Good Summer Reads - Additional titles for IB Students

Dear Students,

Your teachers invite you to read one, more or many more, of the books they have selected and recommended below for your summer reading. They hope these books will bring you hours of enjoyment!

Blum, Deborah. The Poisoner's Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York.

Deborah Blum’s The Poisoner's Handbook is a riveting account of how forensic science emerged as a powerful tool for solving crimes in the early 20th century. Focusing on the pioneering work of toxicologist Alexander Gettler and medical examiner Charles Norris, the book explores a series of gripping cases involving poisons such as arsenic and cyanide. High school students will be fascinated by the blend of history, science, and true crime, gaining insights into the birth of modern forensic medicine.

Calvino, Italo. Invisible Cities.

In Invisible Cities, Italo Calvino crafts a mesmerizing narrative through a series of imaginative and poetic descriptions of cities as recounted by the explorer Marco Polo to the emperor Kublai Khan. Each city represents different facets of human experience and urban life, blending fantasy with philosophical insights. High school students will be enchanted by Calvino’s lyrical prose and the profound reflections on culture, memory, and imagination.

Camus, Albert. L'Étranger.

Albert Camus’s L'Étranger (The Stranger) is a cornerstone of existential literature. The novel follows Meursault, an emotionally detached French Algerian, whose senseless murder of an Arab man and subsequent trial expose the absurdity of existence. High school students will be challenged by the novel’s exploration of themes such as alienation, absurdity, and the meaning of life, making it a profound and thought-provoking read.

Dawkins, Richard. The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution.

Richard Dawkins’ The Greatest Show on Earth is a compelling and comprehensive argument for the theory of evolution. Dawkins presents a wealth of evidence from various scientific disciplines, making the case for evolution accessible and engaging. High school students will appreciate the clear explanations and the fascinating insights into the natural world, enhancing their understanding of biology and the history of life on Earth.

———. The Selfish Gene.

In The Selfish Gene, Richard Dawkins revolutionizes the way we understand evolution by focusing on the gene as the principal unit of selection. Through vivid examples and clear explanations, Dawkins explores how genes drive the behavior of living organisms. High school students will be intrigued by the concept of the “selfish gene” and the book’s insights into the nature of altruism, cooperation, and the genetic basis of behavior.

Jahren, Hope. Lab Girl: A Memoir.

Hope Jahren’s Lab Girl is a captivating memoir that intertwines her personal journey as a scientist with fascinating insights into the world of plants. Jahren shares her passion for science, the challenges she faced as a woman in academia, and the beauty she finds in nature. High school students will be inspired by her story of perseverance, curiosity, and the wonders of the natural world, making it a compelling read for aspiring scientists.

Kean, Sam. The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements.

Sam Kean’s The Disappearing Spoon brings the periodic table to life through a collection of intriguing and entertaining stories about the elements. From tales of scientific discovery to anecdotes about the bizarre properties of certain elements, Kean makes chemistry engaging and accessible. High school students will enjoy the blend of history and science, gaining a deeper appreciation for the elements that make up our world.

Kolbert, Elizabeth. The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History.

Elizabeth Kolbert’s The Sixth Extinction examines the current biodiversity crisis and the role humans play in driving species to extinction. Through compelling narratives and scientific research, Kolbert explores past mass extinctions and the ongoing impact of human activity on the environment. High school students will find this book both informative and urgent, highlighting the importance of conservation and the need for action to protect our planet’s future.

Lahiri, Jhumpa. Roman Stories.

Jhumpa Lahiri’s Roman Stories is a collection of evocative tales set in the eternal city of Rome. Each story delves into the lives of characters navigating themes of displacement, identity, and belonging in a city rich with history and culture. High school students will be captivated by Lahiri’s elegant prose and the poignant exploration of human connections and the immigrant experience.

Mitchell, David. Cloud Atlas.

David Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas is a complex and richly woven novel that interlinks six different stories spanning different time periods and genres. From the 19th-century South Pacific to a post-apocalyptic future, each narrative is connected through recurring themes and characters. High school students will be challenged and intrigued by the novel’s structure and its exploration of fate, reincarnation, and the interconnectedness of human lives.

Pierre, DBC. Vernon God Little.

DBC Pierre’s Vernon God Little is a darkly comic and satirical novel that follows Vernon Little, a teenager wrongly accused of a school shooting in a small Texas town. The book critiques media sensationalism, the justice system, and American culture. High school students will appreciate the sharp wit and fast-paced narrative, while also engaging with its deeper themes of truth, justice, and societal hypocrisy.

Ridley, Matt. Genome: The Autobiography of a Species in 23 Chapters.

Matt Ridley’s Genome explores the human genome, with each chapter dedicated to one of the 23 pairs of chromosomes. Ridley delves into the history, science, and implications of genetic research, making complex concepts accessible and engaging. High school students will find the book enlightening and thought-provoking, offering a comprehensive overview of genetics and its impact on our understanding of human biology.

Sagan, Carl. Cosmos.

Carl Sagan’s Cosmos is a seminal work that takes readers on a journey through the universe, exploring the wonders of space, time, and the origins of life. Sagan’s eloquent and accessible writing makes complex scientific ideas understandable and awe-inspiring. High school students will be inspired by Sagan’s passion for science and his ability to convey the beauty and mystery of the cosmos.

Skloot, Rebecca. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.

Rebecca Skloot’s The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks tells the story of a poor African American woman whose cells, taken without her knowledge, became one of the most important tools in medical research. The book explores ethical issues in medicine, the impact of Lacks’s cells on science, and the human story behind the scientific advances. High school students will be moved by this powerful narrative and its implications for bioethics and medical history.

Williams, John. Stoner.

John Williams’s Stoner is a quiet but profound novel that follows the life of William Stoner, a professor at a Midwestern university. The book explores themes of love, passion, and the quiet struggles of an ordinary life. High school students will appreciate the novel’s elegant prose and the deep, introspective look at a man’s search for meaning and fulfillment in his everyday existence.

Wohlleben, Peter. The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate – Discoveries from a Secret World.

Peter Wohlleben’s The Hidden Life of Trees offers a fascinating look into the secret world of trees and forests. Drawing on scientific research and his own experiences as a forester, Wohlleben reveals how trees communicate, support each other, and maintain complex ecosystems. High school students will be captivated by the book’s blend of science and wonder, deepening their appreciation for the natural world and the interconnectedness of life