Summer reading plays an important part in our approach to learning. Dr. Cynthia Cohen of Boston Children's Health Physicians notes that "Books act as windows into different worlds, cultures, and experiences. By reading diverse literature, children develop empathy and understanding for others and foster their own emotional intelligence." Those ideas are at the core of the ISB experience. Through reading and other daily lessons and interactions, our students learn to think critically, communicate across cultures, and grow into open-minded, globally aware individuals prepared to make a difference in the world.

I recently asked several of my colleagues who are on campus this summer to share what is on their summer reading list. Selections include celebrated novels, French classics, and global nonfiction, as well as books about gardening, parenting, and cybersecurity. Some are for professional growth, others are purely for pleasure, but together they offer a glimpse into the personalities, passions, and lifelong curiosity of the people who make up ISB's multilingual and multicultural faculty and staff.

From the Bookshelves of ISB Faculty and Staff

Reading also has proven cognitive and social-emotional benefits for adults. I recently asked several of my colleagues who are on campus this summer to share what is on their summer reading list. Selections include celebrated novels, French classics, and global nonfiction, as well as books about gardening, parenting, and cybersecurity. Some are for professional growth, others are purely for pleasure, but together they offer a glimpse into the personalities, passions, and lifelong curiosity of the people who make up ISB's multilingual and multicultural faculty and staff.

• Alex Baez, System Administrator and DEIB Manager
  "When I'm not in the yard, I like reading about plants. Everything from how they grow, how different people use them, how different species interact, etc. However, Trevor Noah's Born a Crime is my airplane read of choice at the moment."
   
• Mathieu Cladidier, Director of Secondary School French Programs and School-wide French Affairs​
  "Inside the Box: How Constraints Make us Better," by David Epstein. He is the author of another book I liked called Range."
   
• Sarah Klein, Assistant to the Middle School Division Director
  "London Falling: A Mysterious Death in a Gilded City and a Family's Search for Truth by Patrick Radden Keefe. I loved his previous book, Say Nothing."
   
• Michael Nickerson, Network Administrator 
  "CompTIA SecAI+ Exam CY0-001 study guide by Mike Chapple."
   
• Marie Olivier, Assistant to the Upper School Division Director
  "​Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. Every summer I read some of the students' summer reading requirements.​​​​​​"
   
• Alex Patturelli, Director of Admission & Enrollment Management 
  "Everyone in this Bank is a Thief, Benjamin Stevenson. It is the fourth installment of Stevenson's murder mystery series, which takes you from the bird's-eye view of the amateur detective Ernest Cunningham. It has a lot of humor and lots of twists. I got into the books when I was on paternity leave with my second child. I like the puzzle but love the reveal at the end."
   
• Christine Pierce, Associate Director of Annual Giving & Engagement 
  "Very soon I am going to start Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. Rereading old favorites is my favorite pastime, including The Count of Monte Cristo, Custom of the Country, and Hamlet."
   
• Stephanie Sweeny, Director of College Counseling 
  "Bringing Up Bébé. As a new mom who wants to raise a bilingual and bi-cultural son, I am curious to learn how parenting differs from one culture to another."
   
• Richard Ulffers, Head of School 
  "I am my way through Ian Fleming's spy novels. Part escapism and part nostalgia, in that many of the films tend to track fairly closely to the original text. I am considering a Dave Eggers release, Contrapposto, which has received solid reviews. I enjoy reading books/literature outside of education per se as a way to broaden one's imagination."
   
• Kathryn Ulmer, Secondary School Assistant Director/Middle School Principal
  "This summer I'm looking forward to reading Audition by Katie Kitamura and Ordures! by Simon Paré-Poupart. I like to alternate reading in English and in French and often have more than one book going at a time. These are the two I'll be adding to the books I'm currently reading, which are: Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake, The Land in Winter by Andrew Miller, Quand tu écouteras cette chanson by Lola Lafon, and I'm enjoying revisiting one of my favorites, La nuit des temps by Barjavel."

As a passionate golf fan, I am using summer to catch up on new releases in the sport. I loved A Course Called Home by Tom Coyne, which is equal parts golf story and reflection on community and purpose. I also just finished Rory: The Heartache and Triumph of Golf's Most Human Superstar by Alan Shipnuck. Next on my list is Aren't You That Golf Guy? by popular Golf Channel reporter Rich Lerner.

 

Books to Keep French Alive at Home

Families often ask how they can help maintain their children’s connection to French over the summer and keep the language alive at home. If you are looking to round out your summer reading list, Camille Trou, Elementary School Learning Support Specialist, has compiled her recommendations in the following documents: Keeping French Alive This Summer: A Parent's Guide to Listening, Talking, Reading & Playing and Reading in French This Summer: A Parent's Guide (Kindergarten to Grade 5). These guides provide practical ideas and inspiration for incorporating French into your family’s summer routine and creating meaningful opportunities to practice the language together.

From Summer Reading to Year-round Curiosity

As summer fades into fall, ISB will keep the reading momentum alive.

• ISB and the Cambridge Public Library are collaborating to host a French story time and a music-and-movement session on Saturday, October 3rd at 10:30 AM, where children will sing, move, enjoy a classic book read aloud in French, and create a small craft to take home. Parents will also receive simple, effective tips to support interactive reading at home. This partnership is designed to spark curiosity, build cultural awareness, and make language learning joyful for all! You can learn more about this event for prospective families here. 
• In addition to regular Elementary School Open Library hours, our Elementary School librarians collaborate to host a number of student and parent events throughout the year. Stay tuned for more information on our 2026-2027 event calendar, which will include the return of this year's All-School Book Swap. 
• ISB also participates in D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read). This nationwide event commemorates Beverly Cleary's birthday and promotes and celebrates reading. 

What Will You Read?

Which of these books would you add to your reading list? What title would you recommend to our community? However you're spending your summer, we hope it's filled with curiosity, creativity, and good stories. Bonne lecture ! 

 

About the Author: Andrea Gosselin joined ISB in April 2023 as the Director of Strategic Engagement, a role that encompasses marketing, communications, fundraising, and engagement. She previously worked at Dexter Southfield, Merrimack College, and Tilton School. She is a proud graduate of St. Michael's College, where she received her B.A. in Journalism & Mass Communications. Outside of work, Andrea enjoys reading, golf, and being near the water.