This summer, you can earn 2 extra credit points applied to a first quarter class grade by reading one book and completing and submitting one of these activities by Tuesday, September 10, 2019.

If you wish to choose your own summer reading book, you must submit your choice to Ms. Charpentier for approval through the following Google Form: bit.ly/uhssummer2019.

The recommended books, authors, and series below do not require prior approval; if you wish to read any of these books, you are all set.

Use the links in the menu on the right to narrow down the list of recommended books by genre, topic, or recommended grade level; or keep reading below to browse the entire list.

Happy reading!

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy #1)

Seconds before Earth is demolished to make room for a galactic freeway, an earthman is saved by his friend. Together they journey through the galaxy.

Recommended by Barry Giles, UCTV: “It’s outside the box.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli (Creekwood #1)

Not-so-openly-gay Simon Spier is blackmailed into playing wingman for his classmate or else his sexual identity—and the identity of his anonymous pen pal—will be revealed.

Recommended by Ms. Charpentier, School Librarian: “Sweet and funny. Essentially an episode of Catfish done as a romance rather than a mystery.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

A war veteran who believes his life is meaningless dies while trying to save a little girl's life and finds himself in heaven, where five people from his past—some loved ones, some strangers—explain what his years on Earth really meant, and whether or not he succeeded in saving the child.

Recommended by Mr. Bennett, English Teacher: “As we move through our lives, we often fail to understand the impact we make on others and the impacts they make on us. This book is fun, thought-provoking, and a quick read that explores that idea.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

Twin basketball stars Josh and Jordan wrestle with highs and lows on and off the court as their father ignores his declining health.

Recommended by a UHS student: "This book is fun to read and it's also about sports. Everyone pretty much loves sports. This book is very short to read."

Learn more on Goodreads.

Solo by Kwame Alexander with Mary Rand Hess

Blade, who endeavors to resolve painful issues from his past to navigate the challenges of his former rockstar father's addictions, scathing tabloid rumors, and a protected secret that threatens his own identity.

Recommended by Lindsey Centrella, Uxbridge Free Public Library Youth Services Librarian.

Learn more on Goodreads.

#GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso

Describes how to seek a unique path to success and relates the story of Sophia Amoruso who started by selling vintage clothing on eBay and eight years later had established a $100 million dollar online fashion business with more than three hundred fifty employees.

Recommended by a UHS student.

Learn more on Goodreads.

The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

Emma gets her first computer and an America Online CD-ROM in 1996, and when her best friend Josh visits and they log on, they discover themselves on Facebook fifteen years in the future.

Recommended by a UHS student: “This book is great because it goes over some of the struggles of teens and friends. It is relatable even though it is set in a different time period.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard (Red Queen #1)

In a world divided by blood—those with common, Red blood serve the Silver-blooded elite, who are gifted with superhuman abilities—Mare, a Red, discovers she has an ability of her own. To cover up this impossibility, the king forces her to play the role of a lost Silver princess and betroths her to one of his own sons. But Mare risks everything and uses her new position to help the growing Red rebellion, even as her heart tugs her in an impossible direction.

Recommended by a UHS student: “It mixes fantasy with real life, which is exactly what I like to read. It’s also a series which expands on the world and characters.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

The Thief of Always by Clive Barker

After a mysterious stranger promises to end his boredom with a trip to the magical Holiday House, ten-year-old Harvey learns that his fun has a high price.

Recommended by Zach Parrish, Uxbridge Free Public Library Technician.

Learn more on Goodreads.

I May Be Wrong but I Doubt It by Charles Barkley

Basketball star Charles Barkley discusses a wide variety of topics, from race and class issues to politics and fame to religion and September 11.

Recommended by a UHS student: “It’s fire.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt

In charming, beautiful, and wealthy old-South Savannah, Georgia, the local bad boy is shot dead inside of the opulent mansion of a gay antiques dealer, and a gripping trial follows.

Recommended by a UHS student: “It is a completely true, crazy story. Super interesting, well written, and very entertaining.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Lovely War by Julie Berry

The Greek goddess Aphrodite recounts two tales of tragic love during WWI to her husband, Hephaestus, and her lover, Ares, in a luxe Manhattan hotel room at the height of World War II. She seeks to answer the age-old question: Why are Love and War eternally drawn to one another?

