English Department Summer Reading 2017
The Summer Reading Assignment is mandatory for grades 7 and 8 as well as level 0 and AP classes for
grades 9-12. Students in levels 1, 2, 3 in grades 9-12 have the option of completing the assignment for 0-3
points on their first quarter average.
Students should read the appropriate novel for their grade and then complete the related assignment. 7th
and 8th grade students should complete the Newspaper Project, due the first week of school, posted below
the listed novels. AP and level 0 assignments are due the first day of school; the optional extra credit for
levels 1, 2, 3 in grades 9-12 is due the first week of school.
The summer assignment is required for grades 7 and 8. Students must choose ONE of the book
options and complete the project, which will be due the first week of school.
Grade 7
​A Wrinkle in Time​ by Madeleine L’Engle OR
One for the Murphys​ by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Grade 8
Unstoppable​ by Tim Green OR
Uglies​ by Scott Westerfeld
7th and 8th Grade Summer Reading Project Assignment
Note: Summer reading will count as a project/test grade!
Project: Creating a Newspaper
On a traditional poster board, create a newspaper, which will include:
• Title of newspaper
• 3 advertisements that are related to the novel. These are to be drawn. Nothing from the internet can be
used.
• 2 typed or hand-written news stories that contain a minimum of two (2) five to seven sentence
paragraphs each. Students are to choose two major events in the book to report on.
• 4 student done drawings or 4 real photos with captions must be included on board. These must be novel
related. Photographs should be taken by students and developed or printed on photo paper.
Students will create a newspaper on poster board that is at least 22” by 28”. Students may choose a larger
poster board if they like; nothing smaller is acceptable. Students should include a title, 3 advertisements, 2
stories and 4 photos or hand-drawn pictures. Students will be graded according to the following rubric.
The teacher will tell students on the first day of school the exact date to turn in the project. If students
have any questions, they may email Mrs. Redmond: [email protected].
7​th​ and 8​th​ Grade Newspaper Project Rubric
Criteria
Newspaper
Title
Advertisements
Newspaper contains an
appropriate title that
relates to the novel. (5)
Newspaper does not contain a
title that is appropriate and
relates to the novel. (0)
Newspaper contains 3
novel related
advertisements that are
colorful and creative.
(15)
Newspaper contains 2 novel
related
advertisements that are colorful
and creative.
(10)
Newspaper contains less than 2
novel related
advertisements that are neither
colorful nor creative. (0-5)
News Stories
Both stories are
accurate to the story.
(30)
Both stories are mostly accurate
but are missing important
information. (15)
Both stories are not
accurate and are missing too
much information to
understand. (0-14)
Drawings or
Photos
All 4 drawings or
photos are creative and
novel related. (20)
3 drawings or photos are
creative and novel related. (10)
Less than 3 drawings or photos
are neither creative
nor novel related. (0-9)
Neatness,
Organization, and
Effort
Project is neat,
organized and shows
excellent effort,
meeting all
expectations. (20)
Project shows a lack in neatness
and
organization. (10)
Projects shows little
neatness and organization.
Tremendous work still needs to
be done to complete the project.
(0-9)
Punctuation/
Grammar
In Stories
The newspaper
contains 0-4
punctuation/
spelling/
grammatical errors.
(10)
The newspaper contains 5- 7
punctuation/spelling/
grammatical errors. (5)
The newspaper contains more
than seven punctuation/
grammatical errors. (0-5)
Students in grades 9-12 in levels 1, 2, and 3 have the option of reading one of the listed book choices
for their grade and completing the assignment for extra credit. A total of 0-3 points may be added
to the student’s first quarter average. Students in AP and level 0 English are required to read the
book(s) and complete the assignment. Assignments will be collected during the first week of school.
Grades 9-12 Summer Reading Assignment
Choose to do Assignment A: Letters OR Assignment B: Creating a Soundtrack.
Assignment A: Letters
Create a series of typed letters or e-mails written between two or more of the characters in your book (or
between two or more characters and an outside entity, like a relative, newspaper editor, etc.-- pick a
format that makes sense for your story and characters). There should be four letters; while the length of
each may vary, each should be at least 100 words (and no more than 300 words). The letters should be
dated-- they may take place during the course of the book, or after its events, but there should be a clear
reason for your choice. Your letters should be written in a style that is appropriate for each character;
different characters ought to write differently based on age, personality, etc.
You must adhere to word requirement/limit. If students have any questions, they may email Mrs.
Redmond: ​[email protected]​.
Letters Assignment Rubric
Excellent
Acceptable
The student’s excellent effort is
apparent. Time and thought have
been put into this assignment.
There are no errors in grammar,
spelling, etc.
There is some effort exhibited.
Some time and thought have been
put into the assignment. There
are a few errors in grammar,
spelling, etc.
There is a lack of effort; little
to no time and thought are
exhibited. There are several
errors in grammar, spelling,
etc.
As appropriate, the student
draws meaningful connections
to the book. References to the
text are accurate. It is clear that
the student has read and
understood the book and has
thought carefully about the
characters and storyline.
