Summer Reading
The goals of the Summer Reading program at STA are to enhance the reading life of our students, to expand the curriculum and to promote the belief that reading is one of life's great pleasures. To that end, the Summer Reading Program consists of two parts. One is required of all students, while the other is completely optional and open to any student who might enjoy reading some of our faculty’s favorite books.
Required Reading
Each student will be required to read ONE book designated by grade level. That is, all 9th grade students will read the same book, etc. The book for each grade level has been chosen by one of the academic departments and will be discussed at the beginning of the school year in a given class.
Grade 9– The Hot Zone by Richard Preston*. (also required for Grade 10 students taking Biology)
Grade 10- A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson* (This is for all Sophomores except those taking Biology)
Grade 11- The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
Grade 12- The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien
Optional Reading
The second component is optional. Any student may choose to read a book from the list of Faculty Favorites. In September, you will take a test on the book(s) you read, to be given by the teacher who nominated the book. At that time, you will choose to have your score count as an extra grade in any subject you wish. (For example, you might read Mrs. Carmichael’s book, but have it count for your Physics class.)
Students will be limited to three books in this optional portion.
Books from the optional portion will not be available in the STA Bookstore.