Pottsgrove Students to Spend Some of Summer as Readers

LOWER POTTSGROVE PA – So many volumes. So little summer time.

Pottsgrove High School students recently received their summer reading assignments. Library Media Specialist Danielle Small and others created a 22-page document that recommends 54 different books students could consider as sun-and-beach reads. Their “book reports” – an antiquated term that inadequately describes “video book talks” submitted digitally – are due Sept. 12.

In case you’re counting, and some students certainly are, that’s just 99 days away.

The school also offers one additional choice that’s possibly an all-important difference maker. Students can read and report on any other book they’d like … so long as it is approved before they dive in.

This summer’s reading list, as in years past, reflects a wide variety of titles, genres, authors, and page lengths. It was assembled by Small, educators, and administrators, “all of whom felt each title was unique and reflective of the students’ interests.” Their goal was simple, it explains: “to have students read for pleasure, and to learn.”

Adults who want something entertaining to pass their time from now through early fall might also benefit from browsing the list and its accompanying book-by-book descriptions. Unlike the high school readers, no video book talk will be required when they’re done.

Looking for an old-school mystery? Check the list for Agatha Christie’s 1934 classic, “Murder on the Orient Express.” Can’t get enough of science fiction? Choices include Andy Weir’s “The Martian;” yes, the movie version of which starred actor Matt Damon. Enjoy a well-researched and somewhat haunting biography? Pick John Krakauer’s “Into The Wild.”

High school students aren’t the only ones from whom summer reading is expected. Reading lists are similarly available, by grade level, for students in the school district’s West Pottsgrove, Ringing Rocks, and Lower Pottsgrove elementary schools, and Pottsgrove Middle School.

Photo for Travels With The Post by Dan Dumitriu on Unsplash, used under license