For many people, the summer months symbolise pleasure reading at its best.

It’s a time to indulge in the texts that are most appealing, without scrutiny: an easy beach read, a guilty pleasure, or that book you’ve always meant to start.

But students at America’s most prestigious private schools must still endure the rigors of homework during their summer vacations with a little reading — some required, some merely recommended. The topics of the titles cover issues such as war, sexuality, and racial history.

Check out the reading lists of rising seniors at reputable private schools across the US:

Follow Business Insider Australia on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn