Published June 4, 2025
BY ABBY COE
With summer approaching, Carmel High School staff are eager to kick back and relax while escaping into the pages of a good book. From nonfiction to pulp fiction, these staff picks promise to transport one to galaxies far far away.
English teacher Hans Schmidt often has a few books going at once–he treats reading like a three-course meal, savoring different genres. Currently, he is rotating between three and plans to continue them into the summer: “The Illustrated Guide to Visible Learning: An Introduction to What Works Best in Schools” by John Hattie, Douglas Fisher, Nancy Frey and John Almarode, “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” by Alex Haley and “Fade to Blonde” by Max Phillips. From education theory to autobiographies to sensational fiction, Schmidt’s selections are as varied as they are entertaining. He plans to continue his literary feast into the summer months.
Mathematics teacher Dawn Hatch seeks a different escape, one that pulls her out of reality and into a universe unlike her own. A fan of literary mysteries and historical fiction, especially those set in World War II, Hatch is entertained by stories that provoke deep analysis. Her summer reading includes “All the Colors of the Dark” by Chris Whitaker, a novel that promises a step outside of reality and a five star review for anyone who loves a good mystery.
Physics teacher Don Freitas has set a goal of five books this summer, continuing into his non-fiction literary kick with books such as “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson, “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius and “The Selfish Gene” by Richard Dawkins. Freitas often finds his “must-read” titles through online recommendations, gravitating towards books that touch on history, math, psychology and more. His guiding principle is simple: There is always more to learn.
Substitute English teacher Austin Teague is more interested in stepping into the world of science fiction through books that explore sea to space. Teague is particularly excited about “Star Wars: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire” by Dr. Chris Kempshall, a textbook that explores galactic politics written from inside the beloved Star Wars universe. He’s also planning on revisiting “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” by Jules Verne, one of his favorites. Teague hopes to gain new insights after not reading it for years.
Librarian Phil Crawford is exploring the genre of revisionist westerns, which recenters on historical minorities. After watching movies “Homesman” and “The Power of the Dog,” Crawford has been inspired to dive into titles such as “My Antonia” by Willa Cather, “Lone Women” by Victor Lavell and “Blood Meridian” by Cormac McCarthy. Crawford hopes to gain a more nuanced understanding of westward expansion and the struggles faced by those who experienced it firsthand.
English teacher Barbara McBride is cultivating a summer of literary fiction. She plans to read “Playground” by Richard Powers along with “James” by Percival Everett, both books that provide new takes on timeless themes such as the ones presented in the spinoff of David Copperfield, “Demon Copperhead” by Barbara Kingsolver. With their rich language and complex characters, all three would make a fine summer read for any literary fiction connoisseur.
