Summer Reading

Boyd Buchanan High School

2022 Summer Reading Assignments (9th Grade)

Standard English (ENG1)

There is no “assigned” or “required” summer reading for ENG1 students. I encourage you to read what you enjoy; not as an assignment but just for yourself. If you have any questions, email me at hwatkins@bbschool.org.

Accelerated English (ACENG1)

Accelerated ENG1 students have one “required reading” book this summer. Please read one of the choices from the ACENG1 Summer Reading Menu (below), complete the assignment (details below), and be prepared to submit a digital copy of the assignment on the first day of school. You might have already read some of these books, but please read one you have never read before for this assignment. If you have any questions, email me at hwatkins@bbschool.org.

 Accelerated English (ACENG1) Summer Reading Menu (Please choose one book)

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

Animal Farm by George Orwell

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Persuasion by Jane Austen

Summer Reading Reflection: Accelerated ENG1

➢    Due August 10, 2022. Be prepared to turn this in on Google Classroom on the first day of school.

➢    Your Summer Reading Reflection should be based on one of the six books from the Accelerated English Summer Reading Menu.

➢    Your Summer Reading Reflection should be between 150-300 words. Please see the examples below. There is no need to cite outside sources on this assignment; however, if you do choose to include outside sources, it is your responsibility to cite them properly. Plagiarism will result in a zero on the assignment along with additional consequences.

➢    Your Reflection should include the following: book name, author, year of publication, concise plot summary, concise commentary on one major theme*, concise opinion about the book (did you enjoy the book and why/why not), and a specific recommendation for who should/shouldn’t read the book.

RUBRIC

Book Knowledge and Understanding	This student read the entire book, and the reflection demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the book.	10 Points
Content	Content is impressively thoughtful and insightful; there is more emphasis on analysis than summary. The response addresses the prompt thoroughly but is not wordy. The reflection is 150-300 words long.	10 Points
Writing Quality	Writing is impressively fluent and coherent. Impressive use of diction.	10 Points
Grammar and Punctuation	Few if any grammatical or punctuation errors.	10 Points
Follows Directions	Book review includes all required elements: book name, author, year of publication, concise plot summary, concise commentary on one major theme, concise opinion about the book (did you enjoy the book and why/why not), and a specific recommendation for who should/shouldn’t read the book.	10 Points
Total Possible		50 Points

 

*Theme can be defined as a main idea/s in a work of literature. It is often universal, meaning it applies to anyone, anywhere. The author expresses his or her opinions through treatment of the theme/s. Example: In The House on Mango Street, Sandra Cisneros explores the common theme of coming of age; Esperanza’s coming of age experience is affected by her gender, culture, and socioeconomic status.

Reflection Example 1:

This summer I read The Girl With the Louding Voice by Abi Dare, who grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, and now lives in the UK. This work of fiction was published in 2020 and is set in modern-day Nigeria. The heroine of the novel is fourteen-year-old Adunni. Her dream is to be a teacher, but her dreams begin to shatter when her mother passes away. She is forced into marriage and later slavery in Lagos. Despite these hardships, Adunni continues to fight for her dream of an education and career.

Though this book tackled many difficult topics, I enjoyed it immensely and read the entire book in a few days. Adunni’s optimism and bravery despite tragic life circumstances highlighted the book’s major theme: the resilience of the human spirit. One thing I particularly enjoyed about this book is learning so much about modern-day Nigeria, including the fact that Nigeria is the seventh most populous country in the world with around 200 million people. I recommend this book to advanced readers who are at least thirteen years old (due to mature content), especially those interested in learning about life in another culture.

Reflection Example 2

            This summer I read Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. This work of fiction was published in 1999 and is set in Syracuse, New York. The protagonist is Melinda Sordino. During the summer after eighth grade, she calls the cops in the middle of a party. Everyone in the high school knows about it, so she enters high school as an outcast scorned by everyone from former friends to complete strangers. The reason she calls the cops is a traumatic secret, and Melinda will begin to heal only when she finds the courage to speak the truth.

