I. Each eighth-grader is required to read Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None. There will be a quiz on this novel during the first week of school. Additionally, we will discuss this texts in class; this discussion will form part of the basis of the first test and some writing assignments of the year. While reading, jot down character and place names, the key events in each chapter, and, if you own the book, underline passages that you think are essential to character and thematic development.
II. Each eighth-grader is also required to pick one title from the list of four choices below:
*Gentlemen of the Road by Michael Chabon (historical fiction)
*A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin (fantasy)
*Where Wolves Don't Die by Anton Treuer (thriller)
*The Contender by Robert Lipsyte (sports fiction)
A student can also expect a quiz, in-class group work and discussion, and some writing work over his choice read. His choice read will form the other part of the first test. While reading, jot down character and place names, the key events in each chapter, and, if you own the book, underline passages that you think are essential to character and thematic development.
III. All School Read for 2025-26: Each boy in grades seven through twelve is required to read The Confident Mind: The Battle-Tested Guide to Unshakeable Performance by Dr. Nate Zinsser.