Summer Reading 2014: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
7 th grade, Mrs. Squires
The Basics:
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You will have a test over the book sometime during the first full week of class. We will discuss the test in-class. All typed work (see below) will be due on the first full day of class. I will check your book for three things. (see below).

This is the first piece of work (and the first few grades) that I will receive from you. You have all summer to do it. You can guess what that means: don’t slack off. Put effort into your responses.
 Consulting SparkNotes, CliffsNotes, or any other “-Notes” is an HONOR CODE
VIOLATION.

The movie is significantly different from the book. If you rely only on the movie, you will not be able to participate fully in the discussion, produce excellent work on the written assignments, or pass the test.
Book Check (for a grade)
A large part of your grade will come from a book check. During the test, I will take your book and leaf through it to check for three things.
1. Chapter Titles: After reading each chapter, go back and title it. Come up with something
“catchy” that reflects what you read in the chapter.
2. Quote from each chapter: Write a memorable quote at the end of each chapter in quotation marks with the page number in parenthesis.
3. Annotation: You will annotate your book while you read it. That means as you read, if you think, question, or reflect on something that is happening, please note it in the margin. You do not need to annotate every page in the book. I expect at least one note every ten pages. I want you to enjoy reading the story! It’s really good. If you notice any of the other options below, please mark/highlight them:
1.) Comments and thoughts regarding the above focus questions (This will help you with the discussion essays.)
2.) The way clothing, style, and appearance categorizes individuals and peer groups
3.) Examples of peer pressure, conformity, non-conformity, and identity struggles
4.) Allusions to other movies, music, brand names, or literature. Allusions are references to other pieces of “art” or culture that readers recognize or are familiar with. An allusion can appear either directly or indirectly. For example, a direct allusion is mentioning another rapper in a song; an indirect allusion is quoting another rapper in a song. In The Outsiders , when Johnny talks about Gone with the Wind, he is referencing a book. He is alluding to a piece of literature.
5.) Any example of 1960’s slang
6.) Differences between greasers and socs
*Please see the scanned documents below for examples of annotated work.

Written Assignment (for a grade)
You will type your answers to the following questions and turn them in for a grade on the first full day of school. Answer them thoughtfully; your responses will help jumpstart our discussion. I expect a paragraph for each question (This means you will turn in a total of two paragraphs - no more, no less). For EACH essay (2 total): Times New Roman, 12 pt. font,
½ page single-spaced.
In other words, a very thoughtful, detailed paragraph. DO NOT simply re-tell the plot.
1.) Contrast the effects that Sodapop and Darry* have on Ponyboy’s life. How and why are the two brothers different? What makes them have such opposite attitudes? Who is Ponyboy more like? How do their actions affect Ponyboy’s own outlook and approach to life? Use one quotation from the book with a page number in parenthesis to support your answer.
2.) What is your definition of an “outsider”? Why do you believe S.E. Hinton chose this title for the book? Who are the “outsiders” in the book? It may seem like an obvious question, but it can have a complicated answer. Please note that S.E. Hinton is a female, therefore use the pronouns
“she” or “her” in your answer.
If you have any questions regarding the summer reading, you may email me at kelli.squires@stratford.org.
I’m looking forward to seeing you in August! Enjoy the break!
Kelli Squires

Annotated first page and last page from Chapter 1 from The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton