The 2020 summer reading list was created by our high school librarian, Amy Veling, and inspired by the work of and conversations with Landmark’s Diversity and Inclusion Advocates, a group of faculty on campus that strives to recognize racial and cultural inequality and to help make sure that the school community embraces diversity and is welcoming and safe for all.
In the wake of the recent killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, and the outcry of national protests, we wanted to use the summer reading assignment as an opportunity to ask our Landmark students and faculty to explore new perspectives. Senseless incidents like these happen a lot and are just one part of the long history of systemic racism that exists in this country. We know that while schools strive to be a safe space for all, the lives of many students, faculty, and staff are impacted daily by racism.
We are impressed by Landmark students’ ability to empathize with the experience of being misunderstood or underestimated because of their learning disability, and we want all students to continue developing their empathy for and awareness of the experience of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, immigration, and socioeconomic status.
Teachers everywhere are experiencing the stress that comes with losing our regular routines and personal networks due to COVID-19 school closures, so this feels like a crucial time to challenge ourselves and think about our own experiences of privilege, or the lack thereof. We encourage you to take some time to learn more about how the problem of racism exists in our nation today, to talk with your colleagues and students about this reality, and to seek ways in which you and your students can be part of creating a better future.
This reading list includes titles with links to purchase, as well as the number of pages in each book and (if known) its lexile level. For more information about determining a student’s lexile level, see this resource.
Thank you to Landmark’s Diversity and Inclusion Advocates and Landmark High School librarian, Amy Veling, for sharing their powerful words and suggested books.
Download the list of 2020 Landmark High School summer reading suggestions.
DownloadLet us know what you think! Email outreach@landmarkschool.org to share your thoughts and strategies.
