2025-26 Summer Reading & School Supply Lists
Dear GHCDS Upper Division Families and Students,
As we enter the last week of the school year, I’m writing to share the 2025 Upper Division Summer Reading Guide for all students entering Grades 7 through 12. The guide is attached as a PDF and includes everything you need to know about this year’s reading expectations.
Summer reading is not optional—these books will be used at the start of the school year in English and Humanities classes. The All-School Read, Fahrenheit 451, will also be featured during our fall Student Symposium, led by the senior class. Students in MS have the option to read the graphic novel adaptation
Each student will read a total of three books:
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One All-School Read (Fahrenheit 451)
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Two grade-specific titles
Plus a required note-taking assignment for each book, due on the first day of class
These notes will serve as the foundation for early classwork, discussions, and assessments.
Why Summer Reading Matters
Reading during the summer is one of the most powerful ways to prevent learning loss. According to the Brookings Institution, students who engage with complex texts over the summer are more likely to maintain or improve their academic skills, especially in reading comprehension and critical thinking (source). The novels selected this year were chosen not only for their literary merit but also for the essential conversations they will spark.
Parents: Join the Conversation
We invite parents and guardians to read along with their children and talk about these books at home. If you’d like discussion questions or conversation prompts tailored to your child’s grade level, I’d be more than happy to provide them—please feel free to reach out.
Thank you for partnering with us to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of literature. We’re looking forward to diving into these stories together this fall!
Grade 7-12 School Supply List 2025-26
Grade 7-12 Summer Reading List 2025-26