Prince of Peace Christian School
Summer Reading 2014-2015
Crossroads (8th Honors) – Two books
Rebecca by du Maurier; Avon; First Edition ed. (July 2002) ISBN: 9780380778553
One novel of choice
Carefully read and annotate your two books. A general guideline for annotations includes
marking important passages about character, plot, and details. Be prepared to show your
annotations to your teacher. DO NOT use outside sources such as Spark Notes, Cliff Notes,
Bookrags etc.
Choose one character from Rebecca and one character from your novel of choice to compare and contrast.
Then, write a mini-essay with the following elements:
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A 1 sentence thesis that lays out your two characters, the similarities they have as
well as their differences. This thesis will be the only sentence in your first
paragraph. Be sure to include the title and author of both novels.
A first body paragraph in which you develop the similarities of the characters.
There should be examples to support your view.
A second body paragraph in which you develop the differences between the
characters. You should use specific examples to support your view.
An optional conclusion paragraph in which you pull your ideas together.
Make sure you include both evidence and explanation of the significance of your evidence. DO NOT
merely retell or summarize the plot of the episode. Be prepared to submit your typed essay to
turnitin.com to check for plagiarism.
Please purchase a clean copy with the exact ISBN and copyright date to ensure the same edition
required for class discussion of the novel. We will be using the exact edition requested as an
essential part of the curriculum for the first several weeks of English. Please check the publisher,
the copyright date and the ISBN. The clean copy of the text allows the student to add his or her
own annotations.
For all assigned summer reading books (except the novel of choice for Crossroads), there will be
an objective quiz given the 1st week of school. After the summer reading has been analyzed and
discussed in class, a test will complete the summer reading unit.
Eng. I – One book
The Odyssey by Homer, trans. Rouse; Signet Classics; Reissue ed. (Oct. 2007);
ISBN: 9780451530684
Carefully read and annotate The Odyssey. A general guideline for annotations includes marking
important passages about character, plot, and details. Be prepared to show your annotations to
your teacher. DO NOT use outside sources such as Spark Notes, Cliff Notes, Bookrags etc.
Choose ONE of the following values – deceit, beauty, hospitality, respect or self-control
– and select 2 key episodes from The Odyssey that reveal one character’s understanding
of that value. Then, write a well-developed paragraph (½ to one full typed page) in
which you explain how the two episodes reveal what your selected character understands
about the ONE value you choose.
Make sure you include both evidence and explanation of the significance of your
evidence. DO NOT merely retell or summarize the plot of the episode. Be prepared to
submit your typed paragraph to turnitin.com to check for plagiarism.
Please purchase a clean copy with the exact ISBN and copyright date to ensure the same edition
required for class discussion of the novel. We will be using the exact edition requested as an
essential part of the curriculum for the first several weeks of English. Please check the publisher,
the copyright date and the ISBN. The clean copy of the text allows the student to add his or her
own annotations.
For all assigned summer reading books, there will be an objective quiz given the 1st week of
school. After the summer reading has been analyzed and discussed in class, a test will complete
the summer reading unit.
Eng. I PreAP- Two books
The Odyssey by Homer trans. Fitzgerald; Farrar, Straus and Giroux (November 1998)
ISBN: 978-0374525743
Mythology by Edith Hamilton; Mass Market Paperback, Reissue ed. (Jan. 2011)
ISBN: 978-0446574754
This summer, you will go on a voyage with the Greek hero Odysseus as he returns from the
Trojan War to his beloved Ithaca, his faithful wife, and his loving son. Before you begin, you
should read the background information on the Trojan War included in your copy of Edith
Hamilton’s Mythology, “Part Four: Heroes of the Trojan War,” including the chapters on “The
Trojan War,” ‘The Fall of Troy,” and “The Adventures of Odysseus”. As you read about each of
Odysseus’ adventures, consider the trials he must face. Odysseus’ character is portrayed in his
ability to handle dangerous situations.
The trials illustrate more than just temptations that he must overcome; they show a
different man at the end of the book than at the beginning. His adventures in his journey humble
his pride, reveal his cleverness, and prepare him, by giving him self-control, for the task of
restoring order to his household and to Ithaca. In each of the twelve adventures listed below,
Odysseus is tempted to display a negative character trait or to choose a false identity that he must
reject, and he is encouraged to demonstrate a positive trait. This is the basis of your summer
essay. Choose three of the adventures to discuss in your essay, including a brief summary of
each, the negative trait he must overcome or reject, and the positive trait that he embraces to
succeed.
