Summer Reading

Incoming: Freshmen | Sophomores | Juniors | Seniors

DeSales High School
English Department

"Get Out of the Starting Gate with 12th Grade Summer Reading"

Dear Colt Parent,

Now that summer is beginning, we want to remind you how important it is for your son to include reading in his vacation activities. Studies have proven that reading improves writing skills, increases vocabulary, and creates better readers.

We have selected the following books for next year’s seniors to read before the beginning of school in August. Your son will be given an assessment on two books within the first full week of school. The assessment grade will count on his first report card.

You might find these books at local book stores, online at Amazon.com, or at the public library. Please encourage your son to read. You might want to read with him!

Required: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, by Mark Haddon

Despite his overwhelming fear of interacting with people, Christopher, a mathematically-gifted, autistic fifteen-year-old boy, decides to investigate the murder of a neighbor's dog for which he is initially blamed. His investigation challenges his own limits and creates a suspenseful, humorous, and touching story. – Amazon.com

Choose one of the following:

Ender’s Game, by Orson Scott Card

Ender Wiggin is a very bright young boy with a powerful skill. One of a group of children bred to be military geniuses and save Earth from an inevitable attack by aliens, known here as "buggers," Ender becomes unbeatable in war games and seems poised to lead Earth to triumph over the buggers. Meanwhile, his brother and sister plot to wrest power from Ender. Twists, surprises and interesting characters elevate this novel into status as a bona fide page turner. – Amazon.com

Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster, by Jon Krakauer

Into Thin Air is a riveting first-hand account of a catastrophic expedition up Mount Everest. In March 1996, Outside magazine sent veteran journalist and seasoned climber Jon Krakauer on an expedition led by celebrated Everest guide Rob Hall. Despite the expertise of Hall and the other leaders, by the end of summit day eight people were dead. Krakauer's book is at once the story of the ill-fated adventure and an analysis of the factors leading up to its tragic end.—Amazon.com