More and more these days, it seems kids hate reading. It kind of makes you feel bad for books. After all, what did they do to deserve the hate?
So on September 6th everyone should pick up a book and read. It’s National Read a Book Day, and the library is open.
To honor National Read a Book Day, the Pepper Bough got some book recommendations from several CHS students and staff.
“Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill
Mr. Levine, AP World History/AVID
This book is a classic and a must read for individuals who dream big and desire a tried and true method for developing a path to get there. From the first pages until the last, readers will discover that regardless of career choices, there are specific things that anyone who wants to be the master of their own destiny needs to do. Imagine what you can become. Remember and repeat these 10 words: “If it is to be, It is up to me.” You got this!
“Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling
Ricardo Avila, Grade 11
I enjoy these books and they are the only books I really read.
“Never Let Me Go” by Kazuo Ishiguro
Mr. Dollins, Pepper Bough Advisor
Three kids live in an orphanage, being raised and prepared for a destiny they do not fully understand. As they grow older, their understanding of the truth about their existence is absolutely horrible. Ishiguro’s novel is a beautiful statement about the nature of the human soul, and it radically changed the way I see the world. I suspect it might do the same for you.
“The Hunger Games” series by Suzanne Collins
Phillip Mugica, Grade 11
Great story, great characters, and great world building.
“Maus” by Art Spiegelman; “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda” by Becky Albertalli
Mr. Lopez, Art
… because reading is rebellious. Be a rebel.
“Scarlet: The Lunar Chronicles” by Marissa Meyer
Avionna (Oliver) Johnson, Grade 11
People should read this book because the storyline is intriguing, attention grabbing and brings you on a roller coaster of strong emotions. This book give you hints throughout the story for you to make theories or predictions as to what might happen next. As a reader I look for that in most books, Scarlet also has a unique, creative theme that an average book lacks. The theme for this book is based in a Cyber world, where technology is extremely advanced and complex. This makes the book overall imaginative where you can change your perspective to learn more about the characters’ world.
“Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus
Ms. Tornero, AP English Literature/ERWC
I loved the main character. She is ahead of her time as a female scientist in the 50’s. She is strong and literal and funny. Her life is a journey of self-empowerment that made me laugh and cry. It is easily one of the best books I have read all year. I can see why it has made so many Best Book lists.
“Stiff” by Mary Roach
Ms. Griffith, Anatomy/HEAL Pathway Lead
It is a fascinating read about all the ways that we use cadavers. Entertaining and informational. All her books are amazing!
“Frank Sinatra: An American Legend” by Nancy Sinatra
Madison Guerena, Grade 12
I believe people should read this book because its a wonderful biography of Frank Sinatra’s life that is filled with lots of interesting experiences and facts about the artist. In addition, the book is by his very own daughter, Nancy Sinatra.
“Bless Me, Ultima” by Rudolfo Anaya
Ms. Leyva, AP English Composition/English IV
It’s a crazy coming of age book. The main character, Tony, is relatable and interesting. This story is filled with family, death, magic, and redemption.
“A Thousand Boy Kisses” by Tille Cole
Sofia Soto, Grade 12
Rune moved from Norway to Georgia and befriended Poppy when they were little. They had a bond that nothing could break, or so they thought. Then as they got older suddenly Poppy cut Rune off when she said she would wait for him. His heart was broken but his biggest heartbreak was yet to come. *Definitely had tears shed*
“The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak
Mr. Vidal, English I, III/Welding Pathway Lead
The Book Thief is a testament to our ability as humans to have empathy and compassion even, or perhaps especially, when surrounded by despair and a hysterical hatred for those who are different.
Liesel Meminger, the novel’s protagonist, is a young girl whose love for words and reading helps her hold on to hope and to her humanity despite growing up under the repressive conditions of the Nazi regime during World War II.
The story begins with the death of Liesel’s brother while on a train en route to Munich, Germany to live with her foster parents. Her mother, we find out, has been sent to the concentration camps for alleged communist activities. She quickly pockets a short pamphlet that’s dropped where her brother is buried called “The Gravedigger’s Handbook”. It is the only memento she has to remember him by but, sadly, she is not able to read it.
That is, not until her foster father, Hans Hubermann, secretly teaches her how to read. This ignites Liesel’s love of reading as it becomes a sort of superpower for endurance and knowledge. But Liesel must keep this magic a secret and, thus, the Book Thief is born.
The Book Thief is a fictional book set in the Holocaust but it is like no other Holocaust book I have ever read. It is challenging, sad, and at times confusing and infuriating, but Zusak knows his audience is smart enough and empathetic enough to see this book through to the end. After all, the best novels are often those that make the reader think deeply and ask tough questions. The Book Thief is such a book!
“A Child Called It” by Dave Pelzer
Brandon Salvato, Grade 12
Reading “A Child Called ‘It'” provides a firsthand look into the horrors of child abuse, thereby fostering empathy and awareness. The memoir by Dave Pelzer also serves as a testament to human resilience, illustrating how one can overcome extreme adversity. It’s a difficult but important read that can be enlightening for both educators and the general public.
