SUMMER READING

ENTERING GRADE 2 AND 3

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ENTERING GRADE 4 AND 5

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ENTERING GRADE 6, 7, 8

Required: Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

1.    Who is (are) the protagonist(s)?

2.    Who is (are) the antagonist(s)?

3.    Why would brilliance in someone else create resentment in others?

4.    Would you have resented Ender? Why or Why not?

5.    Is there a video game or movie or another story that seems similar to this story? What is the same and what is not the same?

6.    Draw a picture of a Bugger based on the book’s description – include the quotation that you based your drawing on.

7.    Which minor character would you like to be if you could choose?

8.    What is the over-riding Theme of this book?

 

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ENTERING GRADE 9

Required: Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom 

 

Before starting the Memoir, Research ALS (aka Lou Gehrig disease).

 

Page 1: Responses to Questions Asked

1.     Characters: Write a short answer to these questions:

         a.   Who is the protagonist? How do you know? 

         b.   Who is the narrator?

         c.   Who is the antagonist? 

2.     Theme: Identify a theme/lesson of this story. Write a paragraph expanding on this theme: what you take away from the message. 

3.     Symbol: Find a concrete object that symbolizes an abstract concept. Discuss its significance.

 

Page 2: Descriptive Poem

4. Write a descriptive poem that reflects in an abstract way the impact of this story (It needs to have at least two quatrains).

 

TO SUMMARIZE: The first week of class, three written assignments are due: 

•    Your description, based on research, of ALS

•    Your Responses to Questions Asked

•    Your descriptive Poem

 

ENTERING GRADE 9 HONORS, IN ADDITION TO TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE:

Required: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

 

Before reading the novel, research the Historical Context of the Space Age, specifically Sputnik – this research is part of the summer assignment so needs to be turned in.

 

Now read the novel and answer these questions:

1.    Who is (are) the protagonist(s)?

2.    Who is (are) the antagonists(s)?

3.    Detail the science facts and the pseudo-science ‘facts’.

4.    Discuss what makes this novel funny and how it does it. (Irony? Farce? Absurdity? Slapstick? Puns? Hyperbole?...)

5.    Identify the over-riding Theme of this book.

 

Extra credit: Draw a scene from the novel.

 

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ENTERING GRADE 10,11, 12

Required: Brave New World by Aldous Huxley 

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Assignment

Research: dystopias

Write a brief descriptive paragraph (or two) on the nature or philosophy of dystopias. This needs to be done before reading the novel. This description should answer the questions: what is a dystopia and what causes a person to have a dystopian view of society?  

 

Next read Brave New World by Aldous Huxley.

 

If you are not able to buy a hard copy, either buy an e-book or find a free version online: If you input Brave New World pdf  www.idph.com.br has a free version. 

 

1.    As you read, note that the different social strata are very clearly defined. Create a chart of the various levels of society and place the main characters where they belong. Example of a chart:  Social Level, Characteristics of the Level, Characters at this level, Work connected to this level

            

2. After reading the novel, write a Commentary in response to this prompt:  What is lost to society in this Brave New World? What is gained?  Was the price paid (that which was sacrificed or lost) worth the reward (that which was gained)?

Hint: A strong commentary will use quotations from the novel as support. Remember to cite your quotations in-text and include in a Works Cited page any research you use. Research is not necessary; thinking is required. You could meet expectations with 1000 words.

 

To summarize: The first week of class,  three written assignments are due: 

•    your description of what makes a society a dystopia, 

•    your chart of social levels in Brave New World, and 

•    your Commentary on Brave New World.

 

 

FOR THOSE ENTERING GRADE 10,11,12 HONORS, IN ADDITION TO BRAVE NEW WORLD:

Required: Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

 

This is a non-fiction book about Success.  Before reading the book, write a comment on what you believe defines success and what is necessary to achieve it.  Be sure to include what you hope to be your success.

 

Gladwell describes unexpected factors that contribute to success.  With each factor he offers proof.  

 

Write a Commentary on three of the factors that most impressed you or may be the most useful to your future.  Include a definition of his “10,000-Hour Rule) and whether or not you agree.

 

Hint: A strong commentary will use quotations from the book as support.  Remember to cite your quotations in-text and include in a Works Cited page any research you use.  Research is not necessary; thinking is required.  You could meet expectations with 700 words.

 

To summarize: The first week of class, two written assignments are due:

•    Your definition of Success,

•    Your Commentary on Outliers. 

      

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