Essential Question
What forces
within us,
around us, or
beyond us,
give meaning
to our lives?
The Alchemist
The Impossible
Knife of Memory
Lord of the
Flies
Choose one of the novels
from this list and be ready to
discuss and write about the
following:
Feed
All of the following novels
have to do with the topic of
our EXISTENCE, a broad
theme common to many of
the 11th & 12th grade readings
this year.
Never Fall
Down
Summer Reading
A Death in
the Family
English
Something
Wicked this
Way Comes
Grades 11 & 12
Summer Reading Letter for Grades 11 & 12
Guidelines
Dear Carver Students and Parents:
Students entering the 11th& 12th grade
will be expected to read the following:
a. 11th & 12th grade CP: one book
from the choice list
b. 11th & 12th Honors: one book from
the choice list and Lord of the
Flies
Before you select a book, take the time
to read through reviews of the books.
Make sure the book you choose is right
for you. Each picture on the opposite
side of this page is a hyperlink to a
review.
---------When you return to school in the fall,
you will share what you have read
through both formal and informal
assessments. This may mean writing a
letter to the author or engaging in a
Literary Circle discussion. Enjoy the
summer. We look forward to discussing
the books upon our return!
Students often ask, “What should I
be looking for as I read?” Here are six
answers to this frequent question:
1. Character descriptions
Readers can tell a lot about a person based
upon his speech, thoughts, actions, looks, or his
effect on others. Chances are the author wants
us to feel a certain way about a character based
upon his or her description.
2. Setting descriptions
Authors often have a reason for including
longwinded setting details. Sometimes the
setting is symbolic; other times it establishes
mood. Mark setting particulars, even if you
think they’re boring. They may be important.
3. Thematic passages
Are two characters having a philosophical
conversation? Is the narrator sharing his opinion
with no one in particular? Is one character giving
advice to another? We can usually identify
thematic passages in texts because they often
stand apart from the book’s actual narrative or
plotline. Mark thematic passages, even if they
don’t make sense at first.
4. Problems or conflicts
Is a character facing a tough decision?
Having relationship problems? Feeling at
odds with society? Facing a double
standard?
Clashing
with
another
character? Mark the conflict!
5. Confusing events or dialogue
Not sure what the author is saying or
what the reason is behind a particular
action or event? Flag passages that feel
confusing. Write down your questions
while you read. Sometimes the author
confuses the reader on purpose, revealing
the answers to questions elsewhere in the
book. Other times questions lead to
thematic interpretations. Got questions?
Don’t be afraid to ask!
6. Essential Question
Don’t forget the Essential Question: How
can our differences shape, impact, or
influence our perceptions of the world?
Sincerely,
The English Department
Adapted from West Bloomfield High Summer Reading