Recommended Reading for grade 12.
Here is a list of books our teacher editors
suggest
for students in grade 12. Our selections
include titles for both
girls and boys who have a variety of interests. These
selections include
both "academic" and "recreational" reading suggestions.
Check the synopsis for the book that might interest your
student.
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Adventures of Huckleberry Finn - by Mark TwainMark Twain's tale of a young boy's journey on the Mississippi, and the people he meets on the way.
Alive - by Piers Paul ReadTwo dozen rugby players must survive in the Andes mountains when their plane crashes.
All Quiet on the Western Front - by Erich Maria RemarqueThis story of World War I ranks in the same class as Crane's Red Badge of Courage in its portrayal of both the horrors and ironies of war. It's a powerful tale that forces its readers to contemplate the terrible price of conflict.
Among Grizzlies: Living With Wild Bears in Alaska - by Timothy TreadwellThe true accounts of the adventures of one man who visited Alaska several times over ten years and lived with bears. You are bound to learn a lot about these wonderful animals in this book.
The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman - by Ernest GainesIn this novel Ernest Gaines creates the character of 110-year-old Miss Jane Pittman, who shares recollections from the times of slavery to the 1960's. This fascinating character teaches both history and compassion.
Beloved - by Toni MorrisonThis story, part mystery, part romance, part history, part ghost story, will linger in your memory long after summer is gone.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place - by Alden CarterMark and his diabetic cousin must survive in the wilderness.
The Catcher in the Rye - by J.D. SalingerThe classic coming-of-age story of an adolescent in 1950's America. You will never forget Holden Caulfield!
Crime and Punishment - by Fyodor DostoevskySt. Petersburg student Raskolnikov becomes desperate and plans the "perfect" murder-but his conscience haunts him to the brink of madness.
The Crucible - by Arthur Miller
Diary of a Young Girl - by Anne FrankAnne Frank's diary of her time in hiding from the Germans is a classic of hope in a world of despair.
The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood - by Rebecca WellsSoon to be a movie, this sassy sisterhood will teach you how divine it is to have good friends!
Education of Little Tree - by Forrest CarterAn account of Cherokee life in the 1930's.
The Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition - by Caroline AlexanderFollow Shackleton's ill-fated expedition and its struggle for survival along the coast of Antarctica. Decide for yourself whether Shackleton was a tyrant or a masterful leader.
The French Lieutenant's Woman - by John FowlesMeet Sarah: a mysterious woman you will never forget. Fowles' tale combines mystery, philosophy, romance and history in a can't-put-it-down read.
A Gathering of Old Men - by Ernest GainesA book that explores the tragedies of racial tension and reveals the rewards of compassion and concern.
The Grapes of Wrath - by John SteinbeckSteinbeck's stark novel about a family's migration from Oklahoma to California during the days of the dust bowl.
Henderson the Rain King - by Saul BellowJoin this off-the-wall adventure in Bellow's classic comedy.
The Hunt for Red October - by Tom ClancyOne of Clancy's best- this fast-paced adventure centers on the search for the Soviet sub Red October. It will keep you on the edge of your seat!
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings - by Maya AngelouA novel of amazing proportions celebrating the strength of human spirit.
Into Thin Air - by Jon KrakauerTrue accounting of a series of Mt. Everest expeditions that go awry in fickle weather.
Jane Eyre - by Charlotte BronteThis story is about a whole lot more than the life of a governess. Jane Eyre remains one of the most important heroines in British literature.
The Joy Luck Club - by Amy TanWritten from an interesting shifting narrative perspective, the story chronicles the cultural and generational differences in four Chinese-American families.
The Man Who Rode Sharks - by William R. RoyalJourney with Shandy, Jib, and Jackson as they search for buried treasure, avoid pirates, and survive being shipwrecked on the Florida Gulf Coast. This adventure is a great summer read!
The Merchant of Venice - by William Shakespeare
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil - by John BerendtA murder mystery unfolds against the backdrop of colorful Savannah, Georgia.
Midsummer Night's Dream - by William Shakespeare
Much Ado About Nothing - by William Shakespeare
The Night of the Grizzlies - by Jack OlsenAccounting of fatal attacks in the national parks in 1968.
Othello - by William Shakespeare
The Perfect Storm - by Sebastian YoungerThe true story of the fishing boat Andrea Gail caught in the middle of a huge storm off the coast of Maine in 1991.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - by Stephen ChboskyMeet main character Charlie, as he endures the agonies and rewards of growing up in he modern world.
Pride and Prejudice - by Jane Austen
The Red Badge of Courage - by Stephen CraneCrane's classic war novel examines important issues with the creation of his young hero, Henry Fleming.
Reservation Blues - by Sherman AlexieNative American culture and rock 'n roll - this unique novel is a great summer read!
The Return of the King - by J. R. R. TolkienTolkien was a contemporary of C. S. Lewis and a lover of Norse and Icelandic myths. This novel is the conslusion of his epic story of Frodo Baggins and his journey to vanquish dark forces.
Robinson Crusoe - by Daniel DefoeThe classic shipwreck story, told in great detail.
The Shipping News - by Annie E. ProulxLet the eccentric character Quoyle and his daughters capture your heart in this hilarious and endearing story about a family in Newfoundland.
The Story of My Life - by Helen KellerThe inspiring autobiography of Helen Keller, one of history's most courageous women.
Teen Angst? Naaah . . . A Quasi-autobiography - by Ned VizziniA young man's memories of what growing up is really like.
The Tempest - by William Shakespeare
Tomorrow: When the War Began - by John MarsdenAustralian high school students return from a wilderness trip and find that everything at home has changed.
Twelfth Night - by William Shakespeare
Wide Sargasso Sea - by Jean RhysIf you liked Jane Eyre, you should try this one. It's a "prequel," written long after the original, that gives the amazing story of the mysterious mad woman in the attic.
Wuthering Heights - by Emily BronteThe romance to end all romances-Heathcliff and Cathy will hold you spellbound!