1. Begin with a brief thesis sentence that lists title and author, the three adventures, and the
idea of Odysseus’ choices. This sentence may be the only sentence in your first
paragraph.
2. In each of the following three paragraphs, you will summarize the adventure, discuss the
negative trait, and explain the positive character trait that Odysseus demonstrates.
3. You may include an optional concluding paragraph that pulls your ideas together.
4. The essay will be submitted to turnitin.com to check for plagiarism.
Carefully read and annotate the following sections of Mythology by Edith Hamilton and then
complete the assignment.
1. Carefully read and annotate Part One, Chapters I and II of Mythology. According to
classical mythology, the universe began in chaos, which generated forces that led
eventually to the creation of the Titans, two of whom were Cronus and Rhea.
Determined not to let any of his children usurp his power, Cronus ate them as soon as
they were born, but one of these, Zeus, fought his way out and freed his siblings.
They became the first of the Olympian gods. The Greek gods are not perfect; in fact,
they have all the flaws that characterize human beings, but much more power. Using
your mythology book as a reference, type a description of the characters listed below.
Include the Roman (Latin) name, symbols, and realm, if available. This typed
description will be turned in the first day of school; be prepared to submit the
description to turnitin.com to check for plagiarism. Be prepared for a quiz on these
figures during the first week of school. Include a description for the following: Zeus,
Poseidon, Hades, Hera, Hestia, Ares, Athena, Apollo, Aphrodite, Hermes, Artemis,
Hephaestus, Demeter, Dionysus, Persephone, Cyclops, Calypso, and Circe.
Carefully read and annotate Part Four, Chapters I, II, and III of Mythology. These chapters will
give you a summary and overview of the Trojan War described in The Iliad and The Odyssey
and will be helpful as you read and write about The Odyssey.
Please purchase a clean copy with the exact ISBN and copyright date to ensure the same edition
required for class discussion of the novel. We will be using the exact edition requested as an
essential part of the curriculum for the first several weeks of English. Please check the publisher,
the copyright date and the ISBN. The clean copy of the text allows the student to add his or her
own annotations.
For all assigned summer reading books, there will be an objective quiz given the 1st week of
school. After the summer reading has been analyzed and discussed in class, a test will complete
the summer reading unit.
English II – One book
Lord of the Flies by Golding; Perigee Trade; Casebook ed. (Sept. 1987)
ISBN: 9780399506437
Carefully read and annotate Lord of the Flies. A general guideline for annotations includes
marking important passages about character, plot, and details. Be prepared to show your
annotations to your teacher. DO NOT use outside sources such as Spark Notes, Cliff Notes,
Bookrags etc.
Choose two of the following characters: Ralph, Jack, Piggy, Simon. Then choose a different
scene for each character that gives the most insight into their character. Write one welldeveloped paragraph for each of your 2 characters: a total of 2 paragraphs. Each paragraph
should be ½ to one full page. For example, if you selected Ralph, choose the one scene that
reveals the most about Ralph, noting both the details of the scene and their significance. You
will have 2 separate paragraphs (no “big” thesis tying it all together).
Make sure you include both evidence and explanation of the significance of your evidence. DO
NOT merely retell or summarize the plot of the episode. Be prepared to submit your typed essay
to turnitin.com to check for plagiarism.
Please purchase a clean copy with the exact ISBN and copyright date to ensure the same edition
required for class discussion of the novel. We will be using the exact edition requested as an
essential part of the curriculum for the first several weeks of English. Please check the publisher,
the copyright date and the ISBN. The clean copy of the text allows the student to add his or her
own annotations.
For all assigned summer reading books, there will be an objective quiz given the 1st week of
school. After the summer reading has been analyzed and discussed in class, a test will complete
the summer reading unit.
English II PreAP – Two books
Of Mice and Men by Steinbeck ; Penguin (January 8, 2002) ISBN: 9780142000670
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley; Bedford/St. Martin's; 2nd ed., Case Studies ed. (April 14, 2000)
ISBN: 9780312191269
Carefully read and annotate your two books. A general guideline for annotations includes
marking important passages about character, plot, and details. Be prepared to show your
annotations to your teacher. DO NOT use outside sources such as Spark Notes, Cliff Notes,
Bookrags etc.
