The College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) program provides students with the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school. With over 30 different AP courses available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right textbooks to prepare for the exams. To help you navigate this process, we have compiled a comprehensive AP book list for each subject, providing detailed reviews and recommendations.
AP English Language and Composition
- The Norton Anthology of English Literature (9th Edition): This comprehensive anthology offers a wide selection of works from various periods and genres, providing a solid foundation for the AP English Language and Composition exam.
- Elements of Literature (8th Edition) by David Damrosch: This text provides a concise overview of literary elements, with clear explanations and engaging examples.
- Writing to College and Beyond (3rd Edition) by Cynthia Oswald: This practical guide offers step-by-step instructions for effective writing, covering everything from grammar to style.
AP English Literature and Composition
- The Norton Anthology of English Literature (9th Edition): Once again, this anthology serves as an essential resource for AP English Literature and Composition, providing a wide variety of literary works to analyze and discuss.
- How to Read Literature Like a Professor (2nd Edition) by James Ciabatte: This witty and insightful guide demystifies literary analysis, helping students understand the deeper meanings behind texts.
- Literature: A Pocket Anthology (4th Edition) by Laurence Perrine: This concise anthology offers a curated selection of literary works, providing a more manageable reading list for the AP exam.
AP Calculus AB
- Calculus: Early Transcendentals (8th Edition) by James Stewart: This textbook is widely regarded as the industry standard for AP Calculus AB, providing a comprehensive and rigorous treatment of the subject.
- Calculus of a Single Variable (10th Edition) by Michael Spivak: This text offers a more theoretical approach to calculus, developing the concepts from the ground up.
- Barron’s AP Calculus (AB) with Online Tests (7th Edition): This review book provides targeted practice and online resources to help students prepare for the AP exam.
AP Calculus BC
- Calculus: Early Transcendentals (8th Edition) by James Stewart: This textbook covers both AP Calculus AB and BC content, providing a comprehensive foundation for the advanced exam.
- Calculus of a Single Variable (10th Edition) by Michael Spivak: This text also offers a theoretical approach to calculus, suitable for students who want a deeper understanding of the subject.
- Princeton Review AP Calculus BC Premium Prep 2023 (5th Edition): This review book provides comprehensive practice questions and detailed explanations to enhance exam preparation.
AP Chemistry
- Chemistry: Principles and Reactions (7th Edition) by Nivaldo Tro: This textbook is known for its clear and concise explanations, providing a solid foundation for AP Chemistry.
- Chemistry (11th Edition) by Stephen Zumdahl, Susan Zumdahl, and Donald DeCoste: This text offers a more in-depth treatment of chemistry, suitable for students who want a deeper understanding of the subject.
- Princeton Review AP Chemistry Premium Prep 2023 (6th Edition): This review book provides targeted practice, detailed explanations, and online resources to help students prepare for the AP exam.
AP Biology
- Campbell Biology (12th Edition) by Jane Reece, Lisa Urry, Michael Cain, Steven Wasserman, Peter Minorsky, and Robert Jackson: This textbook is considered the gold standard for AP Biology, providing a comprehensive overview of the subject.
- Biology (11th Edition) by Neil Campbell, Jane Reece, Lisa Urry, Michael Cain, Steven Wasserman, Peter Minorsky, and Robert Jackson: This text offers a more concise alternative to Campbell Biology, covering the essential concepts for AP Biology.
- Princeton Review AP Biology Premium Prep 2023 (6th Edition): This review book provides targeted practice, detailed explanations, and online resources to help students prepare for the AP exam.
AP World History
- The World in Six Maps: History, Geography, and the Human Story (2nd Edition) by John Dickie: This book offers a unique perspective on world history by examining key events through the lens of six maps.
- Modern World History (2nd Edition) by William McNeill: This text provides a comprehensive overview of world history from the 18th century to the present day.
- AP World History: Modern (12th Edition) by John McCannon and David P. Dye: This textbook is specifically designed for the AP World History exam, covering the topics and themes required for the course.
AP U.S. History
- The American Pageant (16th Edition) by Thomas A. Bailey, David M. Kennedy, Lizabeth Cohen, and Thomas M. Beatty: This textbook is a classic choice for AP U.S. History, providing a comprehensive overview of American history.
- Out of Many: A History of the American People (8th Edition) by John Mack Faragher, Mari Jo Buhle, Daniel Czitrom, and Susan H. Armitage: This text offers a more concise alternative to The American Pageant, while still covering the essential topics for AP U.S. History.
- AMSCO AP United States History (Revised Edition): This textbook is known for its straightforward and concise approach, making it a popular choice for students who need extra support.
AP Spanish
- Nuevo Prisma (7th Edition) by Maria Alonso-Cortés, Deborah A. Shadle, Barbara Breyer, and Elda M. Dorne: This textbook is designed specifically for the AP Spanish Language and Culture exam, providing comprehensive coverage of the course topics.
- Gramática de Uso del Español: Teoría Práctica (5th Edition) by Carlota Coronado: This grammar text offers a concise and clear explanation of Spanish grammar, with plenty of practice exercises.
- Comprensión de Lectura (3rd Edition) by Santillana: This book provides practice passages and exercises for reading comprehension in Spanish, covering a variety of topics and levels of difficulty.
AP French
- Pratique de la Grammaire Française (6th Edition) by Claire Lefebvre: This grammar text is designed specifically for French learners, providing clear explanations and plenty of practice exercises.
- Grammaire Progressive du Français (7th Edition) by Jacqueline Picoche: This text offers a more comprehensive approach to French grammar, with detailed explanations and advanced topics.
- Lecture Progressive du Français (7th Edition) by Jacqueline Picoche and Josette Leblanc: This book provides practice passages and exercises for reading comprehension in French, covering a variety of topics and levels of difficulty.
Tips and Tricks for Choosing AP Books
- Consider your learning style: Some students prefer textbooks with clear and concise explanations, while others prefer more in-depth and theoretical approaches. Choose books that fit your learning style.
- Read reviews and recommendations: Consult online reviews, ask teachers and classmates for recommendations, and preview books before purchasing them. This will help you get a better sense of the content and style.
- Check the exam requirements: Make sure the books you choose cover the topics and skills required for the specific AP exam you are taking.
- Look for practice questions and online resources: Many textbooks offer practice questions and online resources, such as interactive simulations and video tutorials. These resources can be valuable for reinforcement and exam preparation.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help: If you are struggling with a particular book or topic, reach out to your teacher or classmates for support. They can provide guidance and help you develop effective study strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many AP courses can I take in high school?
A: The number of AP courses you can take depends on your interests, abilities, and schedule. Some schools offer as many as 20 different AP courses, while others offer only a few. Talk to your counselor to determine what is right for you.
Q: Are AP courses worth it?
A: AP courses can be a valuable way to challenge yourself and earn college credit while still in high school. However, they are not for everyone. Consider your interests, abilities, and schedule before enrolling in AP courses.
Q: How can I prepare for AP exams?
A: The best way to prepare for AP exams is to take a structured course, either in school or through a review program. You can also study independently using textbooks, practice questions, and online resources.
Q: What is a passing score on an AP exam?
A: The College Board sets a passing score of 3 or higher for each AP exam. However, some colleges and universities may have their own scoring requirements.