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2020 Summer Reading Lists

welcome

The Chapin Librarians are thrilled to share the 2020 Summer Reading Lists with you!


Though summer has always been a wonderful time to read for pleasure, this year it seems more vital than ever. In this time of great uncertainty, as the days blend together and many of our lives have been limited to the now all-too-familiar confines of our homes, we are all seeking comfort, variety, and even a little adventure. It is our sincere hope that the books on these lists will ignite conversation, connection, and joy.

 

This year, the theme uniting all three Summer Reading Lists – Lower School, Middle School, and, for the first time, Upper School – is “Take Care.” The stories that stay with us, whether they are fiction or nonfiction, have characters that care, deeply and fully. The more a character cares, the more we as readers come to care about them, their struggles, and their triumphs. In selecting and sharing these books, it is also our hope that all Chapin students will “take care” of themselves by getting lost in a captivating book, exploring their interests, and sharing those discoveries with loved ones.

 

In years past, the Summer Reading Lists have highlighted only the most recently published titles. Inspired by our theme of “Take Care,” we have included titles from different publishing eras and evergreen favorites. Time does not diminish fabulous writing, and we have “taken care” to include a variety of titles that we feel are worth revisiting (or discovering for the first time!).

 

Finally, knowing it can be a challenge to acquire things these days, we have also expanded our digital library of eBooks and audiobooks so the entire Chapin community can get reading. Whenever a book is available digitally through the Annenberg Center for Learning and Research, you will see a link that will take you directly to the title so you can check it out. We have also included links to eBooks and audiobooks when those titles are available through the New York Public Library. As always, a public library card can open up a world of stories and resources, and we highly encourage all members of the Chapin community to get one (online) at their local branch.

 

Summer is the time to read languorously, diversely, and with pleasure. We are confident that the titles in our 2020 Summer Readings Lists lists will capture imaginations and hearts. We wish you all a safe and healthy summer.

 

Take care,

Liza Oldham, Director of the Annenberg Center for Learning and Research
Natasha Goldberg, Middle School Librarian
Christina Kover, Lower School Librarian
Lucy Davis, Library Associate