Summer Reading 2013
What you’ll do:
Please look at the list of options for the grade you will enter in the fall. Select a book that fits the
parameters I’ve listed and that your parents approve of for you. If you need help, I can provide
suggestions! Make sure you like it and it isn’t too hard or too easy, but is age and interest appropriate.
Tip: Set up an account on Goodreads and browse that for ideas and reviews.
Then, you’ll do these two things:
 Annotation. As you read, use post-it notes to record your thoughts AS YOU READ. On each postit, record the page number, and then make a note. It can be a reaction, a question, a word you
are struggling with, etc. (Ex: “What? I thought that she would find the necklace! I didn’t see this
coming!” or “What on earth does ‘zephyr’ mean?”) You need a minimum of 8 post-its. When
you have finished reading, put your post-its on a piece of paper (in order) and turn those in. For
the notes, spelling/grammar/neatness will not be graded. I am looking at your thought process
as you practice close reading! I will create an example or two. If you want to see them, email me
at gilbert@mytfca.org
 Project. See the back for options. If you have a better idea, suggest one to me for approval! I am
going to grade on thoughtfulness, neatness, accuracy, and reflection. Type your work if it is a
written project. If you are doing something artistic, make it attractive and neat. Follow all
directions for any option you choose.
12th Grade
 ALL: Read a book of your choice, preferably a British author (annotations and a project required)
o DO NOT CHOOSE Jane Eyre, Macbeth, or Frankenstein
 Required for AP Lit, recommended for all: How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas C.
Foster (annotations only- no project for this book!)
11th Grade (AP Language must do both, non-AP may choose one)
 AP: YOU MUST do annotations for both, but you only must do ONE project
 Fiction selection by an American author, classic or contemporary
o DO NOT CHOOSE The Crucible, Ethan Frome, or The Scarlet Letter
 Non-fiction selection, but not a biography or autobiography
o DO NOT CHOOSE The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
o I can make recommendations!
10th Grade
 Any book of your choice EXCEPT The Bean Trees, Things Fall Apart, Antigone, Julius Caesar ,or
Song of the Sparrow
9th Grade
 Any book of your choice EXCEPT House of the Scorpion, And Then There Were None, Of Mice
and Men, Romeo and Juliet, or The Great Gatsby
8th Grade
 Any book of your choice EXCEPT Fahrenheit 451, Animal Farm, To Kill a Mockingbird, Touching
Spirit Bear, or Lord of the Flies
Project Options
1. Write a letter to the author or a character in the book. Include questions you had,
reflections/reactions to the text, and your opinion of how well the author succeeded in
conveying the theme of the book. (One page minimum!)
2. Make a poster/collage with a variety of images representing themes and concepts in the
book. Include a brief (paragraph) written explanation of how your choices tie into the
story.
3. Create a play list of at least 10 songs (with a brief explanation of how the song fits the
story) that could be a soundtrack for the book. BONUS: Actually burn a CD with the
songs on it.
4. Create a scrapbook or memory box that a character in the book might have kept.
Include a brief explanation of the artifacts you selected. You must have at least 8
artifacts.
5. Create a test over your book with at least 25 multiple choice questions and one essay
question. Include an answer key! (HINT: Do not try to copy a test from the internet. I
can find them!)
6. Draw a scene from the book. Write a brief explanation of the scene.
7. Create an ABC book of the important things that happened in the book. Have a picture
and a sentence for each letter.
8. Extend the story by writing a sequel or alternate ending, or rewriting a part of the story
from another character’s point of view. (1 page minimum)
9. Decide who would be in the movie version of this book. Briefly explain why each actor is
the best choice for the role. Be sure to list all the major characters, and as many minor
characters as possible. Are there changes you would make for the movie? Why?
10. Write a review of the book. (One page minimum.) Include a brief summary (without
revealing the entire plot- NO SPOILERS), establish your opinion of the book, then
support your opinion with examples from the book. (Hint: if you are looking for a model
of this, visit http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/book-reviews/) BONUS: Publish
your review on Goodreads, Amazon, or another similar site.