Spring Reading

The shift to digital learning is a great time to find a few activities that don't involve screen time, and reading is one of those! We asked our students, faculty and staff to share their book recommendations for this time at home (and beyond). With recommendations for students and parents, there is something for everyone!

Student Reading List

This list was compiled by faculty, staff, and students of Forest Ridge. When a submission was made by faculty or staff, the book genre and suggested grade level for each work is included. All submissions include statements regarding why they would recommend these works to others.

A Young People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn and Rebecca Stefoff

Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger

Genre: Fantasy

Recommender: Vivian Sheng, 6^th grade student & Brisa Salazar, 6^th grade student

“12 year old Sophie Foster has telepathy and doesn't know where she belongs until one very special day. I really like the plot and tension in this book. I don't really have anything I don't like about this book.”

“A twelve year old called Sophie is taking college level classes and is a telepath. She feels like she doesn't belong. she meets a boy who shows her a whole new world and this discovery changes hers. I loved the suspense and the trill of reading this book! I enjoyed it so so much!”

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass

Genre: Autobiography

Recommended Grade Level: 8-12

Recommender: Molly Muller, Social Studies Department Chair

“This is a fantastic personal account of the terrible institution of slavery. Douglass tells his powerful personal story of his life from slavery to freedom. Douglass is a well-known abolitionist and his words are extremely impactful. While there are some parts that are hard to read, it is an important primary source to learn from.”

A Mango Shaped Space by Wendy Mass

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Recommender: Josephine Li, 6^th grade student

“The main character, Mia, has a condition called synesthesia, and she's just gotten up the courage to tell her friends and parents. She's excited to learn that she doesn't have some strange disease but when word spreads around school, she learns other people may not be so happy. I liked the book because it's realistic and it draws attention to people with different conditions. The book teaches people not to judge right away, and that people with diagnostics shouldn't be ignored.”

Skyward Series by Brandon Sanderson

Genre: Science Fiction

Recommended Grade Level: 5^th grade and up

Recommender: Christine Witcher, MS Science Teacher

“Skyward follows the story of Spensa, a teenage human fighter pilot on an alien world, who's best friend just happens to be her ship. Spensa is impulsive, loyal, and brave, and her ship M-Bot is a stickler for rules who's trying to discover if he counts as 'alive'. You should read this series because it brings the “boy and his dragon” story line into modern times and because Brandon Sanderson is an amazing worldbuilder with a knack for incorporating accurate science into his books.”

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian Fiction

Recommender: Angela Wu, 8^th grade student

“Thomas wakes up in a metal elevator that brings him to a place called the Glade. He has no memory of who he is or how he got there. He gradually discovers that the Glade is run by two boys: Alby, the leader, and Newt, the second-in-charge, who both maintain order by enforcing simple but effective rules. The elevator box surfaces from under the ground every week supplying new food, tools, medicine, and sometimes weapons. Every month a new boy with no memory of anything but his first name finds himself in that elevator box. The Glade is surrounded by a square of 4 mile-high walls made of concrete. These walls have openings in them, which slide shut like doors every night. Outside the walls is the Maze, a labyrinth of high concrete walls covered in ivy that changes every day. The Maze houses strange, lethal creatures known as Grievers. Grievers are described as amorphous monsters of metal and flesh. The Gladers are trying to stay alive as well as "solve" the Maze by running through it as fast as they can while tracking movements of the walls and trying to find an exit to escape.

"I loved how James Dashner described everything in the maze and how he showed us the importance of friendship.”

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Recommended Grade Level: 8-12

Recommender: Bobbi LaBoy, Director of MS Operations

“This book was entertaining from start to finish. The protagonist is a strong female character who is daring, adventurous, and caring, who makes the decision to enter a deadly contest in order to save her family. While this is a fantasy-based novel, the place in which it is set mirrors our world today, with some magical creatures added in.”

Secrets Can Kill by Carolyn Keene

The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents by Terry Pratchett

Wishtree by Katherine Applegate

Song of the Lioness Quartet by Tamora Pierce

Genre: Fantasy

Recommended Grade Level: Age 11 and up

Recommender: Shelley Levin, MS Math & Science Teacher

“This fantasy series follows Alanna, a girl who wants to become a knight. In the kingdom of Tortall (think medieval Europe but with magic) only boys can train as knights, so she switches places with her twin Thom, who wants to train as a mage. The Song of the Lioness quartet is the beginning of almost twenty books set in Tortall that are still some of my favorite books to this day.”

