MATH RECOMMENDATIONS

The Upper School Math Department recommends continued engagement with math practice over the summer to strengthen and retain math skills. There is no specific requirement for math practice over the summer, but we recommend Khan Academy as a quality resource that can be used to support math retention and skill development through their online platform. Khan Academy is a free resource that has programs and activities geared towards readiness for the upcoming grade level. Student accounts can be created and tied to a parent/guardian email account. 

Khan Academy: Summer Get Ready Courses

READING RECOMMENDATIONS

The desire we have for our students is simple: for them to fall in love with reading. We see continued reading as essential in both the development and advancement of our students. Studies show that daily reading offers students several benefits. It improves concentration and memory, critical thinking, vocabulary and language skills, and written expression. Because reading comprehension is a cross-curricular skill, it also yields higher achievement in all school subjects and helps students better deal with increasing demands of schoolwork as they continue their education. Finally, students who read regularly develop empathy for others, learn about the world beyond themselves, become life-long learners, and have a productive way to deal with stress. 

To help students develop these important skills, the LCA English Department encourages students to read at least two books of their choosing over their summer break. Below are summer reading recommendations that have been selected based on their value and connection to the texts and themes in the upcoming year, but students are not restricted to choosing books only from this list.

Parents, we ask that you help your child with his or her reading goals by encouraging them in their reading as well as sharing books that you have read or would like to read, letting them see you reading for pleasure, or choosing a book you can read and discuss together as a family. Creating a family reading culture will positively impact your child’s learning, deepen family relationships, and forge impactful memories. We also encourage you to be aware of the reading choices your student is making to ensure they coincide with your family values. Plugged In, Redeemed Reader, and Common Sense Media are digital resources that include a plot summary, content evaluation considerations, overall reviews, and valuable discussion topics that we recommend to support you and your student in choosing and engaging with new books. 

We hope you and your student both enjoy a great summer of reading!

Upper School Suggested Reading List

9th Grade Recommendations

1. The Sword in the Stone by T.H. White
2. The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien

10th Grade Recommendations

1. Animal Farm by George Orwell
2. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

 11th Grade Recommendations

1. Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell (On-Level)
2. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck (On-Level and Dual-Credit JBU)
3. The Overachievers by Alexandra Robbins (Dual-Credit JBU)

12th Grade Recommendations

1. Life of Pi by Yann Martel (On-Level)
2. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (On-level and Dual-Credit JBU)
3. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (Dual-Credit JBU)

Purchase your books at AmazonSmile.com to donate a portion of your purchase to LCA.