Reading Never Takes a Vacation
At Saint Thomas More Academy, our students read stories, poems, histories, and narratives that have shaped hearts and minds for centuries. These “Great Books” are not only important for their historical and literary significance, but they truly are classics - timeless writings that help people discover truth, beauty, and goodness.
Being exposed to excellent literature and fostering of a genuine love for reading brings countless benefits to a child’s heart and mind. In particular, the reading of beautiful books:
-
Nurtures Character and Virtue - Literature offers readers vivid examples of virtue and vice and the consequences of actions good or bad. Students learn what it means to live well, to choose rightly, and to cultivate wisdom.
-
Sharpens the Mind - Engaging with challenging texts builds intellectual stamina. Students learn to think deeply, reason clearly, and wrestle with big ideas—skills that prepare them for a lifetime of learning.
-
Connects Us to Culture and History - Great works of literature are part of the “Great Conversation” of the various traditions and cultures that make up Western civilization. By reading them, students enter into dialogue with the best minds of the past and gain cultural literacy that enriches every subject they study.
-
Develops a Love for Language - Rich vocabulary, beautiful expression, and compelling narratives spark joy in reading. Students not only become fluent readers but also eloquent writers and speakers.
Reading Lists by Grade
Our curated reading lists guide students through age-appropriate selections that inspire wonder. From Aesop’s Fables to Homer, Dante, Shakespeare, Twain, Tolkien and beyond, our students are introduced to the voices that have shaped civilization.
Each grade builds upon the last, creating a unified journey of discovery. These Reading Lists are designed to prepare families and students for an academic year at STMA, and families are encouraged to engage with these texts together.
More Than an Assignment—A Way of Life
We do not read in the summer simply to finish a book list. We read to live well. By encountering the great ideas, noble characters, and enduring stories of literature, our students learn what it means to be fully human.