David Prouty Reads!
Summer Reading
Summer Reading 2026
Guidelines:
Grading:
Summer reading will be worth:
Where Can I Find These Books?
You can access the following books for FREE at:
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
“Astonishing New York Times-bestselling novel-in-verse by an award-winning slam poet, about an Afro-Latina heroine who tells her story with blazing words and powerful truth”...
Xiomara Batista feels unheard and unable to hide in her Harlem neighborhood. Ever since her body grew into curves, she has learned to let her fists and her fierceness do the talking.
But Xiomara has plenty she wants to say, and she pours all her frustration and passion onto the pages of a leather notebook, reciting the words to herself like prayers—especially after she catches feelings for a boy in her bio class named Aman, who her family can never know about.
*Print copy in the DPHS Library + EBook & Audiobook on Sora
Speak by Laurie Anderson
"Speak up for yourself—we want to know what you have to say." From the first moment of her freshman year at Merryweather High, Melinda knows this is a big lie, part of the nonsense of high school. She is friendless, an outcast, because she busted an end-of-summer party by calling the cops. Now nobody will talk to her, let alone listen to her. As time passes, Melinda becomes increasingly isolated and practically stops talking altogether. Only her art class offers any solace, and it is through her work on an art project that she is finally able to face what really happened at that terrible party: she was assaulted by an upperclassman, a guy who still attends Merryweather and is still a threat to her. Her healing process has just begun when she has another violent encounter with him. But this time Melinda fights back—and refuses to be silent.
*Several print copies in the DPHS Library + EBook
& Audiobook on Sora and in the Little Free Library
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
She joins a support group where she meets Augustus, and there is a rollercoaster of emotions throughout this novel as the relationship between Hazel and Augustus develops. Hazel and Augustus are able to find comfort in each other through the tough times and learn to lean into each other which makes them both realize that they are not alone. They find love in each other and feel hopeful for each other, also while allowing the readers to learn about their inner struggles.
This novel explores themes of mortality, love, the meaning of life, and the power of human connection, particularly within the context of terminal illness.
FATE
Destiny
The Naturals (by: Jennifer Lynn Barnes)
The series follows the life of Cassie Hobbes, a 17-year-old girl who is contacted by the FBI to join a special program. The first in the series, The Naturals, introduces Cassie’s unique character and offers her the opportunity to leave her old life behind for a more exciting and dangerous life solving major crimes. She joins several other teens who, she later learns, each have “special” qualities that make them precious resources for the FBI. They are tasked with solving seemingly impossible crimes. It is a gripping, psychological thriller that will grab your attention right off the bat.
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
For fans of mystery and psychology thriller!
Ten people, each with something to hide and something to fear, are invited to an isolated mansion on Indian Island by a host who, surprisingly, fails to appear. On the island they are cut off from everything but each other and the inescapable shadows of their own past lives. One by one, the guests share the darkest secrets of their wicked pasts. And one by one, they die…
Which among them is the killer and will any of them survive?
*Print copies in the DPHS Library + EBook & Audiobook on Sora and in the Little Free Library.
Quarantine: The Loners by Lex Thomas
It was just another ordinary day at McKinley High—until a massive explosion devastated the school. When loner David Thorpe tried to help his English teacher to safety, the teacher convulsed and died right in front of him. And that was just the beginning…
A year later, McKinley has descended into chaos. All of the students are infected with a virus that makes them deadly to adults. The school is under military quarantine, the teachers are gone, and violent gangs have formed based on high school social groups. Without a gang, you’re as good as dead. And David has no gang. It’s just him and his little brother, Will, against the whole school.
*Several Print copies in the DPHS Library and EBook on Sora
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon
Christopher John Francis Boone knows all the countries of the world and their capitals and every prime number up to 7,057. He relates well to animals but has no understanding of human emotions. He cannot stand to be touched. And he detests the color yellow. This improbable story of Christopher’s quest to investigate the suspicious death of a neighborhood dog makes for one of the most captivating, unusual, and widely heralded novels in recent years.
*Several print copies in the DPHS Library + EBook & Audiobook on Sora
Red Rising by Pierce Brown
For fans of The Hunger Games and science fiction!
Darrow is a Helldiver. He drills in the sweltering mines on Mars with the promise that one day his people, The Reds, will be free. However, the Reds have been tricked by the rich and powerful Golds, who will do everything in their power to keep their privileged position in the social hierarchy. But, Darrow has other plans once he learns the truth. An adrenaline-fueled read!
*Print copy in the DPHS Library + EBook & Audiobook on Sora and in the Little Free Library.
