Maus by Art Spiegelman is a graphic novel that tells the story of a Jewish survivor of the Holocaust. The book uses animals to portray different groups of people, with Jews as mice and Nazis as cats, exploring the deep trauma of the Holocaust and its lasting impact on future generations.
The Foundation for a Meaningful Life
Kindergarten - Grade 9 in Southborough, MA
Kindergarten - Grade 9 in Southborough, MA
K-9 Learning
Fay School Teacher Book Recommendations
18 Book Recommendations from Fay's Faculty Members
Are you searching for books that will keep your child engaged and reinforce the joy of reading? Look no further! Fay's faculty members recently compiled a list of book suggestions for elementary and middle school students. The list has something for everyone - a cookbook, graphic novels, a memoir, and more!
The Yellow Bus by Loren Long
Katie Knuppel - Head of Primary School
The Yellow Bus by Loren Long is a heartfelt tale of a bright yellow school bus that finds joy in carrying children through life’s journeys, even as time brings change, new passengers, and eventually, an end to her daily routes. With beautiful illustrations and a timeless message, the story celebrates resilience, new beginnings, and the enduring happiness found in unexpected places.
The Yellow Bus by Loren Long is a heartfelt tale of a bright yellow school bus that finds joy in carrying children through life’s journeys, even as time brings change, new passengers, and eventually, an end to her daily routes. With beautiful illustrations and a timeless message, the story celebrates resilience, new beginnings, and the enduring happiness found in unexpected places.
Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival
Taylor MacPherson and Kate Noel - Kindergarten Teachers
Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival tells the story of Ruby, a young girl whose life changes when she discovers a small worry that grows bigger the more she ignores it. Through sharing her feelings with a friend, Ruby learns that talking about her worries helps them shrink and become more manageable.
Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival tells the story of Ruby, a young girl whose life changes when she discovers a small worry that grows bigger the more she ignores it. Through sharing her feelings with a friend, Ruby learns that talking about her worries helps them shrink and become more manageable.
The Big Cheese by Jory John
Kelly Porter - Grade One Teacher
Big Cheese is the best at everything, and brags about it, too. When the annual Cheese-cathlon comes around, the Big Cheese is prepared to win, as always. But what happens when the quiet new kid, Wedge Wedgeman, comes out on top? Is a slice of humility all the Big Cheese needs to discover that some things are better than being the best?
The Big Cheese is a fantastic story that teaches students the importance of celebrating both their own accomplishments and the successes of others! Through this engaging tale, children learn that while competition can be fun, it’s kindness and support that truly matter. A must-read for
building empathy and teamwork! - Kelly
Big Cheese is the best at everything, and brags about it, too. When the annual Cheese-cathlon comes around, the Big Cheese is prepared to win, as always. But what happens when the quiet new kid, Wedge Wedgeman, comes out on top? Is a slice of humility all the Big Cheese needs to discover that some things are better than being the best?
The Big Cheese is a fantastic story that teaches students the importance of celebrating both their own accomplishments and the successes of others! Through this engaging tale, children learn that while competition can be fun, it’s kindness and support that truly matter. A must-read for
building empathy and teamwork! - Kelly
Friends Beyond Measure by Lalena Fisher
Willa Gustavson - Grade Two Teacher
Friends Beyond Measure by Lalena Fisher tells the story of Ana and Harwin, two best friends whose bond is tested when Harwin moves away. Using creative infographics and charts, the book explores the depth of their friendship and how they find ways to stay connected despite the distance.
This book teaches you about math, graphing, and comparing -- but most of all, it’s about friendship! I love books that make me feel things, and this book makes me smile, laugh, and want to cry. - Willa
Friends Beyond Measure by Lalena Fisher tells the story of Ana and Harwin, two best friends whose bond is tested when Harwin moves away. Using creative infographics and charts, the book explores the depth of their friendship and how they find ways to stay connected despite the distance.
This book teaches you about math, graphing, and comparing -- but most of all, it’s about friendship! I love books that make me feel things, and this book makes me smile, laugh, and want to cry. - Willa
President of the Jungle by André Rodrigues
Maggie McCarthy - Grade Two Teacher
President of the Jungle by André Rodrigues is a whimsical tale where the animals of the jungle decide to hold an election after Lion raises taxes without consulting anyone. Through their lively campaign and voting process, the story introduces readers to the basics of democracy and the importance of fairness and participation.
President of the Jungle by André Rodrigues is a whimsical tale where the animals of the jungle decide to hold an election after Lion raises taxes without consulting anyone. Through their lively campaign and voting process, the story introduces readers to the basics of democracy and the importance of fairness and participation.
Ali the Great Saves the Day by Saadia Faruqi
Courtney Lauriat - Primary School Librarian and Reading Teacher
Ali the Great Saves the Day by Saadia Faruqi follows Ali, a determined young boy, who discovers the power of teamwork and creativity while solving a neighborhood problem. Through his actions, Ali learns the value of helping others and proves that even small heroes can make a big difference.
Ali the Great Saves the Day by Saadia Faruqi follows Ali, a determined young boy, who discovers the power of teamwork and creativity while solving a neighborhood problem. Through his actions, Ali learns the value of helping others and proves that even small heroes can make a big difference.
The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! by Mo Willems
Rich Roberts - Upper School English and History Teacher
The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! by Mo Willems follows Pigeon, who is determined to avoid going to school at all costs. Through humorous antics and his dramatic objections, Pigeon eventually discovers that school might not be as scary as he imagined, and it could even be fun!
The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! by Mo Willems follows Pigeon, who is determined to avoid going to school at all costs. Through humorous antics and his dramatic objections, Pigeon eventually discovers that school might not be as scary as he imagined, and it could even be fun!
World Kitchen by Abigail Wheatley
Katie Buteau - Grade Three Teacher
This heartfelt book features a unique collection of recipes contributed by families from around the world. Each recipe has an introduction featuring the family who contributed it, and simple, step-by-step instructions.
This heartfelt book features a unique collection of recipes contributed by families from around the world. Each recipe has an introduction featuring the family who contributed it, and simple, step-by-step instructions.
Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne
Rachel Lipkin - Grade Three Teacher
Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne is the first book in the Magic Tree House series and it introduces siblings Jack and Annie, who discover a magical treehouse that transports them to the time of dinosaurs. As they explore the prehistoric world, they must use their wits to return home safely before the night falls.
Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne is the first book in the Magic Tree House series and it introduces siblings Jack and Annie, who discover a magical treehouse that transports them to the time of dinosaurs. As they explore the prehistoric world, they must use their wits to return home safely before the night falls.
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
Camden Fort - Lower School English Teacher
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander is a novel-in-verse that tells the story of 12-year-old Josh Bell, a talented basketball player navigating life alongside his twin brother, Jordan. Through lyrical poems, the book explores themes of family, identity, and loss as Josh learns to balance his passion for basketball with the challenges of growing up.
This book is so fun to read and a great choice for sports lovers and poetry enthusiasts alike. If you are looking for a book full of energy, rhythm, and the importance of family, this is the book for you! - Camden
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander is a novel-in-verse that tells the story of 12-year-old Josh Bell, a talented basketball player navigating life alongside his twin brother, Jordan. Through lyrical poems, the book explores themes of family, identity, and loss as Josh learns to balance his passion for basketball with the challenges of growing up.
This book is so fun to read and a great choice for sports lovers and poetry enthusiasts alike. If you are looking for a book full of energy, rhythm, and the importance of family, this is the book for you! - Camden
A Wolf Called Wander by Rosanne Parry
Lara Gleason - Lower School English Teacher
A Wolf Called Wander by Rosanne Parry is a story about a young wolf separated from his pack after a devastating attack. As he embarks on a perilous journey across the wilderness in search of a new home, he faces challenges of survival, encounters with humans and other animals, and the resilience needed to endure.
A Wolf Called Wander by Rosanne Parry is a story about a young wolf separated from his pack after a devastating attack. As he embarks on a perilous journey across the wilderness in search of a new home, he faces challenges of survival, encounters with humans and other animals, and the resilience needed to endure.
Parachute Kids by Betty Tang
Susanna Waters - Head of School
Parachute Kids by Betty Tang tells the story of three siblings living on their own as undocumented immigrants. As they navigate the challenges of cultural adaptation, identity, and family dynamics, they learn to cope with the pressures of being "parachute kids" and find their place in a foreign world.
This graphic novel is a suspenseful, absorbing, and funny story about a group of siblings who have to adjust to life in California after their parents move back to Taiwan. It has been a huge hit in the Waters household! - Susanna
This graphic novel is a suspenseful, absorbing, and funny story about a group of siblings who have to adjust to life in California after their parents move back to Taiwan. It has been a huge hit in the Waters household! - Susanna
Thirst by Varsha Bajaj
Haimin Luo - Librarian
Thirst is a heartfelt story about courage, resilience, and social justice through the eyes of 12-year-old Minni, who lives in a very poor area of Mumbai where water is extremely precious. When Minni discovers someone’s scheme to steal water, she faces difficult choices about standing up to corruption and injustice.