Both of these works confront the reader with scenes of violence. Choose a key scene of violence
from both works: total of 2 scenes, one from each work. In a well-organized essay, compare
and contrast how these two scenes contribute to the meaning of the entire work. Aim for a
critical mass of 2 1/2-3 pages (Times New Roman 12, 1 inch margins, all doublespaced).
Make sure you include both evidence and explanation of the significance of your evidence. DO
NOT merely retell or summarize the plot of the episode. Be prepared to submit your typed essay
to turnitin.com to check for plagiarism.
Please purchase a clean copy with the exact ISBN and copyright date to ensure the same edition
required for class discussion of the novel. We will be using the exact edition requested as an
essential part of the curriculum for the first several weeks of English. Please check the publisher,
the copyright date and the ISBN. The clean copy of the text allows the student to add his or her
own annotations.
For all assigned summer reading books, there will be an objective quiz given the 1st week of
school. After the summer reading has been analyzed and discussed in class, a test will complete
the summer reading unit.
English III – One book
Scarlet Letter by Hawthorne; Dover Publications (May 2, 1994) ISBN: 978-0486280486
Carefully read and annotate The Scarlet Letter. Be prepared to show your annotations to your
teacher. DO NOT use outside sources such as Spark Notes, Cliff Notes, Bookrags etc.
The following is a list of symbols in the novel that will be the basis of your summer essay.
Choose the top 3 symbols you would like to explore and email your choices to Mrs. Ashcraft at
ashley.ashcraft@popcs.org. Since only two people can choose each symbol, the sooner you
choose, the more likely you will receive your first choice. Mrs. Ashcraft will reply with your
assigned symbol.
1. Doors/Thresholds
2. Weeds/Vegetation/Flowers
3. Forest/Town
4. 3 scaffolds
5. Color black
6. Color green
7. Color gold
8. Color red
9. Triads (groups of three)
10. Mirrors/Reflections
11. Sunlight/Darkness
12. Draperies and Curtains
13. Pearl
14. Steps
15. Water
Your essay should explore the symbols as follows:
1. Introduction including a thesis that draws a conclusion about Hawthorne’s purpose in
using the symbol and the theme represented by it.
2. Body paragraph about 2-3 appearances of the novel, using quotes and MLA
documentation
3. Body paragraph about the meaning of the symbol. How does the symbol convey the
theme and purpose of the novel and what effect does it have on the reader?
4. A concluding paragraph that answers the “so-what” question: how is the meaning of the
symbol “like life” or how is the meaning of the symbol universal?
The essay will be due during the first week of classes and will be submitted to turnitin.com to
check for plagiarism.
Please purchase a clean copy with the exact ISBN and copyright date to ensure the same edition
required for class discussion of the novel. We will be using the exact edition requested as an
essential part of the curriculum for the first several weeks of English. Please check the publisher,
the copyright date and the ISBN. The clean copy of the text allows the student to add his or her
own annotations.
For all assigned summer reading books, there will be an objective quiz given the 1st week of
school. After the summer reading has been analyzed and discussed in class, a test will complete
the summer reading unit.
AP Language– Two books
Scarlet Letter by Hawthorne; Dover Publications (May 2, 1994) ISBN: 9780486280486
Language of Composition by Shea, Scanlon, and Aufses; 2nd ed. ISBN 9780312676506
1. Assignment for The Scarlet Letter: Respond to the following prompt in a well-developed
essay of no longer than 750 words (include a word count at the end of the essay). The
essay must be in 12 font, Times New Roman, double-spaced with MLA formatting.
Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote The Scarlet Letter in 1850, during the age of
Romanticism and Transcendentalism. Hawthorne was a friend and neighbor of such
transcendental writers as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, who viewed
man as naturally good and who believed in the possibility of creating a utopian society.
On the other hand, Hawthorne was a product of his Puritan ancestors who believed that
man is naturally depraved and sinful; one of Hawthorne’s ancestors was Judge John
Hathorne who was a judge in the notorious Salem witch trials that took place in New
England in 1692. Hawthorne chose Boston in 1642-49 as the setting for his novel. Write
a well-organized essay which addresses the possibility that a piece of fiction can be an
argument. Consider The Scarlet Letter as Hawthorne’s anti-utopian argument in response
to his transcendentalist contemporaries or his moral argument in response to his Puritan
ancestors.
