To that end we ask students to read at least three books over the summer vacation, the all-school book and at least two others. There are many choices which should appeal to different age groups and different interests. This year we will have two all school books, Sarah's Page by Anna Murray for rising eighth, ninth, and tenth graders and Annie Dillard's Pilgrim at Tinker Creek for rising juniors and seniors. Summer reading complements the St. Margaret's curriculum. During the school year there is much emphasis on guided reading throughout the curriculum.
Students study literary techniques, themes, and vocabulary in a formal manner.
Students analyze literature using a variety of genres and become involved in literary criticism. During the summer students may continue formal analyses and may also make some choices in what they wish to read. For that reason the reading list is fairly extensive and contains brief annotations which provide the prospective reader with some idea of the content of each book. Part of the reading program involves responses to the books read. Again, there are deliberate options for responses.