There are few connections to the
novel. References to the text are
misunderstood, confusing, or
inaccurate. Evidence suggests the
student has not carefully read the
text.
The letters are irrelevant,
off-topic, and include no real
details about the novel.
Information is wrong; there is
no evidence that the student
has read the book.
Adherence to The student has met all criteria
for this project as specified in
Directions
the original assignment, and
10%
The student has met the basic
criteria. There may be one or two
errors in spelling, mechanics, or
grammar.
The basic criteria have not
been met. There are several
errors in spelling, mechanics,
or grammar.
The student has shown some
creative thought in the project;
the book is interpreted
appropriately.
The project does not reflect an
appropriate or acceptable
interpretation of the novel;
there is no attempt to
creatively interpret the novel.
Effort
10%
Relationship
to the Book
70%
may even have gone beyond the
basic requirements.
Creativity/
Originality
10%
The student has taken this
opportunity to interpret the book
in a creative and unusual way
that enhances others’
understanding.
Unacceptable
Assignment B: Creating a Soundtrack
First: As you read the novel, note particular scenes that you feel are especially important or interesting.
Next: After finishing the book, choose three scenes, characters, and/or themes that you feel are important
to the story. For each of the three selections, choose a song you feel illustrates that scene, theme, or
character. For each selection, list the song and an excerpt of the lyrics (approximately a stanza), and the
singer/band who performs it. Underneath the song, explain the connection between it and the
scene/theme/character. Include why you chose that song and how the song emphasizes the tone or feeling
of the scene/feeling/character’s personality or development. Be sure to use details from the novel to
support your answer. You will write a total of three paragraphs, one for each song choice.
Total length of your written paragraphs (not including the song lyrics): 150-250 words. If students have
any questions, they may email Mrs. Redmond: [email protected].
Soundtrack Assignment Rubric
Choice of
Songs
Excellent
Acceptable
Unacceptable
The song choices have clear
connections to the chosen theme,
scenes, or characters.
Songs have some connection to the
chosen theme, scenes, or characters,
but it is difficult to see.
No songs are listed.
The paragraphs clearly connect
the songs to the scenes, theme, or
characters. Lyrics are specifically
referenced to fully explain the
writer’s reasons for choosing the
song.
The paragraphs somewhat connect
the songs to the scenes, theme, or
characters. Few details are used. It is
not completely clear why the writer
chose these songs.
The paragraphs do not address
the connection between the song
and the scenes, theme, or
characters. The paragraphs are
irrelevant to the assignment.
The song title and artist are
listed; there is an appropriate
excerpt from the lyrics; the
paragraphs are 5-7 sentences
each.
Directions are mostly adhered to; the
lyric excerpt is too short; paragraphs
are 4-5 sentences each.
All required elements
demonstrate a lack of understanding; student shows little
attempt to follow written
requirements.
Grammar and
spelling are
impeccable.
Writing style is clear and flows
nicely.
There are more frequent errors in
grammar and spelling. Writing style
is clear, but some areas need work.
Writing contains a distracting
amount of grammar and
spelling errors; meaning may be
unclear in places.
20%
Analysis
50%
Adherence to
Directions
15%
Grammar
and Style
15%
*Note: **ANY EVIDENCE OF PLAGIARISM WILL RESULT IN A ZERO FOR THE
ENTIRE ASSIGNMENT AND THE STUDENT WILL BE REFERRED TO THE OFFICE.**
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR OWN WORK.
BOOK CHOICES
Grade 9
Level 0​ students must choose one book and complete the assignment. Students in ​levels 1, 2, and 3 ​have
the option of reading one of the books and completing the assignment for 0-3 points on their first quarter
average.
Sorta Like a Rock Star​ by Matthew Quick OR
American Born Chinese​ by Gene Luen Yang (a graphic novel)
Grade 10
Level 0​ students are required to read one of the books; ​levels 1 and 2 ​are optional:
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian​ by Sherman Alexie OR
I Am Malala: the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban​ by Malala Yousafzai
Grade 11
AP:​ Read ALL of the following selections; see Mrs. Bonczek for required assignment. Any questions
should be directed to Mrs. Bonczek: [email protected]
A Prayer for Owen Meany​ by John Irving
The Women of Brewster Place ​by Gloria Naylor
The Great Gatsby ​by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Levels 1 and 2 ​(optional):
We Were Liars​ by E. Lockhart OR
The Bean Trees​ by Barbara Kingsolver
Grade 12
AP:​ Read ALL of the following selections; see Mrs. Bonczek for required assignment. Any questions
should be directed to Mrs. Bonczek: [email protected]
Joe Turner’s Come and Gone​ by August Wilson
Brave New World​ by Aldus Huxley
Desirable Daughters​ by Baharti Mukherjee
Oedipus Rex​ by Sophocles
The Year of the Flood​ by Margaret Atwood
British and Western Lit., Women Writers, From Lit to Film​ (assignment is optional):
The Ocean at the End of the Lane​ by Neil Gaiman OR
Oryx and Crake​ by Margaret Atwood