A.P. U.S. HISTORY II
2014 SUMMER READING ASSIGNMENT
Part I
The first part of the assignment is to give a one to two page summary of the characters, plot
(?)/ story line, and setting (both geographical and historical).
Secondly, as you read, try to determine what the purpose is for writing the book. Was it to
enlighten, illuminate, discredit, praise, or promote an agenda? Also, try to unearth the historical
argument (often a direct connection to the purpose) or the thesis of the book. A strong paragraph
explaining the purpose and the historical argument (or thesis) will be next.
Lastly, write a good paragraph telling how you feel about the book. What did you take away
from it? How does it compare to other books of this type you have read? What questions regarding
the time period, and American History in general, did it raise for you?
Choose one from the following:
Assassination Vacation – Sarah Vowell
Light hearted tour of presidential assassinations and their backgrounds(Non-Fiction)
Little Big Man - Thomas Berger
Indian and Indian Fighters in settling the West (Historical Fiction)
Ragtime - E.L. Doctorow
An exploration of the early years of the 20th Century (Historical Fiction)
Theodore Rex- Edmund Morris
The Progressive President in power. (Biography)
Only Yesterday - Fred Allen
An entertaining analysis of the 1920's. (Non-Fiction)
Native Son - Richard Wright
A look at race relations in 1930's Chicago. (Novel)
Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
Classic story of Okies headed to California during Dust Bowl. (Novel)
Winds of War - Herman Wouk
American family gets swept up into events brought about by WWII. (Historical Fiction)
Autobiograph of Malcolm X - Alex Haley
Story of the transformation of radical Black Nationalist. (Non-Fiction)
The Glory and the Dream - William Manchester
Either volume (there are two). A look at 20th Century American History (Non-Fiction)
Hellhound on His Trail - Hampton Sides
The search for Martin Luther King's assassin. (Non-Fiction)
Parting The Waters - Taylor Branch (Non-Fiction)
America during the King years.
Grand Expectations- James T. Patterson (Non-Fiction)
The USA from 1945-1974
Lies My Teacher Told Me - James W. Loewen
A critical look at how American History is taught. (Non-Fiction)
Or another book of your choosing with my approval.
If you read historical fiction, what was fact, and what was fiction? What characters did you find
compelling or repulsive, and why?
Part II
Complete the attached worksheets that correspond with Chapter 22 and Chapter 23 of Pageant
and write a five (or six with contrary evidence) paragraph essay on the following directive:
Assess the validity of this statement, "Reconstruction was a failure".
This summer, instead of watching "Friends" reruns, watch the History Channel or PBS,
especially, " The American Experience." When renting movies, watch historical fiction or historical
events. Also take notes on pp.633-653.
Failure to complete the assignment for the first day of school will result in removal
from the course.
 Book Review counts as one test grade.
 Essay on Reconstruction is one test grade.
 Each set of notes counts as a homework assignment (3 total)
Have a wonderful summer and I will see you in the fall!
Mr. Erdman