Hole in My Life by Jack Gantos
In the summer of 1971, Jack Gantos was an aspiring writer looking for adventure, cash for college tuition, and a way out of a dead-end job. For ten thousand dollars, he recklessly agreed to help sail a sixty-foot yacht loaded with a ton of hashish from the Virgin Islands to New York City, where he and his partners sold the drug until federal agents caught up with them. For his part in the conspiracy, Gantos was sentenced to serve up to six years in prison.
In Hole in My Life, confronts the period of struggle and confinement that marked the end of his own youth. On the surface, the narrative tumbles from one crazed moment to the next as Gantos pieces together the story of his restless final year of high school, his short-lived career as a criminal, and his time in prison.
*EBook & Audiobook on Sora
Bottled Up by Jaye Murray
Pip's been skipping classes, drinking, getting high. Anything and everything to avoid his smug teachers, his sweet but needy little brother, his difficult home life. Now he's been busted by Principal Giraldi and given an ultimatum: either he shows up for all his classes and sees a counselor after school, or he's expelled. Pip's freaked out; not because he might get kicked out of school, but by the thought that Giraldi might call his father. Because Pip will do anything to avoid his father.
This book will show you how much grief and trouble one's life can actually withstand. This is for all young people who just feel like they don’t have the motivation.
Imitate the Tiger by Jan Cheripko
If you love football or sports in general, this is a great book about overcoming on the field and off the field obstacles.
Chris Serbo loves to play football. "I've played football so many years, it's instinct to me. . . . I know the rules and I know the chaos. . . . There is nothing more satisfying than hitting someone with all your force. . . . When all else fails, I know how to play football."
But Chris Serbo has some problems--and one of them is that he drinks to hide from the other problems.
In this powerful story of a high school senior trying to find some hope and meaning in his life, author Jan Cheripko gives us a look at the personal struggles of Chris Serbo as he battles against those trying most to help him: his aunt, his coach, his history teacher, his friends, and even a few enemies.
*Print copy in the DPHS Library
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
For those who are interested in comedy, biographies, and social justice.
Before winning two Emmys as a comedian and late night talk show host, Trevor Noah was literally born a crime in South Africa. During apartheid, the race-based system of segregation in South Africa, it was illegal for Trevor’s mother, who is a black South African, and his father, who is Swiss & German, to be together. Trevor examines his childhood and subsequent move to the United States with a sharp understanding of systems of inequality with wit and humor.
*Two print copies in the DPHS Library + eBook on Sora and in the Little Free Library
Night Shift by Stephen King
Night Shift: Excursions into Horror is the fifth book published by Stephen King, and his first collection of short stories. The book was released by Doubleday in February 17, 1978. Night Shift received the Balrog Award for Best Collection, and in 1979 it was nominated as best collection for the Locus Award and the World Fantasy Award. Many of King's most famous short stories were included in the collection.
*Print copy in the Library, eBook in Sora, and in the Little Free Library.
*EBook on Sora
Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson
Lillian and Madison were unlikely roommates and yet inseparable friends at their elite boarding school. But then Lillian had to leave the school unexpectedly in the wake of a scandal and they’ve barely spoken since. Until now, when Lillian gets a letter from Madison pleading for her help.
Madison’s twin stepkids are moving in with her family and she wants Lillian to be their caretaker. However, there’s a catch: the twins spontaneously combust when they get agitated, flames igniting from their skin in a startling but beautiful way. Lillian is convinced Madison is pulling her leg, but it’s the truth.
Thinking of her dead-end life at home, the life that has consistently disappointed her, Lillian figures she has nothing to lose. Over the course of one humid, demanding summer, Lillian and the twins learn to trust each other—and stay cool—while also staying out of the way of Madison’s buttoned-up politician husband. Surprised by her own ingenuity yet unused to the intense feelings of protectiveness she feels for them, Lillian ultimately begins to accept that she needs these strange children as much as they need her—urgently and fiercely. Couldn’t this be the start of the amazing life she’d always hoped for?
*EBook & Audiobook on Sora
Hollow Fires focuses on a 17-year-old Indian American, Safiya Mirza, who is a student journalist in Chicago. She embarks on a mission to find out who killed 14-year-old Jawad Ali, a local boy who went to a public school in the city. Not only is it a murder mystery, but it also tackles teenage love, family bonds, racism, and betrayal.
Hollow Fires by: Samira Ahmed
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian
by Sherman Alexie
Bestselling and award winning author Sherman Alexie tells the heartbreaking yet funny story about a boy living on the Spokane Indian Reservation who wants to break free of the life he was destined to live.
Junior is a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Determined to take his future into his own hands, Junior leaves his troubled school on the rez to attend an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the school mascot.
