If you are taking the SAT or ACT in June or just want to get a jump start on studying for the fall tests, check out these fun and unusual SAT and ACT prep books.
Vocabulary Cartoons
Vocabulary Cartoons collects cartoons and rhyming phrases designed to improve vocabulary. It can help you learn hundreds of SAT words with easy memory techniques.
The Marino Mission
One unforgettable story. One thousand unforgettable SAT vocabulary words. Alexa McCurry leads an ordinary teenager’s life in upstate New York until she embarks on a summer adventure in Central America. In a riveting tale of intrigue, Alexa and her friend José work to unravel a mystery, and lead the reader on a vocabulary-expanding adventure. Words are defined at the bottom of each page. Plus, self-tests at the end of the novel help you retain what you learn and prepare for test day.
The Ring of McAllister
The Ring of McAllister is a score-raising mystery featuring 1,046 must-know vocabulary word. Unlike other SAT preparation books, The Ring of McAllister incorporates key SAT vocabulary right into the [fictional mystery] story. There is a also a glossary of SAT words and sample exercises to show you how vocabulary is tested on the SAT.
Simon’s Saga
Simon, a very cool college dude, tells you his story as he shows you around campus. In the process, he helps you develop your vocabulary and overall verbal fluency. As his story proceeds, new words for you to learn are printed in boldface type, with meanings and cross-references in the glossary. Exercises conclude every chapter presenting more than 100 SAT-type Critical Reading questions and more than 300 SAT-type Sentence Completion questions. Simon’s story also familiarizes students with ideas and issues in history, science, and culture that often appear in SAT Critical Reading passages.
Tooth and Nail
Tooth and Nail is an SAT and ACT vocabulary-building program in the form of a mesmerizing mystery novel. Now you can learn more than 1,300 vocabulary words, improve reading comprehension, and enjoy a good story all at the same time. Includes exercises and glossary with page references.
SAT Strategies for Super Busy Students
SAT strategies for super busy students. Provides 10 simple steps for students who don’t want to spend their whole lives preparing for the test. Includes a full-length practice test, score-raising strategies, customized SAT study schedules, amd time management tips.
ACT Strategies for Super Busy Students
ACT strategies for super busy students. Provides 15 simple steps for students who don’t want to spend their whole lives preparing for the test.
There are also online resources for study strategies and practice tests.
SAT Collegeboard
LearningExpress Library (Can be accessed through the UAPL website under Research Databases)
ACT or The ACT (student site)
Good Luck and Happy Studying!!
Every year the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) sponsors a contest to select the best ten books of the previous year. Teen book groups from around the country have nominated their favorite new titles. Check out this year’s list at http://www.ala.org/teenstopten.