This book presents the harsh realities of life that many children in this part of the world may not be familiar with, but it definitely inspires hope. A very worthy read! - Haimin
Thirst is a heartfelt story about courage, resilience, and social justice through the eyes of 12-year-old Minni, who lives in a very poor area of Mumbai where water is extremely precious. When Minni discovers someone’s scheme to steal water, she faces difficult choices about standing up to corruption and injustice.
This book presents the harsh realities of life that many children in this part of the world may not be familiar with, but it definitely inspires hope. A very worthy read! - Haimin
Maus by Art Spiegelman
Matthew Lippman - Upper School English Teacher
This graphic novel is a beautiful and difficult personal story about the Holocaust. It’s a book about family history that explores personal turmoil through words and pictures and makes this time in world history very accessible. - Matthew
This graphic novel is a beautiful and difficult personal story about the Holocaust. It’s a book about family history that explores personal turmoil through words and pictures and makes this time in world history very accessible. - Matthew
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
Stephanie MacDonald - Upper School English Teacher
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson follows Pippa Fitz-Amobi, a high school senior investigating a closed case involving the murder of a girl named Andie Bell. As she digs deeper into the mystery, she uncovers shocking secrets and begins to question everything she thought she knew about the case and the people involved.
You will get hooked on this true-crime style murder mystery built for young readers! It is captivating and infuriating—most definitely a memorable read. - Stephanie
You will get hooked on this true-crime style murder mystery built for young readers! It is captivating and infuriating—most definitely a memorable read. - Stephanie
Wait Till Next Year by Doris Kearns Goodwin
Dan Roy - Upper School English Teacher
In Wait Till Next Year, Doris Kearns Goodwin reflects on her 1950s childhood in a close-knit neighborhood where baseball, family, and community were central to her life. Through her love for the Brooklyn Dodgers and cherished family memories, she weaves a poignant coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of postwar America.
This book is a beautiful blend of sports, history, identity, family and finding oneself through the lens of childhood and adulthood dreams that turn into reality. - Dan
In Wait Till Next Year, Doris Kearns Goodwin reflects on her 1950s childhood in a close-knit neighborhood where baseball, family, and community were central to her life. Through her love for the Brooklyn Dodgers and cherished family memories, she weaves a poignant coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of postwar America.
This book is a beautiful blend of sports, history, identity, family and finding oneself through the lens of childhood and adulthood dreams that turn into reality. - Dan
The Reading List By Sara Nisha Adams
Deb Smith - Assistant Director of Secondary School Counseling; Upper School English Teacher
In The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams, a lonely widower and a troubled young woman form an unexpected bond through a shared love of books discovered on a mysterious reading list. As they delve into the stories, they find solace, understanding, and the courage to face their personal struggles, ultimately transforming each other's lives.
The Reading List is about a list of books found inside a library book and the way that the titles on the list connect to the characters. Structured around the books on the list, this novel is beautifully written and delightful. - Deb
In The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams, a lonely widower and a troubled young woman form an unexpected bond through a shared love of books discovered on a mysterious reading list. As they delve into the stories, they find solace, understanding, and the courage to face their personal struggles, ultimately transforming each other's lives.
The Reading List is about a list of books found inside a library book and the way that the titles on the list connect to the characters. Structured around the books on the list, this novel is beautifully written and delightful. - Deb
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Learn More About Fay School
About Fay School
Fay School was founded in 1866 and is the oldest junior boarding school in the United States. Our 66-acre campus is located in Southborough, MA, just 25 miles from Boston. Our community includes 475 students in kindergarten through grade nine and includes 150 boarders in grades 7-9 from across the United States and over 25 countries. Fay is recognized around the world for its superior educational program, and our graduates are accepted to top secondary schools. Fay's program empowers students to discover their talents, develop their intellectual abilities, establish essential academic skills and knowledge, and define their moral character - all essential to living a life of meaning and making a positive difference in the world.
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48 MAIN STREET
SOUTHBOROUGH, MA 01772
main number 508-490-8250
admission 508-490-8201
SOUTHBOROUGH, MA 01772
main number 508-490-8250
admission 508-490-8201
