Summer Reading 2021

 

Click here for information about summer reading going into the 2021-2022 school year!

Please see the Summer Reading Instructions tab for full summer reading instructions! Here is the short version:

1. Read a book! Suggestions from the UHS community are below, or use the Choose Your Own Book tab to let us know you are reading something else.
2. Complete one of the summer reading activities listed in the Summer Reading Instructions tab.
3. Click on the Submit Your Summer Reading Activity tab and follow the instructions to submit your summer reading activity by Tuesday, September 22, 2020.

Questions? Email Ms. Charpentier at echarpentier@uxbridge.k12.ma.us.

Enjoy your summer and read something great!

Below is a list of books recommended by the UHS community. You can also choose to read a book that is NOT on this list!

If you wish to choose a summer reading book not on the list below, submit your choice to Ms. Charpentier for approval using the Choose Your Own Book tab.

Please choose a new-to-you book that you will not be reading in class later on.

The books, authors, and series below were recommended by UHS staff, students, and community members.  If you wish to read any of these books, you do not need to submit the approval form. Happy reading!

With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo

Navigating the challenges of finishing high school while caring for a daughter, talented cook Emoni Santiago struggles with a lack of time and money that complicate her dream of working in a professional kitchen.

Recommended by Ms. Charpentier, School Librarian: “A great book about trusting in your own talent. I want to eat every dish described in this book.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy #1)

Seconds before Earth is demolished to make room for a galactic freeway, an earthman is saved by his friend. Together they journey through the galaxy.

Recommended by Barry Giles, UCTV: “It’s outside the box.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli (Creekwood #1)

Not-so-openly-gay Simon Spier is blackmailed into playing wingman for his classmate or else his sexual identity—and the identity of his anonymous pen pal—will be revealed.

Recommended by Ms. Charpentier, School Librarian: “Sweet and funny. Essentially an episode of Catfish done as a romance rather than a mystery.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

A war veteran who believes his life is meaningless dies while trying to save a little girl's life and finds himself in heaven, where five people from his past—some loved ones, some strangers—explain what his years on Earth really meant, and whether or not he succeeded in saving the child.

Recommended by Mr. Bennett, English Teacher: “As we move through our lives, we often fail to understand the impact we make on others and the impacts they make on us. This book is fun, thought-provoking, and a quick read that explores that idea.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Chronicles the joys and sorrows of the four March sisters as they grow into young women in nineteenth-century New England.

Recommended by a UHS student: “It is a very good classic story and I think Everyone should have a chance to read this book at least once.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

Twin basketball stars Josh and Jordan wrestle with highs and lows on and off the court as their father ignores his declining health.

Recommended by a UHS student: "This book is fun to read and it's also about sports. Everyone pretty much loves sports. This book is very short to read."

Learn more on Goodreads.

Solo by Kwame Alexander with Mary Rand Hess

Blade, who endeavors to resolve painful issues from his past to navigate the challenges of his former rockstar father's addictions, scathing tabloid rumors, and a protected secret that threatens his own identity.

Recommended by Lindsey Centrella, Uxbridge Free Public Library Youth Services Librarian.

Learn more on Goodreads.

The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

Emma gets her first computer and an America Online CD-ROM in 1996, and when her best friend Josh visits and they log on, they discover themselves on Facebook fifteen years in the future.

Recommended by a UHS student: “This book is great because it goes over some of the struggles of teens and friends. It is relatable even though it is set in a different time period.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard (Red Queen #1)

In a world divided by blood—those with common, Red blood serve the Silver-blooded elite, who are gifted with superhuman abilities—Mare, a Red, discovers she has an ability of her own. To cover up this impossibility, the king forces her to play the role of a lost Silver princess and betroths her to one of his own sons. But Mare risks everything and uses her new position to help the growing Red rebellion, even as her heart tugs her in an impossible direction.

Recommended by a UHS student: “It mixes fantasy with real life, which is exactly what I like to read. It’s also a series which expands on the world and characters.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

I May Be Wrong but I Doubt It by Charles Barkley

Basketball star Charles Barkley discusses a wide variety of topics, from race and class issues to politics and fame to religion and September 11.

Recommended by a UHS student: “It’s fire.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Lovely War by Julie Berry

The Greek goddess Aphrodite recounts two tales of tragic love during WWI to her husband, Hephaestus, and her lover, Ares, in a luxe Manhattan hotel room at the height of World War II. She seeks to answer the age-old question: Why are Love and War eternally drawn to one another?

Recommended by Lindsey Centrella, Uxbridge Public Library Youth Services Librarian.

Learn more on Goodreads.

Blubber by Judy Blume

Jill goes along with the rest of the fifth-grade class in tormenting a classmate and then finds out what it's like when she, too, becomes a target.

Recommended by UHS student Ellie: “I liked the book a lot because it relates to me. It is a very good book and it's very dramatic.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy Blundell

In 1947, with her stepfather Joe back from the war and life returning to normal, teenage Evie, smitten by the handsome ex-GI who seems to have a hold on Joe, finds herself caught in a complicated web of lies whose devastating outcome change her life forever.

Recommended by UHS student Sophia: “I love this book so much! If your into drama, murder mysteries, and romance this is the book for you. I loved how some of the characters are portrayed and how they react to certain events that happen.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

One Summer: America, 1927 by Bill Bryson

Chronicles the sensational events of the summer of 1927, including the trans-Atlantic flight of Charles Lindbergh, the premier of the first "talking picture," and the beginning of Babe Ruth's home run record.

Recommended by Lindsey Centrella, Uxbridge Public Library Youth Services Librarian.

Learn more on Goodreads.

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (The Mortal Instruments #1)

Suddenly able to see demons and the Shadowhunters who are dedicated to returning them to their own dimension, Clary Fray is drawn into this bizarre world when her mother disappears and Clary herself is almost killed by a monster. 

Recommended by a UHS student: “This is an interesting book in a series that I find interests a lot of people. Many of my friends have expressed interest in this book, too!”

Learn more on Goodreads.

7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

A step-by-step pathway to the principles of fairness, integrity, and human dignity that defines a way of life and leads to success in business.

Recommended by Mrs. Ritacco: “This book provides insight on how we can build on better habits in a slow and steady process so they have lasting results.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

In the year 2044, Wade spends his waking hours in the limitless, utopian virtual world of the OASIS, where he finds he must compete with thousands of others—including those willing to commit murder—in order to claim a prize of massive fortune.

Recommended by Mr. Halacy, History Teacher, and Mrs. Legere, Math Teacher.

Learn more on Goodreads.

Matched by Ally Condie (Matched #1)

Cassia has always had complete trust in the Society to make decisions for her, but when she is being paired with her ideal mate, a second face flashes on the screen, and Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility as she tries to decide which man she truly loves.

Recommended by a UHS student: “I think this book has a very Divergent feel, which I really like.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Dreamland by Sarah Dessen

After her older sister runs away, Caitlin decides that she needs to make a major change in her own life and begins an abusive relationship with a boy who is mysterious, brilliant, and dangerous.

Recommended by a UHS student: “All Sarah Dessen’s books are so good!”

Learn more on Goodreads.

This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

Raised by a mother who's had five husbands, Remy believes in short-term, no-commitment relationships until she meets Dexter, a rock band musician.

Recommended by a UHS student: “All Sarah Dessen’s books are so good!”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Relentless: A Memoir by Julian Edelman

The Super Bowl champion wide receiver for the New England Patriots shares his inspiring story of an underdog kid who was always doubted to becoming one of the most reliable and inspiring players in the NFL.

Recommended by a UHS student: “This book is about sports and it’s a great book.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman (If I Stay #1)

While in a coma following an automobile accident that killed her parents and younger brother, Mia, a gifted cellist, weighs whether to live with her grief or join her family in death.

Recommended by a UHS student: “I’m really looking forward to reading the sequel!”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman presents a version of the great Norse myths, fashioning primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds; delves into the exploits of the deities, dwarves, and giants; and culminates in Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods and the rebirth of a new time and people.

Recommended by a UHS student: “I love mythology because there are games based off of it.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

The Book Jumper by Mechthild Gläser

A teen girl discovers she is a book jumper—she can leap directly into books, meet the characters, and experience the world of the book.

