Summer Reading Book Assignment Spurs Conversations

HASTINGS-ON-HUDSON, NY — The conversations were flowing around Hastings High School this past week as students across all grade levels gathered in small groups to discuss their “Summer Reading.” In every available classroom or seating area, small groups were intently conversing not only about the major characters and plot points but also about moral conflicts, thematic connections and whether or not certain selections are still relevant.

Each conversation was facilitated by a member of the staff, faculty or administration, who had also read the same book as the students in their group.

Departing from tradition where one book title was chosen for every student in a specific grade, students selected their own book from 25 titles regardless of the grade level. Also, once they got back to school, they would not have to write an essay or be given a test on the book.

Instead, they would break off into small groups to have in-depth conversations.

Tenth-grader Lauren Margalit, who read "The Upside of Unrequited," by Becky Albertalli, this was a much better way for the summer reading assignment.

"Usually, one book per grade is chosen and that doesn't work," she said. "The complexity of the book can be either too easy or too hard for some of the students. Having an option made us more excited to read a book, especially since it was one we were interested in. Also, we were able to read for pleasure instead knowing we would have to write an essay or take a test on the book."

Kojo Sheng, a 12th grader, shared a similar view, saying, "The autonomy in the book selection gave me more motivation to read."

The idea came from English teacher Maria Rudolph and the high school English Department. Its objective was to take out the punitive aspect of reading over the summer and, instead, encourage student choice to read in a way that was authentic to them.

“In lieu of a traditional approach to summer reading, the English department hoped this program would allow students an avenue to enjoy reading for themselves and to see how we as a school value literacy and life-long learning,” Rudolph said.

“The staff wanted to reignite interest in reading, and show that everyone reads; and by giving the students choice, it was like giving them a breath of fresh air,” she said.

More than 60 titles were recommended by staff, faculty and students and then vetted. Final selection book titles included:

• "Friday Night Lights: A Town, a Team, and a Dream" by H.G. Bissinger
• "Lords of Discipline "by Pat Conroy
• "How Not to Be Wrong: The Power of Mathematical Thinking" by Jordan Ellenberg
• "Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen" by Jose Antonio Vargas
• "Becoming: Michelle Obama" by Michelle Obama
• "The Astonishing Color of After" by Emily X.R. Pan

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