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Genre: Fiction

Recommender: Anonymous 9^th grade student

“A young cyborg girl lives in a city where a deadly plague is spreading, working to make money for her stepmother and stepsister. After one of her stepsisters passes away due to the plague, Cinder meets someone she never expects who may change her life. I liked how there were lots of interesting bits and pieces of the book that all made sense in the end. The author does a great job at twisting and turning the story.”

The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to follow the Bible as Literally as Possible by AJ Jacobs

Genre: Humor, Non-Fiction

Recommended Grade Level: 9-12

Recommender: Ellen McCormick, HS Religious Studies Teacher

“Back in 2010 I read this book for the first time per Courtney Caldwell's recommendation. This book is funny, insightful, and lighthearted. I have read it multiple times since and still laugh at loud at the same parts. As a religious studies major and someone who is genuinely interested in humanity's relationship with the divine I was so pleased with Jacobs' storytelling and willingness to share his doubts about religion/faith with his audience.”

The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Genre: Historical Fiction

Recommender: Chloe Miller, 6^th grade student

“A girl named Ada get a surgery to fix her clubfoot and her guardian, Susan, gets her her own pair of shoes, which she had never had before. Ada is so happy to be able to walk on her own feet and starts to wonder why her mother never wanted to fix her feet and acted like it was her fault when she was just born that way. Ada can do so much more now that she can walk, especially riding horses, which is her favorite thing to do in the whole world. I liked that she finally got her foot fixed and was so joyful about it. It makes me feel like being able to walk, I'm taking for granted.”

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

Genre: Non-Fiction, Autobiography, Graphic Novel

Recommended Grade Level: 7-12

Recommender: Elizabeth Ayer, Director of Enrollment Management

“The two-part graphic novel is a wonderful bildungsroman which reveals a family's personal struggle. It will teach you a bit about Islam, totalitarian regimes, and the struggles all of us face when gaining independence.”

Year of the Dog, Year of the Rat, Dumpling Days, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, Starry River of the Sky by Gracie Lin

Icerigger by Alan Dean Foster

Malala - My Story of Standing Up for Girls' Rights or I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

The Serpent’s Secret by Sayantani DasGupta

How Dare the Sun Rise by Sandra Uwringiyimana

A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park

The 57 Bus by Daska Slater, Robin Miles

Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah

Words on Fire by Jennifer Nielson

Genre: Historical Fiction

Recommender: Sanya Doshi, 5^th grade student

“Audra's parents get taken away by Russian soldiers and she learns many secrets about them. She meets a boy named Lukas and they sneak past the border guards to smuggle books. I liked all the adventures they had smuggling books. I liked how Audra figured out secrets about her parent’s job and experienced many different things.”

Americanized: Rebel Without a Green Card by Sara Saedi, Lameece Issaq, et al.

Internment by Samira Ahmed

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling

The Girl with Seven Names: A North Korean Defector’s Story by Hyeonseo Lee

Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Recommended Grade Level: 10-12

Recommender: Courtney Caldwell, Director of Teaching and Learning

“This book asks readers to grapple with issues like power, and empathy, racism, and history through the lens of three generations in the Southern US. The writing is stunning and I felt like each character was standing out right from the page - they became people I knew.”

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

Puzzled by P.J. Nichols

Genre: Adventure

Recommender: Trisha Prasad, 6^th grade student

“Zoltan, a weather god has been causing havoc on Earth with tornadoes and earthquakes and all types of weather disasters. Peter and a few other kids have to solve 8 mysterious puzzles for Zoltan to stop creating weather disasters on Earth and to keep Earth peaceful. It is pretty fun to read on how the kids solve the creative and difficult puzzles.”

From What Is to What If by Ron Askew

Hatchett by Gary Paulsen

Esperanza Rising by Pam Ryan

Genre: Historical Fiction

Recommender: Ella Sumanaseni, 8^th grade student

“Esperanza used to be a very privileged girl for Mexico. When her dad dies in an accident, her uncle takes over the farm and only allows her and her mother to live their if her mother marries him. Esperanza and her mother run away for Los Angeles with their servants and try to become accustomed to the peasant life. I really enjoyed this book. I learned a few new Spanish words and this story was very moving.”

Swimming to Antarctica: Tales of a Long-Distance Swimmer by Lynne Cox

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Recommended Grade Level: 8-12

Recommender: Elizabeth Matlick, MS & HS English Teacher

“This is a fascinating read about a young swimmer, Lynne Cox, who breaks countless records for open-water swimming. Starting at age nine, Lynne trains daily, and, slowly but steadily, meets her goals. From swimming many miles across the Mediterranean, to swimming one mile without a wet suit in Arctic waters, this is one of those amazing true stories that stayed with me for years after I first read it.”

Rocket Men: The Daring Odyssey of Apollo 8 and the Astronauts Who Made Man's First Journey to the Moon by Robert Kurson

Genre: Non-Fiction

Recommended Grade Level: 9-12

Recommender: Corina Rahmig, HS Science Teacher

“This is the story of three courageous astronauts and their on-the-ground team that led the first flight to the moon aboard Apollo 8. Their amazing adventure paved the way for Apollo 11 and the first lunar landing. Robert Kurson is a great storyteller, and I found this book inspiring and suspenseful. It's amazing to see what we can do when we pool our resources to achieve a goal.”

The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer

Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Recommended Grade Level: HS

Recommender: Marian Mays, School Librarian

“Now a movie, this novel is a geeky romance and coming of age story packed into one. It’s perfect for readers who want friendship and family drama with a hopeful ending. Fans of books like Rainbow Rowell’s Carry On and Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz will love this one!”

Arc of a Scythe Series by Neal Shusterman

Genre: Science Fiction

Recommended Grade Level: 8-12

Recommender: Marian Mays, School Librarian

“This is a great young adult book series that left me with that “wow” feeling every time! In a world where disease has a been eradicated, “scythes” are humans that are appointed with the task of deciding whose life to end to keep the population under control. Two teens are chosen to apprentice a scythe and master this art they never wanted. Scythe, the first book in the series, was a Printz honor award winner. If you’re looking for Lois Lowry’s The Giver on steroids, this is it!”

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Genre: Fiction, Classic

Recommended Grade Level: HS

Recommender: Marian Mays, School Librarian

“If I had to recommend just one classic for all students to read, it would definitely be Jane Eyre. When it comes to the plot, it’s so varied; you’ll find romance, mystery, suspense, heartbreak, and triumph all in one book. For a classic, it’s ahead of its time as Jane is a strong female character who not only manages to overcome numerous challenges but makes tough decisions and maintains her independence despite social constrictions of the time period.”

Guts by Reina Telgemeier

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Graphic Novel

Recommended Grade Level: MS

Recommender: Marian Mays, School Librarian

“From the author of Smile, Sisters, Drama, and Ghosts, comes a new graphic novel that focuses on one girl’s struggle with anxiety and how her symptoms manifest physically. I especially like that this book focuses on mental illness and therapy in a positive way.

"Trigger warning: this book may be hard for some students who suffer with anxiety to read.

"Guts is available on the Sora app. You can see a book trailer for Guts here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlHx4dI8xdw"

Front Desk by Kelly Yang

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Recommended Grade Level: MS

Recommender: Marian Mays, School Librarian

“Front Desk is about a girl named Mia who is also an immigrant. She lives in a hotel with her parents who are housekeepers and hiding other immigrants. On top of all these big issues, she wants to become a writer while her parents think she should focus more on math since English isn’t her 1st language. I like this book because the relatable aspect of family drama and operating under parent expectations. And, it shines a light on multiple cultural perspectives and realities that many people in the U.S. today are facing. This book is available on the Sora app.”

Parent Reading List

This list was compiled by faculty and staff of Forest Ridge. Those making the recommendations submitted book genres and statements regarding why they would recommend these works to others.

The Great Influenza: The Epic Story of the Deadliest Plague in History by John M. Barry

Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger

When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka

Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri

A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson

Genre: Non-Fiction

Recommender: Shelley Levin, MS Science/Math Teacher

“A Short History of Nearly Everything is a fascinating history of our planet, including biology, geology, chemistry, and physics. Bryson recounts this history through the stories of the incredible scientists who discovered it. This scientific nonfiction reads like a compelling fiction narrative. The author reads the audiobook himself, which I also highly recommend!”

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Dan Pink

Genre: Non-Fiction

Recommender: Debbie McLaughlin, HS Learning Support

"Drawing on behavioral science, Dan Pink shows that what really motivates people is autonomy, mastery, and purpose. These ideas are important in designing the best workplaces and educational institutions we can. And if you can't spare time for the full book, watch the short RSAnimates version, narrated by Dan Pink: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6XAPnuFjJc”

www.wanderinginn.com by pirateaba

Salt Fat Acid Heat by Samin Nosrat

The Flavor Matrix by James Briscione

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

Heaven by Rowan Ricardo Phillips

Genre: Poetry

Recommender: Alison Mohrbacher, MS & HS English Teacher

“This is a short book of poetry in which not only is each individual poem a treat to read, but put together as a whole, the book feels like one long and beautiful verse. It will also make you sympathize with your student when she's reading something tough because his vocabulary might require you to pull out a dictionary every once in a while too.”

