School News » Summer Reading!

Summer Reading!


May 2026

Dear Lindblom Eagles,


Your summer reading assignment is below. You must complete the reading BEFORE returning to school on August 24, 2026. Your English teachers will begin the school year with lessons, activities, and tests on the summer reading. As a current student at Lindblom, there is NO EXCUSE for not having the summer reading done. The reading list is also posted on the school’s website if you need to reference it over the summer. These books are typically available at the public library; you can use your Lindblom student ID to check out books at all Chicago Public Libraries. The Lindblom library may also have a few copies as well. New and used copies are always available online and at bookstores. 


If you are enrolled in 7th Grade English for the 2026/2027 school year, read the following:
Counting by 7s by Holly Sloan


If you are enrolled in 8th Grade English for the 2026/2027 school year, choose one of the following:
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas


If you are enrolled in English I (New 9th Graders) for the 2026/2027 school year, do the following:
Look for a new book that interests you, and read it! If you don’t like the book, stop reading and find a new one. Read at least one book that excites you all the way through. Be prepared to discuss the book on your first day of school. 


If you are enrolled in English II (former English I and former AC 8th graders) for the 2026/2026 school year, do the following: 

Read two or more books of your choosing. This experience is meant to be independent and individualized. You may choose any books you want, but here are some guidelines and resources: 

  1. Reread a book you have read before (any book, even that one book in 5th grade you loved!) that you particularly enjoyed, found challenging, didn’t completely understand, or want to experience again. 
  2. Read a new book. 
  1. It can be one that has been sitting on your shelf forever that you haven’t gotten a chance to read; a book a friend recommended; a book you just saw randomly at the library; a book you saw the movie for. 

OR

  1. Read something you wouldn’t ever normally read. Take a look at Book Riot’s Read Harder challenge where they provide a list of books we don’t normally think to read. 

OR

  1. Check out these great recommendations of teen and adult titles from the New York Public Library.

OR

  1. Read something recommended by another Lindblom student. 
  2. Ask your former teachers what they have read and enjoyed!

You will be asked to talk about your books at the start of the school year, so please be prepared to share your thoughts and recommendations!


If you are enrolled in English III for the 2026/2027 school year, read one of the following:
Yummy by G. Neri

Maus by Art Spiegelman


If you are enrolled in English IV for the 2026/2027 school year, do the following: 

Read two or more books of your choosing. This experience is meant to be independent and individualized. You may choose any books you want, but here are some guidelines and resources: 

  1. Reread a book you have read before (any book, even that one book in 5th grade you loved!) that you particularly enjoyed, found challenging, didn’t completely understand, or want to experience again. 
  2. Read a new book. 
  1. It can be one that has been sitting on your shelf forever but haven’t gotten a chance to read; a book a friend recommended; a book you just saw randomly at Target; a book you saw the movie for. 

OR

  1. Read something you wouldn’t ever normally read. Take a look at Book Riot’s Read Harder challenge where they provide a list of books we don’t normally think to read. 

OR

  1. Check out these great recommendations of teen or adult titles from the New York Public Library. 

OR

  1. Read something recommended by another Lindblom student
  2. Ask your former teachers what they have read and enjoyed!

You will be asked to talk about your books at the start of the school year, so please be prepared to share your thoughts and recommendations! 


If you are enrolled in African American Literature for the 2026/2027 school year, read the following: 

Please click here for instructions. Both assignments will be graded!


If you are enrolled in English AP Language and Composition for the 2026/2027 school year, do the following:
Please click here for instructions. Both assignments will be graded. 


If you are enrolled in AP Literature and Composition for the 2026/2027 school year, read the following:
Please click here for instructions. Anticipate a reading quiz and graded assignments in the first week of class. 


If you are enrolled in Dual Credit English 101 for the 2026/27 school year, please complete this Summer Writing Assignment and bring it to the first day of class. 


Please contact Mr. Suh ([email protected]) with any questions. If you are able to purchase a copy of the assigned book, please do, and bring the book with you to your English class on the first day of school.


Lindblom English Department