Recommended by a UHS student: “I absolutely loved this book. There were so many plot twists and I didn't want to put it down. I even reread it twice.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

The Hard Hat: 21 Ways to Be a Great Teammate by Jon Gordon

An unforgettable true story about a selfless, loyal, joyful, hard-working, competitive, and compassionate leader and teammate, the impact he had on his team and program and the lessons we can learn from him.

Recommended by Mrs. Larkin, Science Teacher: “An easy read, an incredible message. This is a true story about a selfless and loyal young man who was a compassionate leader and teammate. This book inspired me to be a better leader and teammate.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann

Presents a true account of the early twentieth-century murders of dozens of wealthy Osage and law-enforcement officials, citing the contributions and missteps of a fledgling FBI that eventually uncovered one of the most chilling conspiracies in American history.

Recommended by Mrs. Cassell, English Teacher: “A fascinating look at the treatment of Native Americans. It’s eye-opening and you will not want to put it down.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

The Accidental Time Machine by Joe Haldeman

Grad-school dropout Matt Fuller accidentally creates a time machine and sends himself into the near future, where he discovers he is a murder suspect, prompting him to once again travel through time in search for a safe place, despite the fact that no place seems to be perfectly safe for Matt.

Recommended by Mr. Halacy, Social Studies Teacher: “Great read, and more realistic science fiction.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han (To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before #1)

Lara Jean writes love letters to all the boys she has loved and let go of, then hides them in a hatbox until one day those letters are all accidentally sent.

Recommended by Lindsey Centrella, Uxbridge Free Public Library Youth Services Librarian. UHS student Jenna recommended Always and Forever, Laura Jean (To All the Boys #3): “It was really good.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, which allows her to daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their deck. And then she sees something shocking.

Recommended by Mrs. Gaudet, Spanish Teacher: “Great thriller.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Demian by Herman Hesse

Young, docile Emil Sinclair heads down the road to destruction when he rebels against convention, gets involved in the world of petty crime, and discovers his new powers for good and evil.

Recommended by a UHS student: “It’s a book that I still don’t understand fully. It makes you think.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand

A biography of Olympic runner and World War II bombardier, Louis Zamperini, who faced a trial in which he was forced to find a way to survive in the open ocean after being shot down.

Recommended by Mrs. Guilmette, English Teacher, Mr. Halacy, Social Studies Teacher, and a UHS student: “It is a great wartime story of valor and courage. It is very inspiring and keeps you hooked in the whole time.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Into the Wild by Erin Hunter (Warriors #1)

Rusty, a bored house kitten, is apprenticed by the ThunderClan and must struggle to fit in when the group of feral cats is threatened by ShadowClan, the enemy.

Recommended by UHS student Sienna: “I recommend this book because it is an amazing novel with action, cats, mystery, and so much more. I love the action and the characters.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Attack on Titan (series) by Hajime Isayama

Giant seemingly unintelligent humanoids known as Titans have been killing humans for years, and for about a century the remaining people have hidden in a large city surrounded by three tall walls. When a gigantic Titan suddenly appears, everything changes.

Recommended by a UHS student: “It’s different. I’ve never seen a story like it before.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

The Perfect Storm: A True Story of Men Against the Sea by Sebastian Junger

Uses interviews, memoirs, radio conversations, and technical research to recreate the last days of the crew of the Andrea Gail, a fishing boat that was lost in a storm off the coast of Nova Scotia in October 1991.

Recommended by Mr. Halacy, Social Studies Teacher.

Learn more on Goodreads.

Carrie by Stephen King

Presents the unnerving story of a terribly ostracized young girl with supernatural powers of telekinesis.

Recommended by Lindsey Centrella, Uxbridge Free Public Library Youth Services Librarian.

Learn more on Goodreads.

The Green Mile by Stephen King

Serialized horror novel about death row prisoner John Coffey and his fellow inmates and guards in the Green Mile wing of Cold Mountain Penitentiary.

Recommended by a UHS student.

Learn more on Goodreads.

