English 112: 9th Grade Summer Reading Guide (2015)
Blessed Trinity Catholic High School
Please print this packet and write directly on this page. Type the study questions. Bring the
completed packet on the first day of class for a homework grade.
Choose one of the following novels on which to complete this study guide:
 Speak – Laurie Halse Anderson
 The Graveyard Book – Neil Gaiman (please read the novel, not the graphic novel)
 A Day No Pigs Would Die – Robert Peck
 The Contender – Robert Lipsyte
What is your name?
_________________________________________________________________
How many books did you read in the past year? (Circle one.)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
10+
During the summer months when school is not in session, how often do you read? (Circle one.)
I read every day.
I read a few times a week.
I read once a week.
I read less than once a week.
I rarely read at all.
For which book are you completing this reading guide?
_________________________________________________________________
Why did you choose this novel? Explain.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Based on its title, what do you expect from this book? Explain.
1
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Study Questions for Novels:
Look for these elements and take notes while you are reading the novel(s). Type your answers to
the following questions and bring them to the first English class for discussion and credit. Be
sure to answer in complete sentences.
These questions will be used for class discussion, and then will be collected as a homework
grade on the first full day of English class. You will be required to write an in class essay as
assessment of your summer reading.
1. List five major characters. Write three sentences identifying each one.
List three-five minor characters. Write two sentences identifying each one.
2. What is the setting (time and place) of the story?
3. Who is the narrator of the story? Through what point of view is the story told?
4. What is the major conflict? How is it resolved?
5. List in sequential order ten important actions that happen in the plot. Put a star next to the
climax or turning point of the novel.
6. What is the theme or lesson of the novel? Why?
7. Is the title of the book appropriate? Why or why not?
8. Do you like the ending of the book? Why or why not?
9. Generate at least five questions (things you didn’t understand, or wondered about) to ask
during discussion.
2