Recommended Reading Lists
Reading for enjoyment is a priceless pastime that people of all ages enjoy. To cultivate this in our students, TF South is pleased to offer a recommended reading list to all students. There is no required reading for any coursework; however, if you would like suggestions, feel free to peruse the list below.
These books may be found in a variety of locations and students are NOT required to purchase them. Your public library (Lansing or Glenwood-Lynwood) is a great place to check for a copy of a book or ebook.
Suggestions for all grades
- Any titles from the Illinois State Library Read for a Lifetime list, available at
https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/library/center_for_the_book/pdfs/rfl-booklist-2022-2023.pdf
A few standouts on the above list: I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys; This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron; and If You’re Reading This by Trent Reedy
AP Language and Composition Suggested Reading
Nonfiction Options
- Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou
- Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell
- The Road to Jonestown: Jim Jones and Peoples Temple by Jeff Guinn
- Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand
- Becoming by Michelle Obama
- Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
- Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines by Nic Sheff
- Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
- Educated by Tara Westover
- Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance
- The Color of Water by James McBride
Fiction Options
- The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon
- Circe by Madeline Miller
- A Woman is No Man by Etaf Rum
- Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
- The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
- Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult
- The Help by Kathryn Stockett
- Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
- Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
- The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Printable Documents
Required Summer Reading