The summer is fast approaching, which means it’s crucial for your
teens to maintain their academic gains from the previous semester. One
of the easiest ways to do this is by encouraging reading as it’s
great for helping students stay on top of their spelling, grammar and
creative writing skills. Here at Tutor Doctor we know that there are way
too many books to choose from and it’s difficult to know which ones
are the best. That’s why we’ve narrowed it down to our four
must-read books for teens this summer.
All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
All the Bright Places follows the story of Finch and Violet, who are both
dealing with different mental health issues. When the two meet on top
of their school bell tower, they find themselves both considering jumping
off, but somehow manage to save one another from doing so. When they then
pair up for a project, they both find themselves feeling comfortable being
their true selves around each other. However, as Violet’s world
begins to grow, Finch’s starts to get darker. How far will Violet
go to help save the boy she has grown to love? This novel is not only
gripping but a powerful read about the effects of mental illness and how
it impacts the people around those suffering.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
To Kill a Mockingbird is a truly fantastic read that is sure to have any
teen hooked right from the word go! Harper Lee explores the radical tensions
in a tired old town called Maycomb, Alabama across three years (1933–35).
What’s really mesmerising about this tale is that it’s told
thought the eyes of 6-year-old Scout Finch. Whilst her lawyer father,
Atticus, defends a black man accused of rape, Scout learns about the unfair
treatment of African-Americans alongside some fascinating secrets about
their mysterious neighbour, Boo Radley. A timeless classic!
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
This book follows the story of freshman Charlie, who is a ‘wallflower,’
which means he stands back timidly watching others live life, too scared
to participate. Throughout the novel we watch Charlie really come out
of his shell as he realises he can’t stay on the sidelines forever.
He starts to make new friends, goes to parties and even falls in love.
However along the way Charlie finds himself dealing with the confusions
of sex and love, the temptations of drugs and the pain of losing loved
ones. A thought-provoking, coming-of-age story that many older teens will
be able to identify with and learn from.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon
This beautifully written book follows the life of mathematically gifted
Christopher John Francis Boone. Christopher’s autism means that
he has an overwhelming fear of interacting with others, meaning his day-to-day
life can be challenging. When he discovers that his neighbor’s dog
is mysteriously murdered, he starts to overcomes his fears and begins
to investigate the murder, uncovering some surprising secrets about his
mother on the way.
