Just wondering, could anyone give me a list of the most popular high school required reading books? I want to get a head start on next year's syllabus and it would help to know what type of books to expect.
Sure, it's a savvy approach to get a head start on reading before school starts. Although the books assigned can vary quite a bit based on your grade level, teacher, and school, there are some classics that seem to show up quite frequently on high school reading lists in the U.S. Here are a few:
1. "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee: This novel explores race, class, and southern society through the eyes of a young girl named Scout.
2. "1984" by George Orwell: Orwell's dystopian future where Big Brother is always watching is often studied for its themes surrounding power, control, and manipulation.
3. "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger: This coming-of-age novel covers topics such as identity, belonging, and adolescence.
4. "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding: Golding's tale follows a group of boys stranded on an island and their struggle to govern themselves, diving into topics related to societal structure and human nature.
5. "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald: This book offers a critical look at the American Dream through its depiction of the Jazz Age.
6. "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck: Steinbeck's novella primarily focuses on friendship, dreams, loneliness, and the harsh realities of life.
7. "Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare: It's likely you'll read some Shakespeare in high school, and this tragedy is among his most frequently studied works.
8. "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne: This classic delves into societal norms, guilt, judgement and individuality.
Remember, these are just some possibilities, and your school may have a very different reading list. It might be worth checking if your school has a pre-published list for the coming year or reaching out to your English teacher to see if they have any recommendations. Happy reading!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.