9th GRADE
SUMMER
READING 2014
Always
Running
by Luis J.
Rodriguez
The Book – A True Story
 Always Running is an autobiography by a man named Luis J.
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Rodriguez.
The book chronicles Rodriguez’s life as a young boy living with his
parents in a very poor neighborhood in Los Angeles.
Toward the middle of the book, Rodriguez gets into his life as a
teenager and a young gang member. He tells may vivid stories of the
violence he committed and endured as part of a gang.
As the book goes on, Rodriguez tells stories of how he tried to get
out of the trouble he was in. He joined school activities and tried to
make a difference for his fellow Latinos through positive
involvement in his community.
Despite his attempts to make changes, the gang life kept catching up
to Rodriguez, and he writes about his struggles to free himself of his
violent past.
The end of the novel reveals Rodriguez’s hopes and fears for his son
who seems to be headed for the life his father spent years trying to
escape.
BASIC EXPECTATIONS
 You should be finished with your book when you
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arrive in class on the first day of first semester.
Your packet should be complete when you arrive in
class on the first day of first semester.
Your packet should be carefully and thoughtfully
completed. Sloppy/incomplete packets will not be
accepted.
You will take a test over the novel during the first
week of class.
You will write your first major essay on this novel.
The Packet
 Separated into 7 sections. Plan your reading around
these sections to stay on track through the summer.
 Each of the 7 sections is separated into parts.
 The first section (Chapter One) simply provides you
with helpful definitions. The work for the first
section is simply to read Chapter One.
 Sections 2-7 contain the following parts:
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PART I: Vocabulary
PART II: 3, 2, 1
3 Sentence Summary
 2 Thematic Words
 1 Connection
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PART I: Vocabulary
 You will select 12 unfamiliar or challenging words for
each of the vocabulary sections in the summer
reading packet.
 The words must actually be from the section of
reading.
 The words must be from the English language.
 For each word, you will record:
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A short definition in your own words.
2 Synonyms (words that mean the same thing).
PART II: 3, 2, 1,
 3: A Three Sentence Summary
 Write 3 sentences that summarize the major events and/or
ideas of the chapter(s).
 Craft a clear topic sentence.
 Use all of the space provided.
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YES. ALL of it. No excuses.
Do not go beyond the space provided!
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Practice scholarly and concise writing.
PART II: 3, 2, 1
 2: Two Thematic Words
 Record two words which are key to understanding the
significance of the chapter(s).
 The words must actually be from the section of reading.
 Include a brief explanation for each word.
 Example from chapter one of Always Running:
 CURSED: This word represents chapter one of Always
Running because this chapter reveals many of the ways that
Luis’ life was cursed from the start. It also represents his
family’s struggles because Luis’ mother had a tendency to
curse when she was upset – which happened a lot!
PART II: 3, 2, 1
 1: One Connection to a Character or Event
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For each section, you will make a connection to the text. Use the
“Types of Connections” book mark to help you in these sections!
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Types of Connections:
I never thought that _____________________ was possible,
but…
 I realized that, just like
_________________________________, I often…
 When ____________________ happened, it reminded me of…
 I can’t believe that… because…
 I wish that _______________________ knew that… because…
 If I could give ________________________ one piece of advice,
it would be…
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WRITE THIS DOWN!
 MRS. PRICE’S INFORMATION:
 WEBSITE:
mrsprice-cec.wikispaces.com
 EMAIL: stephanie_price@dpsk12.org
Have a lovely summer!