AP Summer Reading 2010 Page 1
McKinney ISD
12th Grade AP English
Summer Reading
May 2010
Dear Incoming 12th Grade AP English IV Student and Parent or Guardian,
Statistics prove continued reading improves test scores and increases student success. With this in mind,
McKinney ISD requires a summer reading assignment for all 9th-12th grade PreAP and AP English students.
This assignment reflects the content and grade level while promoting skills critical to student success on the
Advanced Placement exams.
This year, the 12th grade AP teachers at McKinney North High School have selected The Poisonwood Bible, by
Barbara Kingsolver. Details about the assignments follow the text of this letter. The purpose of these
assignments is to guide the students in their reading and understanding of the themes presented by the author.
Also, during the first week of school, students will take an objective assessment covering the novel. If you or
your child has any questions, please email Nancy Bridges, the teacher of 12th grade AP English.
As a district, McKinney ISD embraces the life-long love of reading; it is our goal to instill this in our students.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
The English Department of McKinney North High School
When reading books for AP classes, remember the following tips:
1. Read actively.
a. Annotate-highlight, underline, star, and look for what you think is important.
b. Even though the goal is that you annotate the important details and discount the rest, it is more
important THAT you do it than what you mark.
2. Make notes after each chapter.
a. A sentence or two should do fine on short chapters, a paragraph for longer ones.
b. Make sure to mention characters and plot as well as important key passages. Making predictions
is also helpful.
3. Study your annotations/notes.
a. If you put down the book for an extended period, or when you are preparing fro a test, these
notes will keep you from having to reread the whole book.
b. These notes will help you remember who did what and when.
c. If you need clarification on understanding a foreshadowed event, or a plot twist takes you back
in the novel, these notes will help you quickly find your place.
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Summer Reading Policy:
AP English Literature IV students are to read The Poisonwood Bible, by Barbara Kingsolver,
over the summer. In addition to this reading, which will be assessed through a major test
grade later in the week, the following paper will be due on the first day of school, August 23,
2010. If the assignments are turned in late on August 24, and assuming the work is AP quality,
it will receive a maximum grade of 70%.
The exception to this is:
 If a student is newly enrolled in the class without proper preparation time (to
read the novel), then he or she may be given an alternative assignment or an
extension at the teacher’s discretion. In order to seek this exemption, please
contact the teachers at the email listed below
 Students given ample time to read the novel will not be allowed additional
time.
We will be working with the AP students to ensure fairness in this process. If you have any questions or
concerns, please contact us.
Nancy Bridges 469 742 4444 nbridges@mckinneyisd.net
The Poisonwood Bible essay – due August 23, 2010
Using MLA format, the essays are to be 2-3 pages in length, double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt.
font. No creative margins, fonts, or cover sheets. We recommend Purdue University’s OWL Online
Writing Lab for assistance.
Many works of literature, though set in a particular time period and recounting historical events, transcend the
simple category of “historical fiction” because the works present universal, timeless themes, questions, and
conflicts. In a well organized essay, discuss how this is true of The Poisonwood Bible. Without summarizing
the plot, draw specific examples from the novel to support your points.
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