Misery by Stephen King

Paul Sheldon is a bestselling novelist who has finally met his number one fan. Her name is Annie Wilkes, and she is more than a rabid reader—she is Paul's nurse, tending his shattered body after an automobile accident. But she is also furious that the author has killed off her favorite character in his latest book.

Recommended by UHS students: "It's a really good Stephen King book and ties in true struggles of addiction in which many people face, also having undertone themes of being stuck in ones own mental health.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin

Shevek, a brilliant physicist, attempts to reunite two planets cut off from each other by centuries of distrust.

Recommended by Lindsey Centrella, Uxbridge Free Public Library.

Learn more on Goodreads.

The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game by Michael Lewis

Details the life of University of Mississippi football player Michael Oher, who was raised by a crack addicted mother and adopted at the age of sixteen by a wealthy family, and explores the rising importance and salary of the offensive left tackle in the game of football.

Recommended by a UHS student: “I enjoyed this book. It has much more detail than the movie, and there is much more description of the characters. 10/10!”

Learn more on Goodreads.

The Grace Year by Kim Liggett

Tierney James, sixteen, struggles to endure the year in which she and other young women are banished to the wild until, purified, the survivors are allowed to return home and marry.

Recommended by Ms. Charpentier, School Librarian: “Roll up The Handmaid’s Tale, The Lord of the Flies, The Scarlet Letter, and The Hunger Games into one book, and you get this.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Call Sign Chaos: Learning to Lead by Jim Mattis and Bing West

A former secretary of Defense and a former assistant secretary of defense and combat Marine join forces to offer an account of how they learned to lead in a chaotic world.

Recommended by Mr. Halacy, Social Studies Teacher: “General Jim Mattis's career in the U.S.M.C. has taken all around the world leading marines in combat. His leadership skills described within the book are outstanding.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio (Wonder #1)

Auggie Pullman, who was born with extreme facial abnormalities and was not expected to survive, goes from being home-schooled to entering fifth grade at a private middle school in Manhattan, which entails enduring the taunts and fear of his classmates as he struggles to be seen as just another student.

Recommended by a UHS student: “It teaches about friendship and bullying.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

The Black Book by James Patterson and David Ellis

A devoted Chicago cop from a family of career detectives miraculously survives an attack that kills his partner but that he cannot remember himself, an event that causes him to be charged with double murder and tasked with uncovering what really happened to clear his name.

Recommended by UHS student Layla: “I recommend this book because I had such a good time reading this, and it was very thrilling. The reason that I liked this book was because it was about a murder mystery.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi

A timely reimagining of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi’s National Book Award-winning Stamped From the Beginning reveals the history of racist ideas in America while explaining their endurance and capacity for being discredited.

Recommended by Ms. Charpentier, School Librarian: “A succinct, powerful history of racist ideas in American history and culture into the present, with an eye toward how we can recognize racist thought today and make a better future.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice (Vampire Chronicles #1)

Presents the confessions of Louis, a vampire, and tells of his relationship with the vampire Lestat.

Recommended by UHS student Brooklyn: “It is good.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1)

Percy learns he is the son of Poseidon. His mother sends him to a camp for demigods where he sets out on a quest to prevent a war between the gods.

Recommended by several UHS students. Gianna recommended Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson #2): “There are so many Greek gods, goddesses and mythical creatures. The book is very detailed and better than the movie. Anyone who likes Greek gods and mythological beings will love this book.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

The Kill Switch by James Rollins and Grant Blacckwood (Tucker Wayne #1)

Army Ranger Tucker Wayne and his military working dog Kane must solve an ancient mystery before the modern world suffers a fate worse than death.

Recommended by Mr. Halacy, Social Studies teacher: “The Kill Switch has two great main characters, and one just happens to be a dog! Whenever I see a book by James Rollins I get it and it's read in three days! Great action and adventure!”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Map of Bones by James Rollins (Sigma Force #2)

During a service at a German cathedral, a band of intruders disguised as monks gun down the worshippers and clergy and escape with a priceless treasure that could reshape the world.

Recommended by Mr. Halacy, Social Studies teacher: “Whenever I see a book by James Rollins I get it and it's read in three days! Great action and adventure!”

Learn more on Goodreads.