Summer Reading Grades 9-12

Summer Reading Assignment

Grades 9-12

2018-2019

Over the course of the summer, students must read two books from the grade appropriate list provided below. Each class will have an assigned book that students are required to read and be tested on the third day of school. This test will be an in class essay. This in class essay will allow me to get an early look at the student’s writing as well as determine the depth of knowledge from the required reading. The required book is marked with an asterisk under each grade level. On that same day a major works data sheet is due on the second book they have read. This document is included here. There will be absolutely no extensions granted for currently enrolled students.

Terms to be familiar with for possible in class essay topics: Characterization, Theme, Symbolism.


9^th Grade
*Night by Elie Wiesel
(In class reading this year: Wish You Well David Baldacci and Anthem Ayn Rand. These 2 books must be purchased before the first day of school.)

10^th Grade

*Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee

All the Light We Cannot See  by Anthony Doerr

Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

11^th Grade

*The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini 

Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee

12^th Grade

*Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

Animal Farm by George Orwell

Major Works Data Sheet

Choose your second reading selection and complete the following questions. The point value is indicated by each question.  Please be sure that the heading on your paper is in MLA format as well as the style (font, margins, etc.)

MLA format questions can be found at the following site: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/

1. Title: Complete title, punctuated correctly (5pts)
2. Author: First and last name, no initials (5 pts)
3. Date of publication: First printing of work (5)
4. Historical information about the period of publication: relevant to the themes of this work (5)
5. Biographical information: Facts about the author’s life pertinent to this work. (5)
6. Genre and characteristics: What type of work is this (novel, play)?  What subgenre? (psychological, social protest, etc.) (5)
7. One sentence summary of work: Do not exceed one complete sentence! (5)
8. 10 most memorable quotations: include page number and speaker (10)
9. Major characters: list full names, if provided; spell correctly (10)
10. Setting(s): list (5)
11. Major symbols; motifs: list (5)
12. Significance of opening scene: Use complete sentences. (5)
13. Significance of closing scene: Use complete sentences. (5)
14. Major themes: list (your opinion-with validity and reason) (10)
15. Synopsis: Brief summary of the plot (complete sentences) (5)
16. Stylistic features: describe author’s style of writing, point of view, organizational plan, etc. (5)
17. Minor themes: list (your opinion-with validity and reason) (5)