Last summer, the entire school community read Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir as part of the all-school read. The novel sparked classroom debates, inspired conversations about space exploration during the Schwartz Visiting Fellow lecture, and even sent busloads of students and faculty to theaters for the blockbuster film adaptation.

The enthusiasm surrounding last year’s selection raised expectations for what would come next. This year, choosing this summer's all-school read became an event in itself.

Faced with dozens of strong contenders, the selection committee turned the process over to the community through a May Madness–style bracket competition. Director of Library Services Beth Jacquet, Director of The Grauer Institute Gwyneth Connell, and Director of Learning Support Marc St. Laurent selected sixteen titles connected to elements of Pomfret’s Portrait of the Graduate. Some had previously appeared on summer reading lists, while others are favorites among du Pont Library patrons and student Book Club members.

“The books we selected represent a range of diverse authors and perspectives,” says Jacquet. “The themes and topics provide both mirrors and windows for readers, promoting self-awareness and understanding of others.”

The final decision was left to the readers. Throughout May, underclassmen and faculty cast votes in bracket-style matchups inspired by March Madness. In total, 129 voters helped narrow the field to four finalists.

In the “learns with curiosity and integrity” bracket, Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt advanced to the finals. The novel follows Tova, a 70-year-old widow working the night shift at an aquarium, who forms an unlikely friendship with Marcellus, a remarkably intelligent octopus helping uncover the mystery of her son’s disappearance. It was recently adapted by Netflix into a movie starring Sally Field.

Emerging from the “navigates challenges strategically” bracket is Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. The story follows teenager Wade Watts as he enters a high-stakes virtual reality competition that could determine the future of both the OASIS, a vast virtual universe, and the real world.

Representing the “engages inclusively with the community” bracket, The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas centers on sixteen-year-old Starr Carter, who finds her voice after witnessing the police shooting of her unarmed best friend while navigating two very different worlds.

In the “leads and collaborates with humility” bracket, The Maid by Nita Prose claimed victory. The bestselling mystery follows Molly, a neurodivergent hotel maid whose keen attention to detail places her at the center of a murder investigation after she discovers a wealthy guest dead in his suite.

“The voters made some good choices,” says Jacquet. She notes that the strong showing for mystery novels may reflect both the genre’s growing popularity and the School’s beloved fall production of Clue.

With no runaway winner in any category, the final round promises to be close. Whatever title is ultimately selected, Jacquet is excited to see how the community embraces it through classroom discussions, library programming, and shared conversations throughout the coming academic year.

“It’s exciting to have the entire community reading the same book. Last year, the committee made a great selection. This year, our current community gets to decide,” Jacquet adds. “In the future, I hope we can invite incoming students to be part of the process as well.”

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