Enough as She Is by Rachel Simmons

The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin

Genre: Fantasy / Sci-Fi

Recommender: Marian Mays, School Librarian

“The Broken Earth Triology blends fantasy and sci-fi in such a unique way and is truthfully one of the best series I have ever read. While multiple perspective shifts make it a difficult read to jump into at first, you won’t regret it. N.K. Jemisin manages to effortlessly create an alternative world while highlighting systems of enslavement and oppression that exist in our world today. There is a reason why she won the Hugo Award three years in a row!”

Under Pressure by Lisa Damour

The River Why by David James Duncan

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Recommender: Alison Mohrbacher, MS & HS English Teacher

“The River Why demonstrates some of Duncan's most beautiful and funniest use of language. It's the story of a young man experiencing his own form of social distancing, though his is a voluntary choice in response to his exhaustion over his parents arguing over fly versus bait. He takes off to a secluded cabin for fly-fishing, philosophical study, and a reunion with the natural beauty around him. I re-read this book any time I need a little optimism in my life.”

Mathematical Mindsets by Joe Boehler

Genre: Non-Fiction

Recommender: Kari Levin, MS & HS Mathematics and International Languages Teacher

“It shows parents how to prioritize math in a different way (to value it as a creative, dynamic field and not a means to a financial end). It encourages students to think of all children as mathematicians, and to eschew saying things like "I'm not a math person" or "It's ok, she's just not a math person."

How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims

Genre: Non-Fiction

Recommenders: Molly Muller, SS Department Chair / 8^th Grade Dean & Betsy Briardy, Director for the Center for Girls

“This book is a great resource for helping to develop independent kids who are resilient problem solvers. It also talks about the consequences of overparenting. It has great guidance for what kids can do for themselves at different stages of development and gives parents the courage to let them try.”

“How to Raise an Adult, written by a former Freshman Dean at Stanford, is full of practical advice on parenting and navigating the cultural phenomenon of a checklist childhood. Julie's TED talk by the same name is also excellent.”

Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver

How to Hide an Empire: A History of the Greater United States by Daniel Immerwahr

The Attention Merchants by Tim Wu

Arc of a Scythe Series by Neal Shusterman

Genre: Science Fiction

Recommender: Marian Mays, School Librarian

“I recommend all parents to check out some young adult fiction if they only read adult books. There’s some really good stuff on there you’re missing out on. This is a great young adult / adult crossover book series that left me with that “wow” feeling every time! In a world where disease has a been eradicated, “scythes” are humans that are appointed with the task of deciding whose life to end to keep the population under control. Two teens are chosen to apprentice a scythe and master this art they never wanted. Scythe, the first book in the series, was a Printz honor award winner. If you’re looking for Lois Lowry’s The Giver on steroids, this is it!”

Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy by Cathy O'Neil

Land of Love and Drowning by Tiphanie Yanique

How to Lie with Statistics by Darrell Huff

Saving Fish from Drowning by Amy Tan

The Lady Astronaut Novels by Mary Kowal

Genre: Sci-Fi

Recommender: Shelley Levin, MS Science/Math Teacher

“These novels are an alternate history -- what if a meteorite hit Chesapeake Bay in 1962, wiping out most of the Eastern seaboard and permanently altering the Earth's climate? The space race is rapidly accelerated, and a former WASP pilot and current aerospace calculator Elma wants to be one of those pioneering astronauts. A fantastic read for anyone who loves space, science, history, and strong women.”

Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer by James L. Swanson

Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood by Dr. Lisa Damour

Genre: Non-Fiction

Recommender: Betsy Briardy, Director of the Center for Girls

“Lisa Damour knows girls. Untangled is one of the best parenting books I have read, full of practical advice. Lisa's style is approachable as it is practical. Lisa New York Times columns on parenting are excellent and her current columns are addressing parenting in the age of Covid-19.”

Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brene Brown

Genre: Non-Fiction

Recommender: Courtney Caldwell, Director of Teaching and Learning

“Using part of a Teddy Roosevelt speech encouraging all of us to ‘enter the arena’ even with our flaws and vulnerabilities, Brown uses both years of research and great personal stories to help us all examine our own purpose and claim our gifts.” A quote from the book: “Raising children who are hopeful and who have the courage to be vulnerable means stepping back and letting them experience disappointment, deal with conflict, learn how to assert themselves, and have the opportunity to fail. If we’re always following our children into the arena, hushing the critics, and assuring their victory, they’ll never learn that they have the ability to dare greatly on their own.”

