Due to the steep prices of textbooks required for many of the popular courses, it has become tradition for students to pass down or sell their used textbooks to those enrolled in the corresponding classes the next year. This system proves to be mutually beneficial for both the seller and buyer. After a full year of use, those whose textbook’s purpose has been fulfilled can earn back a fraction of the cost of which they paid in the first place (money that can contribute to the festivities of summer break). For those obtaining textbooks in preparation for the next school year, purchasing from their peers at school is an opportunity for low prices and sometimes a package deal, albeit sometimes with compromises.

     “When I bought my AP Euro textbook before Sophomore year, I found out that there was a ton of highlighting done inside. I wish the person I bought it from had thought to let me know but in the end it didn’t bother me” Annie Martinez ‘17 said.

     Aside from the financial benefits of textbook exchange within the school community, the efficiency is another incentive in which drives this trend. Summer homework is typically assigned for honors and AP courses, most occasions requiring reference to a textbook for completion. Buying from within the school from peers and friends allows for a fast agreement and payment process, one rarely possible in other situations.