Course Books
We encourage parents and students to review their course book needs as soon as possible to avoid back orders and delays. Some online book vendors, such as AbeBooks, may have high-quality used copies. As to which vendors to buy course books from, that is up to students. Parents and students typically order course books online from large book retailers, like Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Local bookstores, such as Brookline Booksmith or The Harvard Bookstore, may have course books in stock, or the ability to order them for you, but be careful to purchase the correction edition and check ISBN numbers.
On this page you can find the course book lists for the 2023–2024 academic year. This list is organized by department and by course number. For each book, we have specified whether used or e-book editions are acceptable and included additional notes when needed. The links will show you the correct edition of the book on Amazon (or the best vendor for that course book). Many of these books will also be available from your preferred bookseller.
Here are some things to keep in mind as you do your course book shopping:
- If you have a financial aid grant, textbooks are factored into your grant, and Commonwealth will order these books on your behalf. We place book orders in mid-August, and students can pick up their books prior to the beginning of school.
- Please be very mindful of ISBNs. When purchasing books online, be sure to search for them by ISBN so you have the correct edition. It is typically better to search for ISBNs on Google to pull up book vendors rather than searching for the ISBN on Amazon, where in some cases the search results list other editions of the book. Different editions of textbooks may have different page numbers, content, or problem sets, so buying the wrong book will make homework a real challenge! If you are buying your books used or from a bookstore, you should be able to double-check the ISBN by looking above the barcode on the back of the book.
- Several courses include source books, reading packets, or other materials that will be available at school at the beginning of the year; these are noted on the list. This is the case for all English classes. Families who do not have financial aid grants will be billed for these materials at a later date. EDIT: Please purchase your own French books.
- There are no required books for computer science or Arts courses.
- Keep in mind that there is an annual textbook exchange sale for course books. Be on the lookout for email updates.
Please address any questions or problems to Director of Operations, Stephanie Poynter, at spoynter@commschool.org or Librarian and Registrar, Jake MacDonnell, at jmacdonnell@commschool.org.
Required Summer Reading
All Courses with Summer Reading
ANCIENT HISTORY (9th Grade Students)
The Buried Book: The Loss and Rediscovery of the Great Epic of Gilgamesh by David Damrosch (ISBN: 978-0805087253): One of the first works we will read in Ancient History is the Mesopotamian epic of Gilgamesh, a tale of tyranny, friendship, and the human fear of death. The Buried Book recounts how this epic was lost for millennia—literally buried in the ruins of the Assyrian empire—and then rediscovered in the nineteenth century. Over the summer, please read the Introduction, Chapters 1–3, and Chapter 5 of The Buried Book. As you read, concentrate on the big picture: What obstacles did archaeologists face as they tried to unearth the remnants of Mesopotamian civilizations? How did scholars learn to read unknown ancient languages? Moving back in time, why did Assyrian kings value writing, and how did cuneiform writing work? We hope that this reading will be enjoyable! Don’t worry about remembering specific names and dates. Instead, try to mark a few points that interest, puzzle, or surprise you.
MEDIEVAL WORLD HISTORY (10th Grade Students)
Tao Te Ching by Lao-Tse (ISBN: 9780872202320): The Tao Te Ching is a Chinese classic text written around 400 BC and traditionally credited to the sage Lao Tzu (or Laozi). The text's authorship, date of composition, and date of compilation are debated. The oldest excavated portion dates back to the late 4th century BC, but modern scholarship dates other parts of the text as having been written—or at least compiled—later than the earliest portions of the Zhuangzi. The Tao Te Ching, along with the Zhuangzi, is a fundamental text for both philosophical and religious Taoism. It also strongly influenced other schools of Chinese philosophy and religion, including Legalism, Confucianism, and Chinese Buddhism, and was largely interpreted through the use of Taoist words and concepts when it was originally introduced to China. Many artists, including poets, painters, calligraphers, and gardeners, have used the Tao Te Ching as a source of inspiration. Its influence has spread widely outside East Asia, and it is among the most translated works in world literature.
