This summer, every Meridian High School student should spend a few hours reading a book. Sign ups were rolled out in Language and Literature classes at the end of the 2023-24 School Year, but if you missed that assignment, it's not too late to make your choice and sign up.
Whatever the title you select, the most important part of reading is engagement and enjoyment. We encourage parents, grandparents, family or friends to read a book together and talk about it. The joy of reading is enriched when shared!
Rising 9th grade students should read one of the two following books.
Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey is a guide for teenage success, adapted from the bestseller The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and updated for the digital age. This handbook helps teens reach their goals and dreams by improving self-esteem, building friendships, resisting peer pressure, and tackling modern challenges like cyberbullying and social media. Filled with cartoons, quotes, and real teen stories, it’s endorsed by high achievers and has become a definitive guide for thriving as a teen.
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
Carnegie Mellon computer science professor Randy Pausch who had recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer imparts his wisdom for living. His lecture entitled, "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams" shares the importance of overcoming obstacles, of enabling the dreams of others, of seizing every moment. The Last Lecture imparts humor, inspiration and intelligence that made his lecture such a phenomenon
Rising 10th -12th grade students should read one of the two following books.
Each department selected a title and teachers will lead a group activity during Stable time early in the school year.
Yellowface by RF Kuan (Language & Literature Team)
June Hayward and Athena Liu were supposed to be twin rising stars, but Athena became a literary darling while June remained unknown. After witnessing Athena's accidental death, June impulsively steals her just-finished novel about Chinese laborers during WWI. She edits and publishes it under the name Juniper Song, claiming the story deserves to be told. However, as June's success grows, evidence of her theft threatens to unravel her life. R.F. Kuang's Yellowface explores themes of diversity, racism, cultural appropriation, and the impact of social media in a gripping, first-person narrative.
1984 by George Orwell (Individuals & Societies Team)
Offered in English & Spanish
In George Orwell's 1984, Winston Smith works for the Party, rewriting history to meet the Ministry of Truth's demands. As he grows to hate the oppressive regime that punishes thoughtcrimes, he begins to think independently, but cannot escape Big Brother's constant surveillance. This haunting novel's depiction of a totalitarian world remains powerful and relevant, capturing the imagination of generations. No one can deny the novel’s hold on the imaginations of whole generations, or the power of its admonitions—a power that seems to grow, not lessen, with the passage of time.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelly Van Pelt (Science Team)
Offered in English & Spanish
After her husband’s death, Tova Sullivan works nights at the Sowell Bay Aquarium to cope with the loss of her son Erik, who vanished thirty years ago. She befriends Marcellus, a clever giant Pacific octopus who knows the truth about Erik’s disappearance. Using his unique abilities, Marcellus helps Tova uncover the past. Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel highlights how facing the past can reveal a hopeful future.
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown (Math Team)
Offered in English & Spanish
The Boys in the Boat recounts the inspiring true story of nine working-class boys from the University of Washington who defied the odds to win gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Amid the Great Depression, these sons of loggers, shipyard workers, and farmers triumphed over elite teams, including Hitler's German crew. Central to the story is Joe Rantz, a teenager rowing to restore his self-worth and find his place in the world. This unforgettable tale celebrates their remarkable achievement and the era's enduring spirit.
What If? Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions by Randall Munroe (Career & Technical Ed Team)
Offered in English & Spanish
Randall Munroe's What If? answers bizarre hypothetical questions from fans of his webcomic xkcd. Using computer simulations, military research, and expert consultations, Munroe provides clear and humorous answers, often involving apocalyptic scenarios. The book includes new questions and expanded answers from the website, making it a must-read for xkcd fans and anyone who enjoys pondering the hypothetical.
My Father, the Panda Killer by Jamie Jo Hoang (Language Acquisition Team)
My Father, the Panda Killer alternates between Jane in 1999 San Jose and her father Phúc in 1975 Đà Nẵng. Jane endures her Vietnamese father's temper and guilt over leaving for college, while Phúc's harrowing escape from war-torn Vietnam unfolds. As Jane seeks to understand her father's anger, the story reveals the lasting impact of war across generations and her journey to accept her heritage and herself.
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron (Visual & Performing Arts Team)
Offered in English & Spanish
Julia Cameron's groundbreaking approach empowers individuals to delve into their creative depths, identifying and overcoming obstacles that stifle artistic expression. Through practices like the transformative Morning Pages and enriching Artist Dates, Cameron guides seekers on a journey of self-discovery and renewal. As a guide to personal transformation, "The Artist's Way" remains a beacon, inspiring individuals to reclaim their creativity and chart a course toward fulfillment and purpose
Getting Copies of your Book
Mary Riley Styles Public Library
You can check out copies of your summer reading book at the local library.
Online Ordering
You can purchase your summer reading book online if you’d like!