It’s back to school already! Every summer, high school students across the country crack open a familiar set of classic novels – books that have stood the test of time for good reasons. These stories aren’t just academic checkboxes (though they are often that, as well)… they’re full of big ideas (perfect for the growing youth), unforgettable characters and timeless themes that still resonate with readers today. Whether you enjoyed them or groaned through them, these five books have earned their spot on this list as summer reading staples – and in honor of the beginning of the new school year for those lucky enough to still have summer vacations, we thought we’d give them a once over!
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is not just a fabulous piece of required reading (and my personal favorite from the list) – it’s also a rather powerful look at the concept of justice and prejudice set in a coming-of-age story in the American South. Unfortunately, neither injustice nor prejudice have been erased from our daily lives, and through this story we regain our perspective, our youthful hopes and even our self-respect. Narrated by the unforgettable Scout, we experience life through the eyes of a child who is trying to make sense of the complexities of the world, and things she doesn’t necessarily understand. Between her father Atticus’ courtroom heroics and the mysterious (and ultimately lovable) Boo Radley, there’s never a dull moment in this beautiful novel.
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The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
How many ‘Holden Caulfields’ have we known in the years since we were first “introduced” to him? J.D. Salinger’s classic still resonates with readers today, with thanks to Caulfield – one of literature’s most iconic (and opinionated) narrators. Holden’s sarcastic, alienated voice guides us through his frustrations with adulthood, phoniness and the common aches of growing up. This book captures teen angst like few others… and despite Holden’s gripes, it’s hard not to find a little bit of ourselves in his struggle.
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1984 by George Orwell
Orwell’s dystopian vision of a totalitarian future may have been written decades ago, but 1984 continues to chill readers to the core. Through narrator Winston Smith we see a world where independent thought is dangerous, privacy doesn’t exist and even language is under control of a government. It’s a gripping and unsettling read… and a must for anyone interested in the power of government, media and the resilience of the human spirit. In all honesty, we sometimes think that perhaps 1984 should be required reading of all ages today, in lieu of daily news headlines.
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A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
This classic sci-fi and fantasy story takes us on a mind-bending adventure through time and space – and through some pretty big questions along the way. As Meg Murry and her brother and friend journey to rescue her father (a scientist who has gone missing while working on a strange project), they are joined by unforgettable characters and learn powerful lessons about love and the strength of the human spirit. L’Engle’s blend of science and heart has made this a favorite for generations – and ultimately questions the power of love and good over evil.
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The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
Mark Twain couldn’t help but make this list! Friendship leading to personal growth is one of life’s most powerful gifts… and Mark Twain delivers this message with humor and heart in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. With a cast of beloved characters like Aunt Polly, Huckleberry Finn, and Becky Thatcher readers are swept into a somewhat mischievous charm of long ago. Tom Sawyer is a (relatively) light-hearted romp through childhood that also manages to say some meaningful things about growing up.
Honorable Mentions (we wouldn’t want to leave out anyone’s favorite!):
- Lord of the Flies by William Golding
- Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
- Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
From courtroom dramas to dystopian futures and mysterious and/or fun childhood adventures, these classics continue to challenge, inspire and entertain generations of students. Love them or loathe them, they’ve made their mark on us all at one time or another… and they’re likely to stick around on summer reading lists for years to come.