UNITED STATES HISTORY (11th & some 12th Grade Students)
Please read William Cronon's “ethno-ecological” history of New England: Changes of the Land (ISBN: 978-0809016341). Taking paper notes on a copy from the library or an e-book is just fine). This profound and revolutionary book explores how Native Americans transformed the environment before contact with Europeans—and how the changing economy of the 17th century led to an ecological transformation. I encourage you to read the whole book, but if you want a shorter version, read chapters 4, 5, and 8. There is an optional, extra-credit assignment here to help you read actively, looking for the author’s argument amidst the detail (a skill we’ll try to practice in the coming year!) This book looks drier than it actually is—and reading actively may help you uncover the quite radical claims hidden within.
UNITED STATES HISTORY SINCE 1865 (11th & some 12th Grade Students)
For students in United States History since 1865, you should supplement what we will be learning in this course with Jill Lepore's sweeping history of the United States, These Truths (ISBN: 978-0-393-63524-9). You are only responsible for the first 300 pages. If you would like to use it to start an AP study guide for the spring, you can use this option and extra-credit document.
WORLD SINCE 1945 (12th Grade Students)
Voltaire: A Life by Ian Davidson (ISBN: 978-1605982878): Voltaire was arguably the single most influential thinker of the Enlightenment. Although he lived out his life (1694-1778) under the monarchy, he was later claimed as a hero by the leaders of the French Revolution. As you read Davidson’s lively biography, first see what you can learn about the political and social realities of life under the old regime. For instance, how did authors make money? How did censorship work? How did French nobles conduct their extramarital affairs? Next, pay attention to the events that became part of the narrative of the Enlightenment. For instance, how and why did the trial of Jean Calas become notorious? Please read the Note to the Reader and Chapters 1-9, 12, 17, 22, 25-29, and 33. As you read, mark points that interest, puzzle, or surprise you. You will draw on this book for one of our early writing assignments.
ECONOMICS (12th Grade Students)
Naked Economics by Charles Wheelan (ISBN: 9780393337648): Finally! A book about economics that won’t put you to sleep. In fact, you won’t be able to put this bestseller down. In our challenging economic climate, this perennial favorite of students and general readers is more than a good read, it’s a necessary investment—with a blessedly sure rate of return. Demystifying buzzwords, laying bare the truths behind oft-quoted numbers, and answering the questions you were always too embarrassed to ask, the breezy Naked Economics gives readers the tools they need to engage with pleasure and confidence in the deeply relevant, not so dismal science.
CITY OF BOSTON REDUX (12th Grade Students)
Common Ground by Anthony Lucas (ISBN: 9780394746166): Winner of 3 different awards, this is a story of the busing crisis in Boston. The book traces the history of three families: the working-class African-American Twymons, the working-class Irish McGoffs, and the middle-class Yankee Divers. It gives brief genealogical histories of each families, focusing on how the events they went through illuminated Boston history, before narrowing its focus to the racial tension of the 1960s and the 1970s. Through their stories, Common Ground focuses on racial and class conflicts in two Boston neighborhoods: the working-class Irish-American enclave of Charlestown and the uneasily integrated South End.
Course Books
English
History
Ancient History (201)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
Worlds Together, Worlds Apart with Sources, Concise 3rd edition, volume 1 - Jeremy Adelman & others |
978-0-393-44289-2 |
We recommend buying this book (hard copy or e-book) directly from Norton to be sure that you get access to the digital materials. |
Alexander the Great: Selections from Arrian, Diodorus, Plutarch, and Quintus Curtius |
9780872207271 |
No used or e-book editions. |
978319244415 |
Used and e-book editions okay. |
|
It Was the Best of Sentences, It Was the Worst of Sentences |
9781580087407 |
Used and e-book editions okay. |
Gilgamesh The Buried Book: The Loss and Rediscovery of the Great Epic of Gilgamesh |
9780374523831 97805087253 |
No used or e-book editions. Used and e-book editions okay. |
Medieval World History (202)
Title | Notes |
---|---|
Medieval Societies | This textbook will be available at school on the first day of class. Students can choose to use electronic version of Medieval Societies (but cannot be used in class). |
Sourcebook |
This sourcebook will be available at school on the first day of class. |
Tao Te Ching - Lao-Tse | ISBN: 9780872202320 (summer reading). |
United States History (203)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
Give Me Liberty! An American History (6th AP Ed.) - Eric Foner | 9780393697018 | Used and e-book editions okay. |
Changes in the Land: Indians, Colonists, and the Ecology of New England - William Cronon |
9780809001583 |
This is the required summer reading for this course. Students do not need to buy this book; reading a copy from the library is just fine. Used or e-book also fine. |
Sourcebook |
n/a |
This sourcebook will be available at school on the first day of class. |
Students may rent or purchase any edition of Give Me Liberty by Eric Foner for reference or for help in studying for the AP, but it is not required.
