Freshman Reading List: Exploring Diverse Perspectives and Challenging Norms

The transition from high school to college is a significant milestone, often marked by intellectual exploration and personal growth. One way colleges facilitate this transition is through common reading programs, where incoming freshmen engage with a shared text. These programs aim to foster a sense of community, spark intellectual discussions, and expose students to diverse perspectives on relevant social issues. This article explores a selection of books commonly assigned to or suggested for incoming college students, highlighting the weighty issues they address, such as climate change, neurodiversity, political divides, and the search for identity.

Books Assigned to Incoming College Students

All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis

Curated by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katherine K. Wilkinson, "All We Can Save" is a powerful collection of essays, poetry, and art by diverse female artists addressing the urgent issue of climate change. The book challenges the underrepresentation of female voices in the climate conversation, providing a platform for dozens of women to share their perspectives and solutions. Binghamton University in New York selected "All We Can Save" for its common reading experience for first-year students.

Be Different: My Adventures with Asperger's & My Advice for Fellow Aspergians, Misfits, Families and Teachers

In "Be Different," New York Times bestselling author John Elder Robison offers a vulnerable and insightful look at his experiences navigating life with autism spectrum disorder. Through personal stories and lessons learned, Robison advocates for neurodivergent and autistic individuals, as well as anyone who feels different. Appalachian State University in North Carolina chose "Be Different" as its common read for incoming students, promoting understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity.

Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teaching of Plants

Robin Wall Kimmerer's "Braiding Sweetgrass" is a collection of essays that beautifully intertwines the author's scientific understanding as a botanist with her Indigenous perspective. Exploring the theme of relationships within nature, Kimmerer delves into the interconnectedness of all living things. Washington State University selected this New York Times bestseller for its common reading experience for two consecutive years, even hosting a virtual lecture by Kimmerer. Marist College in New York also includes "Braiding Sweetgrass" in its common reading program.

Brown Girls

Daphne Palasi Andeades' debut novel, "Brown Girls," follows the lives of immigrant girls growing up in Queens, New York, as they navigate American culture. This coming-of-age story explores themes of female friendship and identity as the girls grapple with the transition from childhood to adulthood and attempt to find their place in society. City University New York-Baruch College requires all students participating in the first-year seminar to read "Brown Girls."

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I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times

Mónica Guzmán's "I Never Thought of It That Way" examines the causes of increasing political polarization in recent years. As a journalist and advocate for depolarization, Guzmán encourages readers to embrace curiosity as a tool for understanding different perspectives, rather than retreating into echo chambers. Elon University in North Carolina assigned this book to all first-year students, hoping to foster open-mindedness and critical engagement with diverse viewpoints on relevant social issues.

Made in China: A Memoir of Love and Labor

Anna Qu's memoir, "Made in China," recounts her experiences as a 15-year-old who reported her parents to the Office of Family and Child Services for neglect and abuse stemming from forced labor in a Queens, New York, sweatshop. Estranged from her parents for nearly 20 years, Qu reconsiders her past and questions the narrative she once believed to be true. "Made in China" explores themes of trauma, family dynamics, and the meaning of work. Florida International University selected this memoir as its common reading book for first-year students.

Now Is Not the Time to Panic

Kevin Wilson's "Now Is Not the Time to Panic" tells the story of two teenagers, Frankie Budge and Zeke, who bond over their shared creative interests and feelings of being social outcasts in Coalfield, Tennessee. The two create a provocative poster that sends the town into a panic when it is anonymously reprinted and posted everywhere. Years later, a journalist investigates the Coalfield Panic. Vanderbilt University in Tennessee selected this coming-of-age novel for all incoming students

Parable of the Sower

Octavia Butler's "Parable of the Sower," a speculative fiction novel set in the early to mid-2020s, follows the life of Lauren Olamina, a 15-year-old California girl with hyperempathy. This dystopian story explores themes of climate change, economic crises, and social chaos, prompting readers to consider the fragility of society and the importance of resilience. The University of Kansas assigned this New York Times bestseller as its campus-wide common reading choice.

The Movement Made Us: A Father, a Song, and the Legacy of a Freedom Ride

David Dennis, Jr., and David Dennis, Sr., co-authored "The Movement Made Us," a memoir that offers insight into the experiences of those fighting for civil rights through the lens of both the 1960s Civil Rights Movement and the modern Black Lives Matter movement. Davidson College in North Carolina chose "The Movement Made Us" for its common reading program.

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The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative

Florence Williams explores the personal health benefits of spending time in nature in "The Nature Fix." Williams investigates how nature can enhance happiness, health, and creativity.

Books That Shaped Readers

Beyond assigned reading, certain books have left a lasting impact on readers, shaping their perspectives and influencing their life choices. A survey of readers revealed a range of books that profoundly affected them during their high school years.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, "To Kill a Mockingbird," was an eye-opening experience for many readers, particularly its exploration of racism through the eyes of a child. The novel's themes of justice, empathy, and moral courage resonated deeply with readers, prompting them to confront prejudice and inequality.

1984 by George Orwell

George Orwell's dystopian novel, "1984," encouraged readers to think critically, question authority, and be wary of state surveillance. The novel's chilling depiction of a totalitarian society served as a cautionary tale, urging readers to safeguard individual freedoms and resist oppression.

