What Are Good Books for Freshmen in High School?
To help freshmen in high school find the perfect book to kick off their high school journey, we asked professionals from various fields for their top recommendations. From the books So Good They Can’t Ignore You to The Outsiders, here are the top four book suggestions shared by marketing managers, HR heads, and content leaders.
- So Good They Can’t Ignore You by Cal Newport
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
- The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
So Good They Can’t Ignore You by Cal Newport
If there ever was a specific period when you should put effort into figuring out who you are and what you want to do in the future, it’s the first years of high school. I believe that every child who dreams big and wants to leave their mark in the world should read Cal Newport’s So Good They Can’t Ignore You. The book challenges the popular saying to follow one’s passion and argues that, instead, focus on what you’re good at and develop skills that let you dominate in the future.
Natalia Brzezinska
Marketing and Outreach Manager, ePassportPhoto
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
If you’re looking for the best book for a freshman in high school, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is an excellent choice. The novel is a timeless classic that explores racism and injustice through the eyes of a young girl named Scout Finch. The novel is an easy read with an engaging plot and well-developed characters.
It offers a valuable moral lesson and is a must-read for anyone interested in literature or social justice. It is a popular choice among English teachers and is often included in high school curriculums across the US. So your freshman will have a good start to their high school journey.
Jefferson Mccall
Co-founder and HR Head, TechBullish
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
One excellent book for a freshman in high school is The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. This novel is a classic coming-of-age story that explores themes of identity, alienation, and adolescence.
The protagonist, Holden Caulfield, is a relatable and complex character who struggles to find his place in the world. The book is written in a conversational style that is accessible to young readers, and its themes apply to the experiences of many high school students.
It also offers a glimpse into the culture of the mid-twentieth century and can broaden a student’s perspective on the world. Overall, The Catcher in the Rye is an excellent choice for a freshman in high school because it is a classic work of literature that can engage and challenge young readers.
Paul Somerville
Editor-in-chief, Electric Scooter Guide
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
A good book for a freshman in high school is The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. This novel is a classic coming-of-age story that explores themes of identity, loyalty, and social class. It tells the story of Ponyboy Curtis, a teenage boy from a working-class family who must navigate the complex social dynamics of his community and grapple with the violence and prejudice that divides his world.
The Outsiders is an interesting read that speaks to the experiences and struggles of young people, particularly those who feel marginalized or misunderstood. It is written in a clear and accessible style that makes it easy for students to engage with the text, while also offering rich opportunities for discussion and critical analysis.
Overall, The Outsiders is an excellent choice for freshmen in high school because it is both relatable and thought-provoking, and it has the potential to inspire meaningful conversations about important social issues.
Tiffany Payne
Head of Content, PharmacyOnline.co.uk
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