Summer Reading for SRS Students

Summer vacation is here! Along with that is the SRS Summer Reading Program.  There are significant changes to the assignment this year, especially for high school students.

Details can be found on the SRS website and library page: http://www.stgrsd.org/strhs/library.htm
Note there are different requirements for students entering the 7th and 8th grades and for students entering grades 9-12.

Have a wonderful and safe summer!

Summer Reading Recommendations

Summer will soon be upon us! Here are some recommendations for summer reading.

Pick of the Week- Lumberjanes

is Lumberjanes by Noelle Stevenson, Brooke Allen, Grace Ellis, Shannon Waters. This is the first in a comic book series about five girls at a summer camp in a mysterious forest where statues come alive, animals seemed possessed, and the camp director seems to know more than will tell the girls or their cabin leader. The eclectic mix of personalities and characteristics come together nicely as the Lumberjanes achieve their badges and try to solve the mystery of the forest at the same time.

Pick of the Week- Half a King

is Half a King by Joe Abercrombie. In honor of the return of Game of Thrones, this week's pick is highly reminiscent of the popular television series and accompanying books. Half a King is set in the world of the Shattered Sea where warring kingdoms vie for power. The story centers around Yarvi, the second son of the king of Gettland who was born with two fingers on one hand. In a society that values combat skills, Yarvi had been pushed to the side his whole life. Set on studying to be an adviser, his plans are derailed when his father and older brother are killed and he suddenly becomes king. After a shocking betrayal, he begins a journey around the Shattered Sea that will lead him back home to try to avenge his father's death. Fans of Game of Thrones will love this series.

Pick of the Week- Honor Girl

is Honor Girl by Maggie Thrash. This graphic memoir tells the author's experience at summer camp when she was fifteen in 2000. Though the camp is conservative and encourages Christian values, Maggie falls in love with Erin, one of the eighteen year old counselors. The story is touching and will remind all readers of lazy early teenage summers, lingering middle school drama, and longing of first love.

Pick of the Week- The Glass Sword

is The Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard. This is the second book in the Red Queen series (the first book was a pick of the week last year). After Mare's escape from the palace, she must decide what her role will be in the Scarlet Guard. She believes that Cal is just as eager to get revenge against the Silver royal family, but will the rest of the guard trust him as Mare does? As you learn more about the complex world This exciting continuation of last year's first installment, the Glass Sword will keep you on your toes wondering who to trust.

Pick of the Week- The Pluto Files

is The Pluto Files by Neil deGrasse Tyson. Informative and funny, this book tells the story of Pluto from its discovery to its demotion to dwarf planet. It is littered with comics, illustrations, and solid science and history of Pluto. Aside from the comics, the writing is also funny and engaging. For example, Tyson points out that we could save on packaging materials if we used spherical containers, "...but practical matters prevail. Spheres don't pack or stack well and nobody wants to chase packaged goods down the aisle after it rolls off the shelves. We already do this for apples and oranges." You will chuckle at the dry humor while learning about the solar system.