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye" gave voice to the angst and alienation many readers felt in their teen years. Holden Caulfield's disdain for "phonies" resonated with readers, who admired his authenticity and his desire to protect innocence.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Ray Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451" depicts a dystopian future where books are prohibited, and critical thinking is suppressed. The novel serves as a warning against apathy and the dangers of a society that prioritizes entertainment over knowledge.

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath" offered readers a perspective shift, fostering empathy for migrants and the exploited. The novel's depiction of the struggles of tenant farmers during the Great Depression highlighted the importance of class consciousness and social justice.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" explores themes of wealth, love, and the American dream. The novel's characters, flawed and complex, make terrible decisions, offering readers a glimpse into the darker side of human nature.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

Betty Smith's "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" resonated with readers who saw themselves in the story of the Nolan family. The novel's themes of poverty, addiction, and resilience offered solace and hope to those facing similar challenges.

Animal Farm by George Orwell

George Orwell's "Animal Farm" served as an awakening for readers, prompting them to question the motives of government and to be wary of authoritarian rule. The novel's satirical allegory inspired activism and a commitment to speaking out against injustice.

Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut

Kurt Vonnegut's "Slaughterhouse-Five" introduced readers to the idea that adult books could be wild, fun, hilarious, serious, and important all at the same time. The novel's anti-war message and its exploration of trauma resonated deeply with readers.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou's "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" offered readers a new perspective on race, privilege, and the power of resilience. The autobiography inspired hope and encouraged readers to embrace their humanity and to dream of a better future.

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" opened readers' minds to a vast world of depth, imagination, magic, history, languages, cultures, peoples, and possibilities. The fantasy novel inspired readers to believe that even a single individual can fight for good.

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

S.E. Hinton's "The Outsiders" helped readers navigate issues of identity and belonging as teens. The coming-of-age novel explored themes of friendship, loyalty, and the challenges of adolescence.

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

Mark Twain's "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" showed readers the history that helped them better understand the present and gave them perspective. The novel's exploration of race, slavery, and morality challenged readers to confront the complexities of the South's past.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley and Malcolm X

"The Autobiography of Malcolm X" opened readers' eyes to the transformative impact Malcolm X had on the Civil Rights Movement. The autobiography offered a different perspective on Malcolm X than what was presented in the news, highlighting the importance of learning things for oneself as it relates to American history.

Johnny Got His Gun by Dalton Trumbo

Dalton Trumbo's "Johnny Got His Gun" helped make the tragedy of war less abstract for readers. The novel created a feeling of empathy and led to pacifist, humanist beliefs.

Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse

Hermann Hesse's "Siddhartha" made readers question materialism and how 'important' having 'things' actually was for their happiness. The novel's exploration of spiritual discovery resonated deeply with readers.

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

Anne Frank's diary is still an entry point for many students to learn about the Holocaust. It's a history lesson from a girl, not a book.

Beloved by Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison's words "jumped off the pages and breathed life into my teenage brain". The book helped many young readers comprehend slavery in a way that went beyond what they were reading in their textbooks.

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Aldous Huxley's dystopian novel challenged many of our readers to question the status quo. Discussions of technology, societal roles, class hierarchy, etc. helped me to understand that conformity and acceptance of systems is not the only answer.

The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck

Pearl S. Buck's depiction of life in a Chinese village at the turn of the century.

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel about a woman in Puritan times punished for having a child out of wedlock. The book tackles themes of hypocrisy and accountability that are still at the forefront for high schoolers today.

The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien

Tim O'Brien's linked short-story collection about a platoon of soldiers fighting in Vietnam opened readers' eyes to the horrors of war.

Other Books

Learning in Public: Lessons for a Racially Divided America from My Daughter's School by Anna Malaika Tubbs: An exploration of the challenges and opportunities of creating racially diverse and inclusive schools.
Brilliant Green: The Surprising History and Science of Plant Intelligence by Stefano Mancuso and Alessandra Viola: An exploration of how plant behavior and adaptation offer valuable insights for human thriving.
Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III, Mark A. McDaniel: The international bestseller that has helped millions of students, teachers, and lifelong learners use proven approaches to learn better and remember longer.
Unflattening by Nick Sousanis: Written and drawn entirely as comics, Unflattening is an experiment in visual thinking.
The Intersectional Environmentalist: How to Dismantle Systems of Oppression to Protect People + Planet by Leah Thomas: An exploration of the intersection of environmentalism and social justice.
Give a Damn: Why So Few People Act and Why It Matters by Catherine A. Sanderson: Why do so few of us intervene when we’re needed-and what would it take to make us step up?
Therigatha: The First Buddhist Women translated by Charles Hallisey: A stunning modern translation of a Buddhist classic that is also one of the oldest literary texts in the world written by women.
How College Works by Daniel Chambliss and Christopher Takacs: What choices can students make, and what can teachers and university leaders do, to improve more students’ experiences and help them achieve the most from their time and money?
What the Best College Teachers Do by Ken Bain: This book offers valuable answers for all educators. The short answer is-it’s not what teachers do, it’s what they understand.
Rethinking Sex: A Provocation by Christine Emba: The book that every dean and department chair needs to survive-and thrive-in the twenty-first-century university.
Attensity!: Reclaiming Humanity by Lachi: With style and straight talk, musician and changemaker Lachi flips disability and neurodivergence into an empowering identity, a cultural movement, and an innovation engine. Attensity! is a rallying cry to fight the commodification of human attention, with the tools we need to reclaim our humanity, by a group of writers, artists, and activists in the vanguard of the movement.

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