Escape Into Books

SummerReading2020_cropped

“Reading can take you places you have never been before.” –Dr. Seuss

Reading has a powerful way of taking us to new spaces where we can’t physically go. It provides the perfect escape to help reduce stress and improve our well-being. At this time of isolation and social distancing, one can find comfort in the adventures and characters created within the world of books.

NCGS is pleased to release its 2020 summer reading lists for girls. Special thanks go to the collaborative efforts of the Helen Temple Cooke Library team and English department at Dana Hall School for curating this year’s suggestions. In recognition of women’s suffrage around the globe, titles reflect stories related to political and civic engagement, activism, civil discourse, and enacting change. This year marks the 100th anniversary of women earning the right to vote in the United States, though it wasn’t until the 1960s that women of color were able to freely exercise that right. The passing of the 19^th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution followed successful suffrage movements in 40 other countries where voting booths were opened to women in the first 30 years of the 20th century. While women have come a long way, the average number of women serving in major governing bodies worldwide today is only 24%. This is why NCGS felt it was important to continue inspiring girls to follow in the footsteps of the daring women who gathered 100 or more years ago, demanding to be heard.

Reading lists are thoughtfully organized by grade levels:

As a thought-leader in girls’ education, NCGS curates Books of Interest for students and provides over 60 suggested titles for educators and parents. Books of Interest along with our Films of Interest, with over 40 available documentaries, are also excellent resources for identifying all-faculty/staff reading and viewing material for professional development and enrichment.

Megan Murphy, Executive Director, National Coalition of Girls’ Schools