Branford High School
Improved Learning for Everyone

The mission of Branford High School is to prepare students to be independent and collaborative learners who are responsible, informed, and contributing members of society. In partnership with the community, we strive to provide a learning environment that supports all students in embracing diversity, acting with integrity, and achieving their personal and academic potential.

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

As we approach the end of another school year, there is no doubt that summer break will provide us all with much-needed time to recharge. Free from the demands of the scheduled school day, summer break also provides a great opportunity for students to pursue reading opportunities that interest them while practicing the skills that they learned throughout the school year. In keeping with our philosophy that summer reading should help maintain students’ reading skills and strategies while fostering their love of reading, Branford High School has not set a specific reading list for those students who are registered for standard-level English classes during the 2022-2023 school year. We want students to read what interests and engages them.

We know that many parents/guardians (and some students) find it helpful when a list of recommended books is provided, so we are including a few websites that offer reading lists appropriate for high school students. Please note that these are not required books; they are intended only as a resource. Their English teachers are also more than happy to provide students with additional guidance on what to read, so have your kids talk to or email them.

The new and improved Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge (GSRC) aligned to the national iRead summer challenge theme – “Find your Voice” – is another way to engage your kids in summer reading. This enrichment initiative is intended to motivate students of all ages to participate in literacy and reading activities over the summer months. The Blackstone Library is also hosting a variety of summer programs for young people. If you would like more information on this, please click on the link below or visit the Blackstone Library website. Using their library card and the Hoopla app, which can be downloaded on their mobile device, students can access e-books as well as audiobooks if that is more convenient. Links for both can be found below.

Thank you for partnering with us in your child’s education. We hope that you have a happy and healthy summer!

The BHS English Department 

• American Library Association – 2023 Best Fiction for Young Adults

• Goodreads Best Young Adult Books

• Goodreads Books That Everyone Should Read At Least Once

• Barnes & Noble 100 Best YA and Teen Summer Reading Books

• NPR’s 100 Best-Ever Teen Novels

• Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge

• Blackstone Library Teen Books and Reading Recommendations

Summer Reading Assignments for Honors and AP English Classes:

• English 10 Honors

• American Literature Honors

• World Literature Honors

• AP/ECE Literature and Composition