United States History since 1865 (204)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
These Truths: A History of the United States - Jill Lepore |
9780393635249 |
This is the required summer reading for this course. Used and e-book editions okay. |
Sourcebook | n/a | This sourcebook will be available at school on the first day of class. |
Students may rent or purchase any edition of Give Me Liberty by Eric Foner for reference or for help in studying for the AP, but it is not required.
City of Boston REDUX (FOR RISING SENIORS ONLY)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
Common Ground - Anthony Lukas |
970394746166 | Summer reading. Used and e-book editions okay. |
City of Boston (221)
Title | Notes |
---|---|
Sourcebook |
This sourcebook will be available at school on the first day of class. |
Modern European History (232)
world since 1945 (247)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
Year Zero: A History of 1945 |
9780143125976 | Summer reading. Used edition okay. No e-book editions. |
Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea |
9780385523912 | This sourcebook will be available at school on the first day of class. |
The Real North Korea (updated edition) |
9780199390038 |
This is the required summer reading for this class. No used or e-book editions. |
The World Transformed: 1945 to Present (2nd ed.) | 9780199371020 | Used editions okay. No e-book editions. |
The World Transformed: 1945 to Present: A Document Reader | 9780199371037 | No used editions or e-book editions. |
Collins Atlas of 20th Century History |
9780060890728 |
No used editions or e-books. |
The Search for Al Qaeda | 9780815704515 | Used editions okay. No e-book editions. |
My Promised Land: The Triumph and Tragedy of Israel | 9780385521710 | Used editions okay. No e-book editions. |
Borderland | 978-1541603486 | No used editions or e-books. |
MESOAMERICA (234)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
The Popol Vuh |
9781571314680 | Used okay. No e-book editions. |
The Maya (9th ed.) |
9780500291887 | Used okay. No e-book editions. |
Chronicle of Maya Kings and Queens |
9780500287262 | Used okay. No e-book editions. |
Mexico: From the Olmecs to the Aztecs (8th ed.) |
9780500841785 | Used okay. No e-book editions. |
Languages
French
FRENCH 1 (301)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
Liasons 3e: Printed Text, Loose-leaf version + MindTap, 1 Term Instant Access |
9780357294918 |
Printed Text, Loose-leaf Version + MindTap, 4 terms Instant Access - https://www.cengage.com/c/liaisons-student-edition-an-introduction-to-french-3e-wong/9780357034873PF/ |
FRENCH 2 (302)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
Encore 2e: Printed Text, Loose-leaf version + MindTap, 1 Term Instant Access |
9780357294956 |
Printed Text, Loose-leaf Version, 2nd + MindTap French, 4 terms (24 months) Instant Access |
FRENCH 3 (303)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
Encore 2e: Printed Text, Loose-leaf version + MindTap, 1 Term Instant Access |
9780357294956 |
No used editions. Double check to make sure that your order is for Encore, and not Liasons. |
L’Île des esclaves | 9791035807160 | Used okay. No e-book editions. Please note that this and other books for this class may have more availability on Amazon.fr or AbeBooks if they are difficult to locate on Amazon.com. |
Rhinocêros | 9780828836937 | Used okay. No e-book editions. |
"Art" |
9782210754478
|
Used okay. No e-book editions. |
French 4 Literature (305)
Course books TBD. Contact jkorta@commschool.org with questions.
