Summer Reading Program
You are expected to procure your own copy of the book and have it read and annotated by the start of the school year – no later than August 17. Students enrolled in a college prep English class will be required to read one book over the summer. Students enrolled in an honors English class will be required to read two books over the summer. If you have any questions about the program, please email your English teacher or English Department Chair Susie Sisson.
Summer Reading Program 2023 Titles
Freshmen: Viola in Reel Life by Adriana Trigiani. Reading guide here.
Sophomores: The Tobacco Wives by Adele Myers. Reading guide here.
Juniors: Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen. Reading guide here.
Seniors: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. Reading guide here.
Supplemental reading for Honors English classes 2023
9th grade Honors Composition and Literature: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Reading guide here.
10th grade Honors American Literature: The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henriquez. Reading guide here.
11th grade H/AP English Literature: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. Reading guide here.
12th grade H/AP English Language: Educated by Tara Westover. Reading guide here.
12th grade Honors World Literature: Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust by Immaculee Ilibagiza. Reading guide here.
Summer Reading Program FAQs
What is the purpose of the Summer Reading Program?
Reading great literature is the cornerstone of a Marian education. It is the goal of the Marian English Department to provide an abundance of opportunities for our students to actively engage with classical and contemporary works of literature, both during the school year and during summer break. In the words of F. Scott Fitzgerald: “That is part of the beauty of all literature. You discover that your longings are universal longings, that you’re not lonely and isolated from anyone. You belong.” Through the Summer Reading Program, Marian students will read popular and engaging works of literature. By participating in classroom discussions and other projects, they will develop the skills necessary for lifelong learning, and they will become part of Marian’s community of readers.
Besides reading the book, what else do I have to do this summer?
All summer reading must be completed by Thursday, August 17.
While reading the book, you should annotate the text. Mark important details, plot points, key characters, significant quotes, setting details, literary features, and developing themes as well as anything else that will help you read the text well (such as marking connections to your own life or writing summaries or asking questions). In essence, you should take notes to ensure that you are deeply understanding the text. Note that you will be held accountable for understanding the book well and being able to find specific quotes to support your ideas. In August, you’ll be required to take a quiz and complete a writing assignment related to the book.
Over the summer, be sure to check Marian’s website for a reading guide for each book. Please review the questions on the reading guide, and be ready to discuss the book with your classmates and teacher in August.
Where can I find a reading guide for this summer's books?
- Reading guide for Viola in Reel Life
- Reading guide for The Tobacco Wives
- Reading guide for Other Birds
- Reading guide for Lessons in Chemistry
- Reading guide for To Kill a Mockingbird
- Reading guide for The Book of Unknown Americans
- Reading guide for All the Light We Cannot See
- Reading guide for Educated
- Reading guide for Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust
What will happen in August when we return to school?
When you come back to school this fall, we will have a special schedule on Friday, August 25. Each class will get its own block devoted to the Summer Reading Program. For example, each class will have an assigned time to meet in the PAC auditorium where they will listen to a guest speaker talk about the book. After that, the entire class will move to the cafeteria for a free breakfast or snacks. You’ll hang out, eat some good food, and talk about books. Every class will have the chance to do this.
In addition, you will discuss the book in your English class, take a quiz, and receive a writing assignment related to it. You’ll be expected to cite specific passages from the text, so please be sure to annotate carefully as you read the book this summer. Students enrolled in honors English classes should do the same: read the book, annotate the text, and be prepared to discuss the book. In addition, honors students may be assigned a quiz, test, or other assessment in August.
If I have any other questions, who should I contact?
Please contact Ms. Susie Sisson, chair of the English Department, at bsisson@omahamarian.org, if you have additional questions. We look forward to reading great books with you this year!
Why are we reading four different books?
Choosing four titles allowed us to pick books that we think will really resonate with our students. We’re also confident that many students will want to read more than just the book they’ve been assigned.
If I’m enrolled in an honors English class for next year, what else do I have to read?
9th grade Honors Composition and Literature: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Reading guide here.
10th grade Honors American Literature: The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henriquez. Reading guide here.
11th grade H/AP English Literature: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. Reading guide here.
12th grade H/AP English Language: Educated by Tara Westover. Reading guide here.
12th grade Honors World Literature: Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust by Immaculee Ilibagiza. Reading guide here.
Students enrolled in a college prep English class will be required to read one book over the summer. Students enrolled in an honors English class will be required to read two books over the summer.
What if I’m not sure how to annotate a book?
The English Department put together this handy guide for you. Click here to view it. We’ve also included a list of common literary devices. These terms constitute the language of literature. When we talk about books, we use these words.
Where do I get a copy of the book?
The Summer Reading Program books will be included on the list of required textbooks for 2023-24. You can purchase the book, new or used, from the seller of your choice. The Bookworm (90th & Center) is offering a 20% discount to all Marian students on the four titles in the Summer Reading Program. When you purchase one of these books at the Bookworm, just tell them you’re a Marian student, and they’ll give you the discount. You can also find all of these titles in Marian’s library or at your local public library.
How can I use social media to tell my friends about this?
Please use #MarianReads this summer across all platforms. Post pictures, ask questions, make comments about your book. There’s something wonderful about reading the same book as your friends and then getting together to talk about it. Don’t wait until August to have those conversations!
That is part of the beauty of all literature. You discover that your longings are universal longings, that you’re not lonely and isolated from anyone. You belong.
-F. Scott Fitzgerald