Summer Reading Program Comes to Life

Marian Girls gathered by grade level to bring their summer reading experiences to life through conversations with authors, experts and one another.

Reading great literature is a cornerstone of a Marian education, and Marian’s Summer Reading Program is designed to give students opportunities to engage with both classical and contemporary works beyond the traditional school year. Through reading, discussion and related projects, students develop skills for lifelong learning while becoming part of a larger community of readers.

Students enrolled in a college preparatory English class are required to read one book over the summer, while students in honors English courses read two. This year, each grade level focused on a featured novel and came together for a special book talk centered on its themes, ideas and real-world connections.

The Class of 2030 began the day with Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys. The bestselling author joined the freshman class via Zoom from her home in Tennessee to speak about her novel and answer questions from students.

Sophomores explored Verify by Joelle Charbonneau. Speaking via Zoom from Chicago, Charbonneau shared insights into her novel with the Class of 2029.

For the junior class, the discussion centered on Few Blue Skies by Carolina Ixta. Dr. Kristina Kintziger, Professor of Health and Environment at the UNMC College of Public Health, spoke with the Class of 2028 about themes and topics connected to the novel.

The Class of 2027 wrapped up the morning with Culpability by Bruce Holsinger. Joining students via Zoom from his home in Virginia, Holsinger discussed his novel and gave seniors the opportunity to hear directly from the author behind their summer reading.

After each presentation, students broke into small groups to discuss the books further, share their perspectives and dive deeper into the themes and ideas they encountered while reading.

From hearing directly from authors to exploring important themes with an expert in the field, today’s book talks gave students the opportunity to experience literature beyond the page. The conversations were a reminder that reading is not simply an individual experience, it is something that can connect people, spark new perspectives and bring a community together.

As F. Scott Fitzgerald once wrote, “That is part of the beauty of all literature. You discover that your longings are universal longings, that you're not lonely and isolated from anyone. You belong.”

Today, Marian’s students experienced exactly that kind of connection as they came together to read, reflect and share in the power of a good book.