Download summer reading assignment here.
Note: These assignments are for the 2024-2025 school year.
NVD has not issued reading lists, with the exception of advanced courses. Students can choose any grade- and school-appropriate book to read over the summer. Below are our recommendations for grades 9 through 12, as well as links to books required for advanced courses. The school has additional recommendations here. Click a cover to find the book in the catalog and place a request.
Freshmen
The library recommends:
In addition to a book of their choice, students taking Freshman Honors English must also read The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
Sophomores
The library recommends:
In addition to a book of their choice, students taking AP Seminar must also read Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi and complete the AP Seminar summer assignment (to be listed on the AP summer assignment communication).
Juniors
The library recommends:
Students taking AP Language & Composition at Northern Valley Demarest must also read Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah. (Note: It’s Trevor Noah is the young readers adaptation of Born a Crime. AP Language & Composition students must read Born a Crime.) Students taking AP Research must also complete the AP Research Summer Reading Assignment.
Seniors
The library recommends:
Seniors taking English 4: World Mythology & Archetypal Literature must also read Ishmael by Daniel Quinn.
Seniors taking English 4: Honors Literature and Philosophy of Asia must also read The Bonesetter’s Daughter by Amy Tan.
Seniors taking AP English Literature & Composition must also read Pachinko by Min Jin Lee. They must aslo complete an additional AP Summer Reading assignment.