Recommended by Lindsey Centrella, Uxbridge Public Library Youth Services Librarian.

Learn more on Goodreads.

The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air #1) by Holly Black

Jude, seventeen and mortal, gets tangled in palace intrigues while trying to win a place in the treacherous High Court of Faerie, where she and her sisters have lived for a decade.

Recommended by Lindsey Centrella, Uxbridge Free Public Library Youth Services Librarian.

Learn more on Goodreads.

Molly’s Game: The True Story of the 26-Year-Old Woman Behind the Most Exclusive, High-Stakes Underground Poker Game in the World by Molly Bloom

All bets are off in this insider's story of excess, greed and danger that follows the author, who, in the late 2000s, ran the highest stakes, most exclusive poker game in existence until it all came crashing down around her and she lost everything.

Recommended by Deb Hinkle, Uxbridge Free Public Library Director.

Learn more on Goodreads.

One Summer: America, 1927 by Bill Bryson

Chronicles the sensational events of the summer of 1927, including the trans-Atlantic flight of Charles Lindbergh, the premier of the first "talking picture," and the beginning of Babe Ruth's home run record.

Recommended by Lindsey Centrella, Uxbridge Public Library Youth Services Librarian.

Learn more on Goodreads.

Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival by Dave Canterbury

A guidebook to survival in the wilderness.

Recommended by a UHS student: “It talks about survival in the forest.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Charlie, a freshman in high school, explores the dilemmas of growing up through a collection of letters he sends to an unknown receiver. 

Recommended by Mr. MacKenzie, English Teacher.

Learn more on Goodreads.

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (The Mortal Instruments #1)

Suddenly able to see demons and the Shadowhunters who are dedicated to returning them to their own dimension, Clary Fray is drawn into this bizarre world when her mother disappears and Clary herself is almost killed by a monster. 

Recommended by a UHS student: “This is an interesting book in a series that I find interests a lot of people. Many of my friends have expressed interest in this book, too!”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

In the year 2044, Wade spends his waking hours in the limitless, utopian virtual world of the OASIS, where he finds he must compete with thousands of others—including those willing to commit murder—in order to claim a prize of massive fortune.

Recommended by Mr. Halacy, History Teacher, and Mrs. Legere, Math Teacher.

Learn more on Goodreads.

Acceptance by Susan Coll

Follows the lives of three high school juniors—Taylor, Maya, and Harry—as they apply to a number of colleges and cope with the pressures of their teachers and parents, and an admissions advisor, Olivia, who struggles to sift through applications after her university was accidentally placed on a list of the top fifty schools in the country.

Recommended by a UHS teacher: “It covers a subject that pertains to many students.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Matched by Ally Condie (Matched #1)

Cassia has always had complete trust in the Society to make decisions for her, but when she is being paired with her ideal mate, a second face flashes on the screen, and Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility as she tries to decide which man she truly loves.

Recommended by a UHS student: “I think this book has a very Divergent feel, which I really like.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Dreamland by Sarah Dessen

After her older sister runs away, Caitlin decides that she needs to make a major change in her own life and begins an abusive relationship with a boy who is mysterious, brilliant, and dangerous.

Recommended by a UHS student: “All Sarah Dessen’s books are so good!”

Learn more on Goodreads.

This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

Raised by a mother who's had five husbands, Remy believes in short-term, no-commitment relationships until she meets Dexter, a rock band musician.

Recommended by a UHS student: “All Sarah Dessen’s books are so good!”

Learn more on Goodreads.

The People of Sparks by Jeanne DuPrau (Book of Ember #2)

Lina and Doon are thrilled to see their people join them above ground in the vibrant village of Sparks, but suspicion and prejudice soon turn the villagers and newcomers against each other.

Recommended by Mrs. Smutok, Special Education Teacher: “It's exciting science fiction and the continuation of a great story!”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Relentless: A Memoir by Julian Edelman

The Super Bowl champion wide receiver for the New England Patriots shares his inspiring story of an underdog kid who was always doubted to becoming one of the most reliable and inspiring players in the NFL.