*Several print copies in the DPHS Library + EBook & Audiobook on Sora
Every Last Word by Tamara Stone
For those who liked All the Bright Places or who are interested in stories about mental health.
Samantha McAllister is a high school junior who has OCD and anxiety. She tries to do everything perfectly, but spirals out of control with all the pressure from her friends, the swim team, and school. When she meets Caroline, she thinks she finally has found someone who will help her finally feel “normal.”
*Print copy in the DPHS Library + EBook & Audiobook on Sora and in the Little Free Library.
Ophelia Speaks by Sara Shandler
In this nonfiction anthology of stories, poems, and essays, Shandler and her friends write reflections on subjects such as eating disorders, sex, drugs, and child abuse, among others. The contributing authors are teenagers themselves.
�Ophelia Speaks: Adolescent Girls Write About Their Search for Self is the result of Sara Shandler's efforts. The voices are raw and young and jarring -- sometimes adult-like, sometimes childlike, and more often both, like Shandler's own voice.
�Shandler introduces each chapter -- "Intoxication," "Rape and Sexual Abuse," "Questions of Faith," "Diverse Sexualities," "Mothers, Feminist Pride," etc.-- with personal experiences of her own. Through these introductions, it becomes clear that Shandler is like any modern American teenager; she has experimented lightly with drugs, had sex at an early age (one month shy of 15), is mildly infatuated with her weight, and was at one point pretty depressed (as in, the thought of suicide once crossed her mind). It seems that her only motivation to complete this project was to help other teens feel less alone.
*Two print copies in the DPHS Library
Basketball Junkie by Chris Herren
In his own words, former NBA and overseas pro Chris Herren tells how he nearly lost everything and everyone he loved, and how he found a way back to life. Powerful, honest, and dramatic, this remarkable memoir, Basketball Junkie, is harrowing in its descent, and heartening in its return.
*Print copy in the Library and eBook & Audiobook on Sora.
Icarus by K. Ancrum
"Icarus" is a young adult novel by K. Ancrum that reimagines the Greek myth of Icarus as a contemporary story of a young art thief, Icarus Gallagher, and the son of the man he's stealing from, Helios Black.
The book explores themes of revenge, family dynamics, and queer love, with a focus on the complex relationship between Icarus and his father, and the growing attraction between Icarus and Helios.
Looking for Alaska by John Green
When Miles "Pudge" Halter leaves his safe, uneventful life to attend Culver Creek boarding school, he's searching for a "Great Perhaps." What he finds instead is Alaska Young—beautiful, wild, and deeply mysterious. As he’s drawn into her world of pranks, late-night conversations, and buried secrets, everything changes. But after a sudden, devastating event, Miles must face the hardest questions of all: Who was Alaska, really? And how do you hold on to someone who’s already gone?
Perfect for fans of introspective journeys, unforgettable friendships, and the bittersweet complexity of growing up.
Two Sides to Every Murder by Danielle Valentine
Most people’s births aren’t immortalized in a police report—but Olivia was born during the infamous Camp Lost Lake murders. Seventeen years later, Olivia’s life looks pretty perfect . . . until she discovers the man she calls dad is not her biological father. Now she wants answers about her bloodline, and the only place she knows to look is Camp Lost Lake.
Most people don’t spend their formative years on the run with an alleged murderer—but Reagan did. In the court of public opinion, her mom was found guilty of the deaths at Camp Lost Lake, and both of them have been in hiding ever since. But Reagan believes in her mother’s innocence and is determined to clear her name.
Luckily for Olivia and Reagan, Camp Lost Lake is finally reopening, providing the perfect opportunity to find answers. But someone else is dead set on keeping the past hidden, even if it means committing murder.
The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien
The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien is a collection of interconnected short stories exploring the psychological and emotional burdens of soldiers during the Vietnam War. The book follows a platoon of infantrymen through the jungles of Vietnam, recounting their experiences with love, fear, death, and the complexities of war, both physically and emotionally. The stories explore how soldiers carry not only physical gear but also memories, emotions, and the weight of their experiences.
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
The Hunger Games universe continues with Sunrise on the Reaping.
This prequel to the original trilogy focuses on the 50th annual Hunger Games in which Haymitch Abernathy competes as a Tribute.
Read the latest installment from Suzanne Collins as she takes us back to Panem!
Flawed by Cecelia Ahern
Celestine lives in a world where any infraction can land you on trial for not being perfect. The punishment? Branding by fire on different parts of your body.
Check out Flawed to see what happens to Celestine when she questions a rule.
*Print copy in the library and ebook and audiobook on Sora.
Happy Reading!