett

• Seniors:

  • Rhetoric and Composition: The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen

    • Instead of reading a second book, students will write their college admissions essays

  • ACC Literature: The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery

    • See information from your instructor for specific reading prompts for this book

Second Book Options

In addition to the required class book, all students must read ONE more book of their choosing. This book should be one the student has NOT read before and will be selected from the following list of works featuring a diverse cast of characters, authors, and perspectives. Please note that ALL of these books WILL count as a Reading Initiative book:

• The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

• The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton

• The Marrow Thieves by Cheri Dimaline

• You’re Welcome, Universe by Whitney Gardner

• Girl Code by Andrea Gonzales and Sophie Houser

• The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida

• A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi

• A Blade So Black by L.L. McKinney

• We Are Not from Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez

• Jackpot by Nic Stone

• Pride: A Pride and Prejudice Remix by Ibi Zoboi

***Please be advised that the books listed are chosen for high school students in grades nine through twelve. In order to engage their interest and to provide and spur critical thinking, certain book selections may include sensitive and/or intricate issues. The content of some of the selections may be mature and contain adult language/situations. Therefore, if any work makes an individual uncomfortable, we advise the student to select a different option OR to consider reading the book along with a guardian.

 Please click "here" for the full instructions for NDHS's Summer Reading Program.