Recommended by a UHS student: “This book is about sports and it’s a great book.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Dark Places by Gillian Flynn

Libby Day, still haunted by the day she witnessed the murder of her family on their farm in Kinnakee, Kansas, and twenty-five-years after testifying that her fifteen-year-old brother Ben was the killer, Libby is contacted by the Kill Club and devises a money making scheme that leads her back into a killer's path.

Recommended by Mrs. Gaudet, Spanish Teacher: “I’ve loved all Gillian Flynn’s books - Gone Girl, Sharp Objects, and Dark Places - but Dark Places is my favorite.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman (If I Stay #1)

While in a coma following an automobile accident that killed her parents and younger brother, Mia, a gifted cellist, weighs whether to live with her grief or join her family in death.

Recommended by a UHS student: “I’m really looking forward to reading the sequel!”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Spellsinger by Alan Dean Foster (Spellsinger #1)

Snatched through a portal into a land of magic, a young musician must use a mysterious instrument to rescue the world into which he has fallen before he can return to his own.

Recommended by Mr. Halacy, Social Studies Teacher: “I devoured all of Alan Dean Foster’s books when I was a kid. The Spellsinger series was a lot of fun, as were Midworld and Into the Out Of.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman presents a version of the great Norse myths, fashioning primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds; delves into the exploits of the deities, dwarves, and giants; and culminates in Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods and the rebirth of a new time and people.

Recommended by a UHS student: “I love mythology because there are games based off of it.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants by Malcolm Gladwell

Argues that the obstacles and disadvantages experienced by the underdog require adaptations that can lead to benefits and success in professional life, and draws upon examples from the world of business, sports, and culture.

Recommended by Mr. Halacy, Social Studies Teacher: “In my top five reads of the last few years.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

The Hard Hat: 21 Ways to Be a Great Teammate by Jon Gordon

An unforgettable true story about a selfless, loyal, joyful, hard-working, competitive, and compassionate leader and teammate, the impact he had on his team and program and the lessons we can learn from him.

Recommended by Mrs. Larkin, Science Teacher: “An easy read, an incredible message. This is a true story about a selfless and loyal young man who was a compassionate leader and teammate. This book inspired me to be a better leader and teammate.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann

Presents a true account of the early twentieth-century murders of dozens of wealthy Osage and law-enforcement officials, citing the contributions and missteps of a fledgling FBI that eventually uncovered one of the most chilling conspiracies in American history.

Recommended by Mrs. Cassell, English Teacher: “A fascinating look at the treatment of Native Americans. It’s eye-opening and you will not want to put it down.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

The Accidental Time Machine by Joe Haldeman

Grad-school dropout Matt Fuller accidentally creates a time machine and sends himself into the near future, where he discovers he is a murder suspect, prompting him to once again travel through time in search for a safe place, despite the fact that no place seems to be perfectly safe for Matt.

Recommended by Mr. Halacy, Social Studies Teacher: “Great read, and more realistic science fiction.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han (Summer #1)

Belly spends the summer at the beach just like every other year, but this time things are very different as she finds herself falling for a boy she has known since childhood.

Recommended by Lindsey Centrella, Uxbridge Free Public Library Youth Services Librarian.

Learn more on Goodreads.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han (To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before #1)

Lara Jean writes love letters to all the boys she has loved and let go of, then hides them in a hatbox until one day those letters are all accidentally sent.

Recommended by Ms. Charpentier, Librarian: “You can’t do better than this series for sweet, light romance.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman (Seraphina #1)

In a world where dragons and humans coexist in an uneasy truce and dragons can assume human form, Seraphina, whose mother died giving birth to her, grapples with her own identity amid magical secrets and royal scandals, while she struggles to accept and develop her extraordinary musical talents.

Recommended by a UHS student: "If you like dragons, then this series is for you."

Learn more on Goodreads.

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, which allows her to daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their deck. And then she sees something shocking.

Recommended by Mrs. Gaudet, Spanish Teacher: “Great thriller.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein

After his arrival on Earth from his home on Mars, Valentine Michael Smith becomes the founder and pastor of a new religious sect.

Recommended by Mr. Halacy, Social Studies Teacher: “This book is one of the top ten classic science fiction novels all time!”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Demian by Herman Hesse

Young, docile Emil Sinclair heads down the road to destruction when he rebels against convention, gets involved in the world of petty crime, and discovers his new powers for good and evil.