Latin
Latin 1 (331)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
Latin for the New Milennium (Student Text), Level 1, 2nd ed. |
9780865168077 |
Used editions okay. No e-book editions. |
Latin for the New Millennium Student Workbook Level 1, 2nd Ed | 9780865168084 | No used or e-book editions. |
Latin 2 (332)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
Wheelock's Latin (7th ed.) |
9780061997228 |
Students who took Latin 1 last year may re-use this book, the vocabulary cards, and 38 Latin Stories. Used and e-book editions okay. |
38 Latin Stories |
9780865162891 |
Used okay. No e-book editions. |
Fabulae Romanae: Stories of Famous Romans | 9780801309922 |
Used okay. No e-book editions. NOTE: More affordable copies of this book may be available from AbeBooks. Let Stephanie Poynter know if you are having trouble acquiring the book. |
Latin 3 (333)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
Langenscheidt pocket Latin Dictionary (Or any pocket Latin dictionary) | 9780887291074 |
Used okay. No e-book editions. |
Ovid: Amores, Metamorphoses: Selections |
9780865164314 |
Used okay. No e-book editions. |
The Student’s Catullus |
9780806142326 |
Used okay. No e-book editions. |
Latin 4 (334)
Title | ISBN | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|
Vergil’s Aeneid: Selected Readings from Books 1, 2, 4, and 6 |
9780865167643 |
Used okay. | |
The Aeneid (Fitzgerald trans.) |
0679729526 |
Used okay. |
|
Caesar: Selections from his Commentarii De Bello Gallico |
9780865167520 |
Used okay. |
Mandarin
Mandarin 1 (351)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
Integrated Chinese: Simplified Characters Textbook, Level 1, Part 1 (English and Chinese Ed.) |
9780887276385 |
Used okay. |
Mandarin 2 (352)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 2 (Simplified and Traditional Character) |
9780887276705 |
Used okay. |
Integrated Chinese: Simplified Characters Textbook, Level 1, Part 1 (English and Chinese Ed.) |
9780887276385 |
Used okay. |
Mandarin 3 (353)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 2 (Simplified and Traditional Character) |
9780887276705 |
Students who took Mandarin 2 last year can use the same textbook. |
Mandarin 4 (354)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
窗边的小豆豆 (Doudou by Window) |
9787544250580 |
Used okay. |
Spanish
Spanish 1 (321)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
Descubre, Level 1 |
978154334-1461 | Used and e-book editions okay. |
Spanish 2 (322)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
Descubre, Level 2 |
9781543342475 |
Used and e-book editions okay. |
Spanish 3 (323)
Title | Notes |
---|---|
Sourcebook |
This sourcebook will be available on the first day of class. |
Spanish 4 Language (326)
N/A | N/A | N/A |
Spanish 4 Literature (327)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
El Aleph |
9780307950949 |
No used or e-book editions. |
Aura |
9786074451849 |
No used or e-book editions. |
Crónica de una muerta anunciada |
9788422698456 |
No used or e-book editions. |
Ficciones |
9780307950925 |
No used or e-book editions. |
Sourcebook |
n/a |
This sourcebook will be available on the first day of class. |
Humanities
Economics (231)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
Economics: Principles and Policy (14th ed.) |
9781337696326 |
Used and e-book editions okay. |
A Random Walk Down Wall Street (12th ed.) | 9781324051138 | Used okay. No e-book editions. |
Naked Economics |
9780393337648 |
This was the required summer reading for this class. If you did not purchase this book at the beginning of the summer, please be sure to have it by the start of school. |
ART HISTORY (433)
Newly offered course. Course books TBD by Ms. Dale (mdale@commschool.org). Information to come closer to the beginning of the academic year.
The Nature and Purpose of Education (401)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
The Smartest Kids in the World |
9781451654431 |
Used okay. No e-book editions. |
Science
Biology 1 (501)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
9781305967335
|
Used okay. No e-book editions. You should feel free to purchase the loose-leaf edition here, if you prefer. |
Biology 2 (502)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
Campbell Biology (11th ed.) |
9780134093413
|
Used and e-book editions are okay. |
Chemistry 1 Advanced (521)
No required textbooks as of this year.
Chemistry 1 (522)
No required textbooks as of this year.
