2012 Summer Reading Guide - Hopkins School

Lord, Walter A Night to Remember
A fabulous historical account of the glamorous Titanic, doomed to sink during her maiden voyage
from Southampton to New York. (There's a sequel: The Night Lives On.)
Maxwell, Gavin A Ring of Bright Water
This delightful and enlightening book discovers the wild animals that roam the coast of Scotland,
centering on the otters who live there.
PLAYS/POETRY
Eliot, T.S. Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats
Light verse about a variety of felines, from the 20th century's greatest poet. This is the book upon
which Cats the musical was based.
Gibson, William The Miracle Worker
An inspiring story of the young teacher Annie Sullivan, who brought the power of language to the
deaf and mute child, Helen Keller.
Kaufman, George & Moss Hart You Can't Take It with You
Blissfully untainted by work, competition, or greed, a wonderful, wacky family proves that life is to be
measured by enthusiastic endeavor rather than productivity.
McCormick, Patricia Sold
A story in verse of thirteen year-old Lakshmi, a typical young girl in Nepal until her family loses
everything to the monsoon. When her father solves the family’s dilemma by unwittingly selling
Lakshmi into prostitution, she finds herself living in a Calcutta brothel.
Nash, Ogden Candy is Dandy: The Best of Ogden Nash
One of America’s funniest poets: his nonsensical rhymes and puns make him enjoyable and
interesting. A light, entertaining read.
Nelson, Marilyn Carver: A Life in Poems
Nelson’s collection of poems offers readers a compelling, lyrical account of the life of revered African-
American botanist and inventor.
ADVENTURE
Defoe, Gideon The Pirates! In Adventures With Scientists
What would have happened if Charles Darwin’s scientific voyage to the Galapagos Islands had been
intercepted by a swashbuckling band of pirates? Read this imaginative tale.
Dumas, Alexandre The Count of Monte Cristo
After being falsely accused and imprisoned for life, Dantes gets revenge in the old-fashioned,
swashbuckling way, picking off his enemies after he miraculously escapes imprisonment.
Stevenson, Robert L. Treasure Island
A classic pirate tale with gore and rum and treasure enough for everyone. Come aboard!
Tolkien, J.R.R. The Hobbit
Bilbo Baggins, a charming but unlikely candidate for heroic adventures, finds himself on a journey of
magic and excitement, swept up in a battle against evil powers in Middle Earth.
Traven, B. Treasure of the Sierra Madre
Three misfits search for gold in the wilds of Mexico and discover the horrors of their own greed.
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