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2025 FWCD Summer Reading: Universal Book

Universal Book Information

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was chosen by the Reading Committee to be the 2025 Universal Book for FWCD's Upper School. 

Students will be expected to do the following: 

  1. Obtain their copy of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (rising 10th-12th graders will receive their copy from Mrs. Blan during summer reading sessions, rising 9th graders from Mrs. Blan in their English classes, and new students from Mrs. Wakeland in the Upper School office).
  2. Read the required short stories from The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and complete the assigned questions during the summer. Visit your grade level page for assignment instructions.
    Required stories to read: "A Scandal in Bohemia," "The Red-headed League," "The Speckled Band," and any two additional stories of your choice.  
  3. Participate in the Universal Book Program and breakout sessions on date TBD.

All summer reading assignments are due August 19, the first day of school.

Sherlock Holmes

Venture back in time to Victorian London to join literature's greatest detective team — the brilliant Sherlock Holmes and his devoted assistant, Dr. Watson — as they investigate a dozen of their best-known cases. Originally published in 1892, this is the first and best collection of stories about the legendary sleuth. 

Past Universal Books

Hamilton: An Exploration of History, Art, and Democracy
2024
Historical Fiction

Questions about Upper School Summer Reading?

Contact:

Sarah Blan, Upper School Librarian
sarah.blan@fwcd.com

Laura Hayes, 9th and 10th Grade English
laura.hayes@fwcd.com

Jocelyn Cipolaro, 9th and 10th Grade English
jocelyn.cipolaro@fwcd.com

Jon Shipley, 9th and 10th Grade English
jon.shipley@fwcd.com

Catherine Collins-Vecino, 10th Grade English and AP Literature
catherine.collins-vecino@fwcd.com

Leigh Block, AP Literature
leigh.block@fwcd.com

Myrna Sam, 11th Grade Regular English and AP Language
myrna.sam@fwcd.com

Daniel Lancaster, AP Language
daniel.lancaster@fwcd.com

Universal Book Mission Statement

The mission of the Universal Book Program is to further develop and unite our FWCD learning community through the shared joy of reading in order to stimulate thought and dialogue, increase awareness, and provide the opportunity to explore a story that differs from our own.