Chemistry 2 (523)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
Chemistry (12th ed.) |
9780078021510 |
You may reuse your copy from Chemistry 1 if it is the same edition. Used and e-book editions okay. |
Student Solutions Manual for Chemistry |
9781259286223 |
This book is recommended, not required. |
Computer Science 1–4
Please note: As of this year, there are no required course books for CS1, CS2, CS3, or CS4.
Physics 1 (541)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
Physics (9th ed.) |
9780470879528 |
Used okay. |
Student Solutions Manual to Accompany Physics |
9780470879566 |
Used okay. |
Graph paper |
n/a |
Please have graph paper available for homework. |
Physics 1 Accelerated (551)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
Physics: Principles with Applications (7th ed.) |
9780321625922 |
Please note that the international edition is missing material contained in the hardcover edition. |
Physics 1 Advanced (552)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
University Physics, Vol. 1 (14th ed.) |
9780133978049 |
Used okay. No e-book editions. |
Physics 2 (553)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
University Physics, Vol. 2 (14th ed.) |
9780133978001 |
Used okay. No e-book editions. |
NEUROSCIENCE
No required textbook for neuroscience.
Science & Arts of Materials
No required textbook for materials.
Mathematics
Geometry Advanced (601)
Title | Notes |
---|---|
A Course in Geometry: After Euclid and His Descendants |
This textbook will be available at school on the first day of class. |
Geometry (602)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
A Course in Geometry: Plane and Solid |
9781881764069 |
Used okay. No e-book editions. |
Intermediate Algebra (610)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
Elementary and Intermediate Algebra (5th ed.) |
9781111567682 |
Used okay. No e-book editions. |
Algebra 2/Precalculus Advanced (615)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
College Algebra and Trigonometry: A Unit Circle Approach (6th ed.) |
9780321916525 |
Used okay. No e-book editions. |
Algebra 2/Precalculus (616)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
College Algebra and Trigonometry: A Unit Circle Approach (6th ed.)
|
9780321916525 |
Used okay. No e-book editions. |
Calculus 1 Advanced (622)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
Single Variable Calculus: Early Transcendentals (6th ed.) |
9780495011699 |
This is an older edition of the textbook; it is available used on Amazon. |
Calculus 1 (623)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
Calculus I with Precalculus (2nd ed.) |
9780618568062 |
Used okay. |
Calculus 2 (631)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
Single Variable Calculus: Early Transcendentals (8th ed.) |
9781305270336 |
Used okay. This is a new edition, so it cannot be bought / traded from a student who previously took this course at Commonwealth. |
Student Solutions Manual for Single Variable Calculus |
9781305272422 |
See above. |
Theoretical Calculus (632)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
Calculus (4th ed.) |
9780914098911 |
Used okay. |
Multivariable Calculus (634)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
Multivariable Calculus (7th ed.) |
9780538497879 |
Used okay. |
Statistics (1/2 Credit) (642)
No book for half credit statistics.Statistics (644)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
Stats: Modeling the World, 5th edition | 9780134688046 |
Used okay. |
ABSTRACT ALGEBRA (656)
Title | ISBN | Notes |
---|---|---|
Abstract Algebra (3rd ed.) |
9780471368793 |
Used okay. No e-book editions. |
Additional Materials
General Recommended Supplies for New Students
- TI-84 plus calculator*
- 3-ring binders, 1" minimum, different colors, with front and back pockets
- Loose-leaf paper and/or notebooks
- Graph paper
- Dividers
- A pouch with a zipper and hole punch to fit into binder (for those in Ancient History)
- Compass and ruler (for those in Geometry or Geometry Advanced)
- Pens
- Pencils
- Highlighters
- Erasers
- Pencil case
Many Commonwealth teachers, particularly those who teach 9th grade, have specific requests for how students should organize their course materials (notes, papers, handouts, tests, etc.), and they will go over their preferences in class when school begins.
* Commonwealth recommends that all students have a TI-84 Plus graphing calculator for science and math coursework, particularly by the time they reach junior year. Other graphing calculators, such as any TI-83 or TI-84, or similar models made by other companies, are acceptable. Before purchasing an alternative calculator to the TI-84 Plus, please check the CollegeBoard’s yearly updated SAT- and AP Exam–approved calculator lists.