Lower School

Reading Lists (2026)

Reading lists for the 2026-27 school year

Rising Pre-K and Kinder

Summer Reading Recommendations

There are many wonderful books that Prekindergarten and Kindergarten students will enjoy. We encourage parents to read often to their children over the summer months remembering that children of this age enjoy 'reading the pictures' as well as the words. They can even make up their own stories to accompany the illustrations. Kinkaid does not require that Prekindergarten and Kindergarten students read a certain number of books or keep a list of what they read. The sharing of books over the summer is our only objective.

Rising First Grade

Summer Reading Recommendations

The HAISLN reading list offers suggestions for books for first grade students. Books other than those on the HAISLN list are wonderful as well. We encourage parents to read often to their children over the summer months. Kinkaid does not require that first graders read a certain number of books or keep a list of what they read. The sharing of books over the summer is our only objective.

Rising Second Grade

Summer Reading Recommendations

The HAISLN list offers suggestions for books students going into second grade will enjoy. We expect students to read at least ten on their reading level this summer. A form on which to keep a list of all the books they read can be found online. The list should be signed by a parent and returned to their new second grade teacher on the first day of school.

Rising Third Grade

Summer Reading Recommendations

Students entering third grade should read at least ten books on their reading level this summer. The HAISLN list has recommended titles for entering third grade. Students will keep a list of all the books they read on a special form. The list should be signed by a parent and returned to their new third grade teacher on the first day of school.

Third Grade Reading Log

Rising Fourth Grade

Summer Reading Recommendations

Students entering fourth grade are required to read at least ten books this summer. There is a form on which to keep a list of the books they read. The HAISLN list has recommended titles for entering fourth grade and is a great place to start looking for summer titles.

Reading lists must be signed by a parent and returned to their new fourth grade teacher on the first day of school.

Fourth Grade Reading Log

Reading Lists

Where to Purchase Books

Introduction

Parents, start here to learn about the benefits of summer reading!

Middle School

Reading Lists (2026)

Click on any of the links below to view summer reading materials and instructions on LibGuides

5th GradeSummer Reading

6th GradeSummer Reading

7th GradeSummer Reading

8th GradeSummer Reading

Upper School

Upper School Summer Reading and Summer Work 2026

Updated May 20 2026

Students are expected to read at least three books this summer — including required reads in English, certain computer science classes, and AP European History, plus one or two free choice selections from the lists below — all of which must be titles you have not previously read.

Required Class Reading:

English I: The Odyssey (A Graphic Novel) by Gareth Hinds
- Prep for Graphic Novel of The Odyssey
- Slide Presentation to Kinkaid 8th Graders
English II: Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
English III: Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover
On-Level 12th Grade English: Foster by Claire Keegan
AP 12th Grade English: The Round House by Louise Erdrich
AP Computer Science: Computational Fairy Tales by Jeremy Kubica
Algorithms and Structures: Algorithms to Live By by Brian Christian & Tom Griffiths
AP European History: The Prince by Machiavelli

FREE CHOICE (one or two books depending on number of required reads) You must read books that you have NOT read before. We encourage you to choose from the lists below.

Houston Area Independent Schools Library Network
- HAISLN List
History/Social Sciences and Science Suggestions
- AP Government: America's Constitution, A Biography by Akhil Reed Amar**
CLEF
- All CLEF Classes (except Decisions): How Adam Smith Can Change Your Life: An Unexpected Guide to Human Nature and Happiness by Russ Roberts***

*Required reading throughout the school year, so encouraged to read during the summer.
**No credit given
***Required to be read by the end of the first month of class as part of the course curricula.

Class Materials

Summer materials for select AP & Honors courses