            The mood at the beginning of this book is rather dark, so I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy it. However, as Melinda tells her story through first-person narration, she makes the heavy content lighter through her sardonic wit and dark sense of humor, and it was easy to read the entire book in a few days. As a teacher, it was enlightening (also sometimes hilarious and other times disheartening) to view school and teachers through the eyes of a student. Throughout the book, the oppressive mood gradually lightens as Melinda breaks free from her depression and self-imposed silence. Speak is a complex book with many themes. For me, the most salient theme was the power of speaking the truth out loud because Melinda is not able to move forward with her life until she tells her secret. This book is written for a young adult audience, but I recommend it not only to teenagers but to parents and teachers who need a reminder about the challenges of high school. Girls might enjoy it more because of the female protagonist/narrator, but boys might also benefit from seeing high school from a girl’s perspective.

 

Boyd Buchanan High School

2022 Summer Reading Assignments (10th Grade)

Standard English (ENG2)

There is no “assigned” or “required” summer reading for ENG2 students. I encourage you to read what you enjoy; not as an assignment but just for yourself. Again, there is no required reading for ENG2. Enjoy your summer, and I look forward to meeting you in August! If you have any questions, email me at tdavis@bbschool.org. 

Accelerated English (ACENG2)

Accelerated ENG2 students have one “required reading” book this summer. Please read one of the choices from the ACENG2 Summer Reading Menu (below), complete the assignment (details below), and be prepared to submit a digital copy of the assignment on the first day of school. You might have already read some of these books, but please read one you have never read before for this assignment. If you’re nervous about taking Accelerated English, don’t be! I’ve included book ideas for every type of reader. These are some great books, and I can’t wait to discuss them with you. You are only required to read one of the books on the list; however, feel free to read them all! If you have any questions, email me at tdavis@bbschool.org. 

Accelerated English (ACENG2) Summer Reading Menu (Please choose one book)

 

Book title and author	About this book
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen	This classic is hilarious! This is a great choice for avid readers and may appeal more to a female audience.
American Born Chinese by Gene Yang	This graphic novel has multiple storylines and a surprise ending. I recommend this book to reluctant readers and students who enjoy graphic novels.
Refugee by Alan Gratz	This popular YA novel is an easy but fascinating read. I would recommend it to any sophomore student.
Enrique’s Journey by Sonia Narzario	I would love for all of my students to read this non-fiction book. It’s the true story of a boy who travels through Honduras on the top of a train. Choose either the original version or the young adult adaptation.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah	This popular piece of historical fiction is set in France during WWII. A wonderful read!
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by Bryan Mealer and William Kamkwamba	I recommend this inspiring true story to every sophomore student! The middle is sad, but don’t give up before the wonderful ending. Choose either the original version or the young adult adaptation.
The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom	The true story of a Christian family during the Holocaust. I recommend it to every student.
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston	This is one of my favorite books. The dialog can be challenging to read, but the payoff is worth the effort. This book is suitable for advanced readers and may appeal more to females.

 

Summer Reading Reflection: Accelerated ENG2

 

• Due August 10, 2022. Be prepared to turn this in on Google Classroom on the first day of school. 

• Your Summer Reading Reflection should be based on one of the eight books from the Accelerated English Summer Reading Menu. 

• Your Summer Reading Reflection should be between 150-300 words. Please see my examples below. There is no need to cite outside sources on this assignment; however, if you do choose to include outside sources, it is your responsibility to cite them properly. Plagiarism will result in a zero on the assignment along with additional consequences. 

• Your Reflection should include the following: book name, author, year of publication, concise plot summary, concise commentary on one major theme*, concise opinion about the book (did you enjoy the book and why/why not), and a specific recommendation for who should/shouldn’t read the book. 

 

RUBRIC

Book Knowledge and Understanding	This student read the entire book, and the reflection demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the book.	10 Points
Content	Content is impressively thoughtful and insightful; there is more emphasis on analysis than summary. The response addresses the prompt thoroughly but is not wordy. The reflection is 150-300 words long.	10 Points
Writing Quality	Writing is impressively fluent and coherent. Impressive use of diction.	10 Points
Grammar and Punctuation	Few if any grammatical or punctuation errors.	10 Points
Follows Directions	Book review includes all required elements: book name, author, year of publication, concise plot summary, concise commentary on one major theme, concise opinion about the book (did you enjoy the book and why/why not), and a specific recommendation for who should/shouldn’t read the book.	10 Points
Total Possible		50 Points

 

*Theme can be defined as a main idea/s in a work of literature. It is often universal, meaning it applies to anyone, anywhere. The author expresses his or her opinions through treatment of the theme/s. Example: In The House on Mango Street, Sandra Cisneros explores the common theme of coming of age; Esperanza’s coming of age experience is affected by her gender, culture, and socioeconomic status. 

Reflection Example 1

This summer I read The Girl With the Louding Voice by Abi Dare, who grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, and now lives in the UK. This work of fiction was published in 2020 and is set in modern-day Nigeria. The heroine of the novel is fourteen-year-old Adunni. Her dream is to be a teacher, but her dreams begin to shatter when her mother passes away. She is forced into marriage and later slavery in Lagos. Despite these hardships, Adunni continues to fight for her dream of an education and career. 

Though this book tackled many difficult topics, I enjoyed it immensely and read the entire book in a few days. Adunni’s optimism and bravery despite tragic life circumstances highlighted the book’s major theme: the resilience of the human spirit. One thing I particularly enjoyed about this book is learning so much about modern-day Nigeria, including the fact that Nigeria is the seventh most populous country in the world with around 200 million people. I recommend this book to advanced readers who are at least thirteen years old (due to mature content), especially those interested in learning about life in another culture. 

Reflection Example 2 

This summer I read Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. This work of fiction was published in 1999 and is set in Syracuse, New York. The protagonist is Melinda Sordino. During the summer after eighth grade, she calls the cops in the middle of a party. Everyone in the high school knows about it, so she enters high school as an outcast scorned by everyone from former friends to complete strangers. The reason she calls the cops is a traumatic secret, and Melinda will begin to heal only when she finds the courage to speak the truth. 

The mood at the beginning of this book is rather dark, so I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy it. However, as Melinda tells her story through first-person narration, she makes the heavy content lighter through her sardonic wit and dark sense of humor, and it was easy to read the entire book in a few days. As a teacher, it was enlightening (also sometimes hilarious and other times disheartening) to view school and teachers through the eyes of a student. Throughout the book, the oppressive mood gradually lightens as Melinda breaks free from her depression and self-imposed silence. Speak is a complex book with many themes. For me, the most salient theme was the power of speaking the truth out loud because Melinda is not able to move forward with her life until she tells her secret. This book is written for a young adult audience, but I recommend it not only to teenagers but to parents and teachers who need a reminder about the challenges of high school. Girls might enjoy it more because of the female protagonist/narrator, but boys might also benefit from seeing high school from a girl’s perspective. 

 

Boyd Buchanan High School

2022 Summer Reading Assignments (11th Grade)

English III

There is no “required” reading over the summer for students in English III. Of course, I encourage you to read something you enjoy for fun! If you would like any book recommendations, please let me know. Again, there is no required reading for English III. Enjoy your summer, and I look forward to meeting you in August! If you have any questions, email me at jrox@bbschool.org. 

AP Language & Composition

Read East of Eden by John Steinbeck.

• As you read, complete the MWDS. Please do this as you read. (Mrs. Rox will email each of you an example, rubric, and the template for the MWDS.)  **NOTE: The MWDS will count as a test grade.
• Be prepared to discuss East of Eden during the first week of school.

In addition to the reading assignment, you will need to be extremely familiar with the Essential Terms List, which will be emailed to you as well. We will use these terms throughout the course and knowing these terms will help immensely with the AP multiple choice and essay portion of the exam. You will have a test covering at least 25-30 of the literary terms when we return from summer break. Enjoy your summer, and I look forward to meeting you in August! If you have any questions, email me at jrox@bbschool.org.