SUMMER READING REQUIREMENT

Welcome to the 2025 summer reading list!  Prospect’s summer reading committee created a fantastic list to inspire students and incite critical thinking.  The list is divided into a variety of genres to accommodate diverse student interests.  If students cannot access a title on the list, they are welcome to read a book of their choosing, as long as they have not previously read it and it is appropriate for their reading level. 

The current collection of titles are recommendations for students, and there are many options to borrow books without ever leaving the comfort of your home.  District 214 subscribes to two digital platforms for eBooks and eAudiobooks, Sora and Boundless (current students only).  Additionally, the Arlington Heights Memorial Library and the Mount Prospect Public Library both offer digital platforms for eBooks and eAudiobooks for their patrons.  If you prefer to read a book in print and you do not have a copy of a particular title at home, you can check the AHML and MPPL website to search their catalog and hours they are open. Additionally, options to purchase a copy include Amazon Marketplace, Half Price Books, and eBay for used copies of a book.

A note to parents: Some of these selections contain mature subject matter and/or explicit language. We strongly encourage you to help your student make an appropriate choice in terms of both content and level of difficulty. Many resources exist to facilitate this decision, including your student’s current English teacher, school librarian, or published reviews and readers’ comments from websites such as Amazon.com and Goodreads. If there is a compelling reason that a student with an IEP or 504 is unable to complete the summer reading, the student should speak with their case manager or counselor. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact one of the following individuals before the end of the school year:

English Division Head: Debra Laskonis

Booklist Coordinator: Karen Kruse

Librarian: Christie Sylvester

9th Grade recommendation

• Suggested but not required: Read a book from the summer reading recommended list OR read a book of your choice that you haven’t read previously.  

10th, 11th, and 12th Grade requirement

• Read a book from the summer reading recommended list OR read a book of your choice. You cannot read a book you’ve read previously, and the book should be at your reading level.

AP Language and Composition ONLY has an additional requirement

• In addition to the requirement for 10th-12th Grades, read one of the suggested titles (or an equivalent) from the Non-fiction AP Language Book Options list.