Elwha: A River Reborn by Lynda Mapes

Genre: Non-Fiction

Recommender: Alison Mohrbacher, MS & HS English Teacher

“This book tells the story of the Elwha River on the Olympic Peninsula. It looks at the history of the region, the decisions to dam the river, the activism required to remove the dams, and the early recovery once the river was able to flow freely again. Mapes covered the story for The Seattle Times, so the writing is direct and clear and the photos are beautiful. The best part is that you can go visit the locations and see the further recovery the area has experienced in the seven years since the book was published. It makes for a great day or weekend trip (once free movement is safe again).”

All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness

Genre: Fantasy / Romance

Recommender: Marian Mays, School Librarian

“I started this series after watching the show adaptation and finding it really well done. I love anything supernatural, so these were no exception! The second book involves quite a bit of time travel and mixes in some historical references in a cool way. Of course, with any human/vampire romance there are some stereotypical moments in each book, but there’s always a good balance of fluff and adventure to keep you engaged.”

Dare to Lead by Brene Brown

Genre: Non-Fiction

Recommender: Betsy Briardy, Director of the Center for Girls

“Dare to Lead captures Brene Brown's wisdom gained from 20 years of being a shame and vulnerability researcher, I know shame and vulnerability might not sound like the most uplifting topics, but Brene's anecdotes and and insightful nuggets leave you feeling hopeful. I highly recommend the Audible version narrated by the author. I would also recommend her new podcast, Unlocking Us and her Netflix show Brene Brown: The Call to Courage.”

Visionary Women: How Rachel Carson, Jane Jacobs, Jane Goodall, and Alice Waters Changed Our World by Andrea Barnet

Genre: Biography

Recommender: Elizabeth Matlick, MS/HS English Teacher

“I love a good biography and this one is unique. It narrates the early lives of these four women, exploring how their early curiosities flourished into what later became great contributions in their fields. I loved reading about how an 18-month-old Jane Goodall brought a handful of earthworms to bed, and how, at 5 years old, she went missing for three hours because she was in the hen house, patiently waiting to witness a hen laying an egg. It's fun to think of our students as constantly showing glimmers like these of their future greatness!”

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When the Stakes Are High by Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, & Switzler

Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko

Genre: Historical Fiction

Recommender: Alison Mohrbacher, MS & HS English Teacher

“Ceremony is the story of Tayo, a vet who returns to the Laguna Pueblo Reservation while suffering to PTSD and seeks out the healing that he can only find at home. Silko blends her own storytelling power with traditional Pueblo myths. It is one of the most powerfully composed stories I have ever read.”

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by JD Vance

Genre: Non-Fiction

Recommender: Lucretia Jacobs, Director of Communications

“I found this book to be a timely reflection on a part of the American experience that is not seen in Seattle. It helped me to understand and feel some tenderness for a worldview and mindset that was not my experience. It was not an easy or 'fun' read, however, it was impactful and hard to forget.“

The Changeling by Victor LaValle

Genre: Fantasy / Mystery / Thriller

Recommender: Alison Mohrbacher, MS & HS English Teacher

“This a masterful fairy tale that is both entirely modern (in its setting) and traditional (in its dark, grim lessons). Inspired by Maurice Sendak's children's book, Outside Over There, LaValle tells the story of a new father coming to terms first with what appears to be his wife's postpartum depression, and, second, with a strange world that poses a much greater risk to his young family than he anticipated.”

Middle School Matters: The 10 Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond – and How Parents Can Help by Phyllis L. Fagell

Underland by Robert MacFarlane

Genre: Non-Fiction

Recommender: Judy Pettet, HS English Teacher

“I'm a committed reader of fiction, but this book, about the worlds and lives existing beneath the surface of the earth we walk upon, exhilarating. It opened up a universe. I am fascinated by the places (salt mines, cities beneath cities, underground rivers, and the "wood wide web"), the endeavors (did you know that astronomers descend miles underground to study dark matter?), and the people, compelled to explore the unknown, who go places most of us would never, ever go.”

Faro's Daughter, The Grand Sophy, and others by Georgette Heyer

Genre: Romance

Recommender: Lucretia Jacobs, Director of Communications

“I found this book to be a timely reflection on a part of the American experience that is not seen in S Is the pandemic getting you down and you simply need to read something that has the intellectual substance of a good meringue? Then pick up a Regency or Georgian romance novel from the 1930s author Georgette Heyer. Heyer novels will give you delightful historical details, Austen-inspired folly, and skips the TMI of today's Outlander. A guilty pleasure that is clean enough for our teens.”

Spring Reading

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