2. Assignment #2 Activity and quiz on Chapter 1 of The Language of Composition:
Carefully read and annotate chapter one of your text book, The Language of
Composition. Complete the Activity on page 6. Type a SOAPS analysis of the “9/11
Speech” by George W. Bush. This analysis will be turned in on the first day of class.
Also, be prepared for a quiz on the “Glossary of Rhetorical Terms,” pages 36-38 to be
given the first day of class.
Please purchase a clean copy with the exact ISBN and copyright date to ensure the same edition
required for class discussion of the novel. We will be using the exact edition requested as an
essential part of the curriculum for the first several weeks of English. Please check the publisher,
the copyright date and the ISBN. The clean copy of the text allows the student to add his or her
own annotations.
For all assigned summer reading books, there will be an objective quiz given the 1st week of
school. After the summer reading has been analyzed and discussed in class, a test will complete
the summer reading unit.
English IV - One book
King Lear by Shakespeare; Signet Classics; Revised ed (June 1, 1998) ISBN: 9780451526939
Carefully read and annotate King Lear, stopping after Act 2 to complete the first part of the
writing assignment below. Be prepared to show your annotations to your teacher. DO NOT use
outside sources such as Spark Notes, Cliff Notes, Bookrags etc.
While reading King Lear, as soon as you have finished Act 2, write a one-page journal that
answers the following questions. What did Act 2 resolve that was set up in Act I? What do you
expect to happen in Act 3? Then, once you have finished the entire play, write a second onepage journal that explains the importance of Act 4 in relation to what came before, and what
must happen after (the events in Act 4). Each journal entry must be one page, typed, doublespaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt font.
Please purchase a clean copy with the exact ISBN and copyright date to ensure the same edition
required for class discussion of the novel. We will be using the exact edition requested as an
essential part of the curriculum for the first several weeks of English. Please check the publisher,
the copyright date and the ISBN. The clean copy of the text allows the student to add his or her
own annotations.
For all assigned summer reading books, there will be an objective quiz given the 1st week of
school. After the summer reading has been analyzed and discussed in class, a test will complete
the summer reading unit.
AP Literature - Two books
King Lear by Shakespeare; Folger, Simon & Schuster (2004) ISBN: 9780743482769
Heart of Darkness by Conrad; Norton critical ed.; 4th ed (Dec. 2005) ISBN: 9780393926361
1. Assignment for King Lear: Respond to the following prompt in a well-developed essay
no longer than 750 words (include a word count at the end of the essay): One definition
of madness is “mental delusion or the eccentric behavior arising from it.” But Emily
Dickinson wrote, “Much madness is divinest Sense– / To a Discerning Eye–.” Novelists
and playwrights have often seen madness with a “discerning Eye.” Write a wellorganized essay about King Lear in which you explain the role of a character’s apparent
madness or irrational behavior. Consider both what this delusion or eccentric behavior
consists of and how it might be judged reasonable. Explain the significance of the
“madness” to the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot.
2. Assignment for Heart of Darkness: Respond to the following prompt in a welldeveloped essay no longer than 750 words (include a word count at the end of the essay):
Many plays and novels use contrasting places (for example, two countries, two cities or
towns, two houses, or the land and the sea) to represent opposed forces or ideas that are
central to the meaning of the work. From Heart of Darkness, choose two such contrasting
places. Write an essay explaining how the places differ, what each place represents, and
how their contrast contributes to the meaning of the work.
For both essays, make sure you include both evidence and explanation of the significance of your
evidence. DO NOT merely retell or summarize the plot. Be prepared to submit your typed essay
to turnitin.com to check for plagiarism. The essay must be in 12 font, Times New Roman,
double-spaced with MLA formatting.
Please purchase a clean copy with the exact ISBN and copyright date to ensure the same edition
required for class discussion of the novel. We will be using the exact edition requested as an
essential part of the curriculum for the first several weeks of English. Please check the publisher,
the copyright date and the ISBN. The clean copy of the text allows the student to add his or her
own annotations.
For all assigned summer reading books, there will be an objective quiz given the 1st week of
school. After the summer reading has been analyzed and discussed in class, a test will complete
the summer reading unit.