2026 Summer Reading Guide for Teen Boys: Build Knowledge, Curiosity and Discipline

Summer is an important time for teenage boys to recharge, explore new interests and continue developing habits that support success in the classroom and beyond. One of the best ways to stay mentally engaged during the break is through reading.

There is a direct connection between regular reading and stronger vocabulary, comprehension and critical thinking skills. Reading also strengthens focus, imagination and intellectual curiosity, helping cadets return to campus prepared for the academic year ahead.

Whether your son enjoys historical nonfiction, science fiction, biographies, leadership books or classic literature, summer provides an opportunity to discover new ideas and perspectives while maintaining academic momentum.

Missouri Military Academy faculty and staff have compiled a recommended summer reading list for middle school and high school cadets, featuring selections from academic departments across campus. The list includes books that encourage leadership development, personal growth, historical understanding, creativity and lifelong learning.

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Why Summer Reading for Boys Matters

Summer reading helps cadets maintain academic momentum and return to Missouri Military Academy prepared for the challenges of a new school year. Regular reading strengthens vocabulary, comprehension and critical thinking skills while encouraging curiosity, creativity, and a broader understanding of the world.

Research consistently shows that students who read during the summer are better positioned for academic success when classes resume in the fall. Reading also develops focus, discipline and lifelong learning habits that support achievement both inside and outside the classroom.

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How to Make Summer Reading a Success for Your Teen

Families can help cadets build strong reading habits this summer by:

• Encouraging a daily reading routine of at least 20 minutes.
• Visiting local libraries and participating in summer reading programs.
• Allowing cadets to select books that genuinely interest them.
• Setting aside dedicated time each day for reading without distractions.
• Discussing books as a family and encouraging cadets to share what they are learning.

Modeling good reading habits at home to reinforce the importance of lifelong learning and intellectual curiosity. 

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2026 MMA Summer Reading List for Middle School and High School Boys

Our faculty and staff across departments have thoughtfully selected titles that are both enriching and enjoyable for cadets at every level.

Suggested Summer Reading For Middle School Cadets 

Academic Dean Clement's recommendations:

• "Bomb: The Race to Build — and Steal — the World's Most Dangerous Weapon" by Steve Sheinkin
• "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" (Young Readers Edition) by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer
• "Echo" by Pam Muñoz Ryan

MMA Commandant's Divison recommendations:

• "The Red Badge of Courage" by Stephen Crane
• "Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War II" by Joseph Bruchac
• "The Student Leadership Challenge" by James Kouzes and Barry Posner
• "King of the Wind" by Marguerite Henry
• "Swiss Family Robinson" by J.D. Wyss

MMA English Department recommendations:

• "The Bridge Home" by Padma Venkatraman
• "A Long Walk to Water" by Linda Sue Park
• "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak
• "Among the Hidden" series by Margaret Peterson Haddix

MMA ESL Department recommendations:

• "Hatchet" by Gary Paulsen
• "Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish" by Pablo Cartaya
• "Inside Out & Back Again" by Thanhha Lai
• "New Kid" by Jerry Craft
• "Front Desk" by Kelly Yang

MMA Science Department recommendations:

• "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" by William Kamkwamba
• "The Thing About Jellyfish" by Ali Benjamin
• "The Wild Robot" by Peter Brown
• "Ghost in the Water" by Sue Garcia
• "The Disappearing Spoon" (Young Readers Edition) by Sam Kean

MMA Mathematics Department recommendations:

• "Do the Math: Secrets, Lies, and Algebra" by Wendy Lichtman
• "All of the Above" by Shelley Pearsall
• "Solving for M" by Jennifer Swender
• "Hidden Figures" (Young Readers Edition) by Margot Lee Shetterly

MMA Social Studies Department recommendations:

• "The Boys in the Boat" (Young Readers Edition) by Daniel James Brown
• "She Came to Slay: The Life and Times of Harriet Tubman" by Erica Armstrong Dunbar
• "Blood on the River" by Elisa Carbone
• "The Red Badge" of Courage by Stephen Crane

Suggested Summer Reading For High School Cadets 

Academic Dean Clement's recommendations:

• "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens" by Sean Covey
• "Alex Cross series" by James Patterson
• "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer
• "The Lunar Chronicles" series by Marissa Meyer

MMA Commandant's Division recommendations:

• "Once an Eagle" by Anton Myrer
• "Gates of Fire" by Steven Pressfield
• "Call Sign Chaos: Learning to Lead" by Jim Mattis
• "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie

MMA English Department recommendations:

• "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho
• "The Giver" by Lois Lowry
• "The Tattooist of Auschwitz" by Heather Morris
• "Long Way Down" by Jason Reynolds

MMA ESL Department recommendations:

• "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom
• "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• "The House on Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros
• "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie

MMA Science Department recommendations:

• "Stuff Matters" by Mark Miodownik
• "The Overstory" by Richard Powers
• "The Story of Life" by Sean B. Carroll

MMA Mathematics Department recommendations:

• "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly
• "The Code Breaker" by Walter Isaacson

MMA Social Studies Department recommendations:

• "Pompeii" by Robert Harris
• "An Officer and a Spy" by Robert Harris
• "The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair
• "Arundel" by Kenneth Roberts

Suggested Summer Reading For All Cadets  

MMA Art Department recommendations:

• "The Colored Pencil Painting Bible" by Alyona Nickelsen
• "Banksy in New York" by Ray Mock
• "Harold and the Purple Crayon" by Crockett Johnson
• "Van Gogh and the Artists He Loved" by Steven Naifeh

MMA Business Department recommendation:

• "The Art of War for Small Business" by Becky Sheetz-Runkle

MMA College and Career Guidance recommendations:

• "Atomic Habits" by James Clear
• "The Path to Purpose" by William Damon
• "Status Anxiety" by Alain de Botton

MMA JROTC Department recommendations:

• "Turn the Ship Around!" by L. David Marquet
• "Extreme Ownership" by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
• "Principles: Life and Work" by Ray Dalio
• "Lead Like Ike" by Geoff Loftus

MMA Maintenance Department recommendations:

• "April Morning" by Howard Fast
• "How Angel Peterson Got His Name" by Gary Paulsen
• "Where the Red Fern Grows" by Wilson Rawls
• "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls

MMA Private Lesson - Piano recommendations:

• "Guided Sight Reading: A New Approach to Piano Study" by Leonhard Deutsch
• "Guide to Classical Music" by Jan Swafford
• "Adventures in the Human Spirit" by Philip E. Bishop

MMA Music Department recommendations:

• "The Spirit of Music: The Lesson Continues" by Victor Wooten
• "This Is Your Brain on Music: Understanding a Human Obsession" by Daniel Levitin

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Summer Fitness and Personal Development

In addition to academic preparation, summer is an excellent opportunity for cadets to focus on physical training and personal discipline. Click here to download MMA's suggested summer workout plan, shared by Athletic Director Brian Meny. 

Maintaining healthy routines, staying physically active, and continuing intellectual growth throughout the summer helps cadets return to Missouri Military Academy ready to lead, learn, and succeed. 

We encourage families to support their sons in making reading and personal development a consistent part of their summer schedule. Thank you for your continued partnership in developing young men of character, leadership and purpose.