Summer Reading Guide
This packet is designed to support you with reading and understanding the sophomore summer
book. This year, we’ll be exploring an interesting non-fiction (actually happened) novel,
“Zeitoun,” by Dave Eggers. The packet is broken into an overview of the book and readings
which are identified by page numbers at the top of each reading guide page. I’ve completed the
first reading section for you so that you have an idea of how to fill out the guide.
Each reading is roughly 20-30 pages long; however, the font is fairly small and there are 325
pages, so you should make sure you carve out enough time each day to get some reading
done. When we meet again in September, you will be assessed on your understanding of the
book, so be sure to bring your completed reading guide to help you. Again, please give
yourself time to leisurely enjoy this interesting story.
See you soon!
Matt Norrdin
Pre-reading/Overview
Brief overview of Zeitoun, as told by Amazon.com:
Abdulrahman and Kathy Zeitoun run a house-painting business in New Orleans. In August of
2005, as Hurricane Katrina approaches, Kathy evacuates with their four young children, leaving
Zeitoun to watch over the business. In the days following the storm he travels the city by canoe,
feeding abandoned animals and helping elderly neighbors. Then, on September 6th, police
officers armed with M-16s arrest Zeitoun in his home. Told with eloquence and compassion,
Zeitoun is a riveting account of one family’s unthinkable struggle with forces beyond wind and
water.
What you should know:
Hurricane Katrina caused 1,833 deaths due to severe flooding of the Mississippi delta. Most of
those deaths occurred in the lowest lying areas of New Orleans. Many people feel that the
government’s response to the crisis was extremely slow and that a lot of deaths and
consequences could have been avoided if they had properly prepared for the storm’s effects.
The graphic below gives you an idea of how just a little bit of water could flood most of
NewOrleans.
Pages 3-11
Major Elements
In the box below, draw a picture representing the
main themes, ideas, events, and/or characters in
this section.
Identifying Vocab (words you didn’t know
and found the definition for)
undulating- something that moves up and down in a
wavelike manner.
refracted- reflected or directed in many different,
smaller ways
litany- a list of readings read in church OR a list that is
tedious and highly detailed
feigned- feign: to fake or pretend
vibrato- the small purposeful fluctuations in sound that
people make while singing. Like opera singers.
Create a 20-40 word summary of the chapter:
The book starts off talking about Zeitoun’s childhood, fishing in Syria. We meet Cathy, his wife, and their
children. There are some kind of funny stories about the family. He runs a painting business.
Essential Questions: What’s the point of beginning the book with him fishing? When will they
figure out that Hurricane Katrina is a big deal (because they don’t think it is now)?
Thoughts: I liked the fishing story because it was super vivid and interesting. The girls sound
funny because they’re so dramatic.
p.11-25
Major Elements
In the box below, draw a picture representing the
Identifying Vocab
main themes, ideas, events, and/or characters in
this chapter.
Create a 20-40 word summary of the selection:
Essential Questions:
Thoughts:
P.25-24
Major Elements
In the box below, draw a picture representing the
Identifying Vocab
main themes, ideas, events, and/or characters in
this chapter.
Create a 20-40 word summary of the selection:
Essential Questions:
Thoughts:
p. 42-68
Major Elements
In the box below, draw a picture representing the
Identifying Vocab
main themes, ideas, events, and/or characters in
this chapter.
Create a 20-40 word summary of the chapter:
Essential Questions:
Thoughts:
p.68-85
Major Elements
In the box below, draw a picture representing the
main themes, ideas, events, and/or characters in
this chapter.
Identifying Vocab
Create a 20-word summary of the chapter:
Essential Questions:
Thoughts:
p.85-105
Major Elements
In the box below, draw a picture representing the
main themes, ideas, events, and/or characters in
this chapter.
Identifying Vocab
Create a 20-word summary of the chapter:
Essential Questions:
Thoughts:
p.105-134
Major Elements
In the box below, draw a picture representing the
main themes, ideas, events, and/or characters in
Identifying Vocab
this chapter.
Create a 20-word summary of the chapter:
Essential Questions:
Thoughts:
p.134-170
Major Elements
In the box below, draw a picture representing the
main themes, ideas, events, and/or characters in
Identifying Vocab
this chapter.
Create a 20-word summary of the chapter:
Essential Questions:
Thoughts:
p.173-202
Major Elements
In the box below, draw a picture representing the
main themes, ideas, events, and/or characters in
Identifying Vocab
this chapter.
Create a 20-word summary of the chapter:
Essential Questions:
Thoughts:
p.202-226
Major Elements
In the box below, draw a picture representing the
main themes, ideas, events, and/or characters in
Identifying Vocab
this chapter.
Create a 20-word summary of the chapter:
Essential Questions:
Thoughts:
p.226-257
Major Elements
In the box below, draw a picture representing the
main themes, ideas, events, and/or characters in
Identifying Vocab
this chapter.
Create a 20-word summary of the chapter:
Essential Questions:
Thoughts:
p.257-290
Major Elements
In the box below, draw a picture representing the
main themes, ideas, events, and/or characters in
Identifying Vocab
this chapter.
Create a 20-word summary of the chapter:
Essential Questions:
Thoughts:
p.293-325
Major Elements
In the box below, draw a picture representing the
main themes, ideas, events, and/or characters in
Identifying Vocab
this chapter.
Create a 20-word summary of the chapter:
Essential Questions:
Thoughts: