Summer Reading 2008

College Prep English students must read one book from their grade-list and are encouraged to read more. Credit will be given for all books read.

Honors and AP English students must complete a journal assignment (See Journal Assignment links at the bottom/end of the book lists on this page) on an assigned novel. They must also read at least one novel from the general grade level list. No journal is necessary for the additional books. Credit will be given for all books read.
(Some exceptions apply; please see specific grade levels)

ALL STUDENTS WILL BE TESTED ON THEIR SUMMER READING DURING THE FIRST WEEK BACK TO SCHOOL

We strongly recommend that all students keep notes on their reading.
Notes help students retain information and can be reviewed prior to the first week of school.
Students can take notes on characters, plot, settings and themes.

Please note the remarks regarding sensitive content and eligibility for AP before making your selection.

Incoming Freshmen
Charms for an Easy Life by Kaye Gibbons A family of women whose offbeat lives in North Carolina is guided by the wisdom of the matriarch, Charlie Kate. (Some sensitive subject matter relating to the medical procedures and medicine.)
Anthem by Ayn Rand Set in a future society that chooses to disregard the importance of the individual. This is a novel of protest. Foundation Isaac Asimov A science fiction war of the world's story in another universe that parallels our own.
*The Crazyhorse Electric Game* by Chris Crutcher After a debilitating accident, a star high school athlete must come to terms with his new self.
Foundation by Isaac Asimov A science fiction war of the worlds story in another universe that parallels our own.
Freshmen may also choose Frankenstein or Pygmalion (See list below)
Required for 9th Grade Honors: Honors students are not required to read any of the above novels. Instead, they are expected to read all of these:
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley A Gothic novel that explores the negative side of man’s interference in the natural order. (Enriched classic- ISBN: 0-743-48758-3)
*Heroes, Gods, and Monsters* Translated by Bernard Evslin Honors freshmen must read two myths: Prometheus and Pygmalion. (ISBN#:-0-553-13525-2)
Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw The young cockney flower girl is transformed into an upper class Brit by teachers who themselves are transformed by her humanity.
	(9th Grade Journal assignment that accompanies reading.)

Incoming Sophomores
1984 by George Orwell Orwell’s nightmarish vision of the future where a controlling government in the form of “Big Brother” teaches the importance of “double speak” to its citizens.
Speaker for The Dead by Orson Scott Card This is the dramatic sequel to Ender’s Game. Ender gains new insight into his enemies and learns the perils of militarism.
Cannery Row by John Steinbeck The hilarious antics of a marine biologist and his delinquent friends set in Monterey, California. A compelling story with humor and heartbreak.
*Uncle Tom’s Cabin* by Harriet Beecher Stowe A 19th century abolitionist novel that appealed to the country’s conscience and defied many of the stereotypes of its era.
*Rebecca* by Daphne DeMaurier The second Mrs. DeWinter must uncover the mystery of what happened to her predecessor before it’s too late.
Sophomores may also choose Grapes of Wrath (See below)
Required for 10th Grade Honors: Honors students must read one of the above novels AND the following:
*Grapes of Wrath* by John Steinbeck The Joad family leaves the 1930s Dust Bowl of Oklahoma in search of work and dignity in California. In their odyssey across the west they discover the true nature of family, friendship, poverty, and prejudice.
	(10th Grade Journal assignment that accompanies reading.)

Incoming Juniors
Tortilla Curtain by T.C. Boyle This is a parallel story of an affluent white couple and a Mexican immigrant couple whose lives intertwine in their pursuit of the American Dream. (Some sensitive material about race relations and violence)
The Spy Who Came in From the Cold by John Lacarre About George Smiley and the changing role of espionage in the Cold War and post Cold War era.
Peace Like a River by Leif Engstrom When his older brother runs from the law, Reuben and his family follow to protect him. On their journey, Reuben and his sister find comfort in the faith of the miracles he performs.
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath An award winning American poet creates the young women’s view of growing up. In her story, a sensitive and artistic young coed ventures into the dangerous glitter of Madison Avenue. (Sensitive subject matter, including suicide and mental illness)
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte The Victorian biographical novel of a young woman’s triumphs over hardship. Many young girls’ favorite novel.
A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams This novel is a tour through the cosmos with attitude. (This selection is college prep only— NOT for AP students)
Required for 11th Grade AP: AP students must read one of the above novels AND the following:.
*Beowulf* (F. Gummere translation) Translated by Seamus Heany In the Anglo-Saxon epic poem the Danish warrior Beowulf comes to the aid of the Swedish king and his people who have been terrorized by the monster Grendel.
Grendel by John Gardner In this post-modern novel, the original tale is retold from the point of view of the monster.
	(11th Grade Journal assignment that accompanies reading.)

Incoming Seniors
Red Harvest by Dashiell Hammitt A classic “gumshoe” detective novel about a corrupt town, murder and a search for justice. (This selection is college prep only— NOT for AP students)
The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand This novel demonstrates Rand’s theory of “objectivism” through an idealistic architect who refuses to compromise his vision or belief in himself. (Novel contains some violence) (This selection is college prep only— NOT for AP students)
A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess This is a satirical novel that deals with a society where individual freedom is threatened by mind-control. (Novel includes graphic, violent scenes)
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood This is a satirical portrayal of a society based upon faith but lacking hope and charity. (Novel contains graphic sexual and violent content)
A Prayer for Owen Meaney by John Irving A story about faith and friendship that follows two unlikely best friends through their youth and the Vietnam War. (Sensitive language, sexual references, some violence)
Into Thin Air by John Krakauer An autobiographical account of the ascent of Mount Everest where man’s hubris clashes with nature’s fury with tragic results. (This selection is college prep only— NOT for AP students)
Required for 12th Grade AP: AP students must read one of the above novels AND the following:
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky A novel about a criminal’s madness, the detective’s search to apprehend him and the troubles of human psyche. Journal assignment will accompany reading.
Oedipus Rex by Sophocles The ancient Greek drama of intertwining fate and family that results in tragedy for Thebes.
	(12th Grade Journal assignment that accompanies reading.)