Recommended by a UHS student: “It’s a book that I still don’t understand fully. It makes you think.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand

A biography of Olympic runner and World War II bombardier, Louis Zamperini, who faced a trial in which he was forced to find a way to survive in the open ocean after being shot down.

Recommended by Mrs. Guilmette, English Teacher, Mr. Halacy, Social Studies Teacher, and a UHS student: “It is a great wartime story of valor and courage. It is very inspiring and keeps you hooked in the whole time.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Barracoon: The Story of the Last “Black Cargo” by Zora Neale Hurston

Based on a series of interviews, the author relates the slave narrative of Cudjo Lewis.

Recommended by Mr. Halacy, History Teacher: “The book was a series of interviews between a social anthropologist and former slave and the interviews formed a biography about his life.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Orphan X by Gregg Hurwitz (Orphan X #1)

Evan Smoak is a man with skills, resources, and a personal mission to help those with nowhere else to turn. He was raised and trained as part of the Orphan program, designed to create perfect assassins. He was Orphan X. Evan broke with the program, using everything he learned to disappear. Now, however, someone is on his tail. Someone with similar skills and training. Someone who is getting closer and closer.

Recommended by Mr. Halacy, History Teacher: “Great book in the first of a series about an assassin with a conscience. He goes ‘off the grid’ and now helps people less fortunate as the ‘Nowhere Man.’"

Learn more on Goodreads.

Attack on Titan (series) by Hajime Isayama

Giant seemingly unintelligent humanoids known as Titans have been killing humans for years, and for about a century the remaining people have hidden in a large city surrounded by three tall walls. When a gigantic Titan suddenly appears, everything changes.

Recommended by a UHS student: “It’s different. I’ve never seen a story like it before.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

The News of the World by Paulette Jiles

After the Civil War Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd agrees to transport a recently rescued captive of the Kiowa back to her relatives. The two lonely survivors begin to trust each other, and Captain Kidd is faced with a terrible choice: abandon the girl to her fate or become--in the eyes of the law--a kidnapper himself.

Recommended by Zach Parrish, Uxbridge Free Public Library Technician.

Learn more on Goodreads.

The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child (Cajas de Cartón) by Francisco Jiménez

Explores a migrant family's experiences moving through labor camps, facing poverty and impermanence, and how they endure through faith, hope, and back-breaking work.

Recommended by Ms. Hendrickx, Spanish Teacher: “I loved this book! It is written in vignettes which make it extremely great summer reading. The English translation does a nice job preserving the content and maintaining essential words in Spanish.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

The Perfect Storm: A True Story of Men Against the Sea by Sebastian Junger

Uses interviews, memoirs, radio conversations, and technical research to recreate the last days of the crew of the Andrea Gail, a fishing boat that was lost in a storm off the coast of Nova Scotia in October 1991.

Recommended by Mr. Halacy, Social Studies Teacher.

Learn more on Goodreads.

The Physics of Superheroes by James Kakalios

Explains physics principles by exploring the forces and motion of comic book superheroes, explaining basic rules of thermodynamics, energy, and solid state physics as it relates to real world experiences.

Recommended by Mr. Lui, Science Teacher: “Simple, fun, and mostly math-free book that goes through physics concepts in the context of comic books. They may be science fiction and not reality, but they get it right more times than you think.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Fallen by Lauren Kate (Fallen #1)

Suspected in the death of her boyfriend, seventeen-year-old Luce is sent to a Savannah, Georgia, reform school where she meets two intriguing boys and learns the truth about the strange shadows that have always haunted her.

Recommended by a UHS student: “Many amazing characters, interesting plot.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly

New York socialite Caroline Ferriday has her hands full with her post at the French consulate and a new love on the horizon. But Caroline's world is forever changed when Hitler's army invades Poland in September 1939—and then sets its sights on France.

Recommended by Mrs. Bernard, English Teacher: “The novel gives three different perspectives about World War II and gives insights into the events that occurred through different lenses.”

Learn more on Goodreads.

Carrie by Stephen King

Presents the unnerving story of a terribly ostracized young girl with supernatural powers of telekinesis.

Recommended by Lindsey Centrella, Uxbridge Free Public Library Youth Services Librarian.

Learn more on Goodreads.