Eighth Grade Summer Reading 2016
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
ALL in-coming eighth graders will read The House on Mango Street before the first day of class in
August. Critically acclaimed and read by readers of all ages, from middle school to universities, The House
on Mango Street is the remarkable story of Esperanza. Told in a series of vignettes—very short
“snapshots” that are sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes joyous—it is the story of young Latina girl
growing up in a very poor area of Chicago. Each vignette gives readers a glimpse into Esperanza’s life
as she grows from a little girl to a teenager.
For students: Before you read, be prepared for Cisneros’s unique style of writing. More poetry than
short story, each vignette is filled with figurative language and unique syntax (sentence) choices. She
will often break grammar rules that you were taught, yet it is for an intended effect and purpose. You
will not have a written assignment with this book; however, you are required to annotate, or mark your
text, as you read. Look for the following:
 Conflicts – What does Esperanza struggle with, both internally and externally?
 Repeated Images – You will see repeated images again and again. Mark them when you notice
them. Make a note of what patterns and connections you see between these images. For example,
you will notice “windows” appear quite frequently. What greater meaning do you think this might
have in the book?
 Figurative Language – Look for examples of the following literary devices; as you find them,
make a note in the margin about WHY you think the device is significant or telling.
o similes – a comparison using like or as
o metaphor – a direct comparison between two unlike things
o personification – human qualities given to inanimate objects
o repetition – the repeating of words, image, and phrases, especially within near proximity
one another
 Themes – What larger, real-world messages to you think the author is building? As you read each
vignette, write what themes or topics you see that vignette on that page. For instance, does the
vignette have to do with growing up? Prejudice? If you think so, write that topic down.
You will have a reading quiz on the first day of class to ensure that you have read. This way, we can
have deeper discussions and activities as we begin the semester.
For parents: It is important to know that this novel contains situations and themes are common for a
coming-of-age experience. The eighth grade curriculum exposes students to a variety themes, some of
them uncomfortable, which allow them to better understand the human condition. Students will grow
in how to speak, discuss, and write about these topics thoughtfully throughout the year in eighth grade
English. Please feel free to read the novel so that you can feel prepared to have an open dialogue about
the book with your daughters.
HAISLN Book
In addition to The House on Mango Street, read one novel that you have not read before from the
seventh and eighth grade HAISLN list, which is a selection of books recommended by the Houston
Area Independent Schools Library Network. You can also access the complete list through the
Duchesne Middle School Library web page.
Remember, in order to make your reading more enjoyable, choose a book that interests you.
We ask that, as a parent, you monitor the book your daughter chooses to read in order to be sure it is
appropriate for her. Some of the choices are more advanced than others, and no one list will meet
everyone’s approval. Selections from the list are available in bookstores, on the Internet, and in local
libraries.
Prior to reading the novel, read the directions below so that you will know what to look for as
you read.
Directions for HAISLN Choice Novel: Read
You will be reading this book for enjoyment, but while you read, please pay attention to
characters and themes within the book. When you return to school in August, you will be asked to
analyze of one of the characters or themes in your novel. If you would like to annotate while you read,
you are more than welcome to do so.