2014-2015
8th Grade
Summer Reading Assignment
Mandatory Reading:
The Outsiders-S.E. Hinton
Please read ONE of the following Fiction Titles::
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas -John Boyne
All the Broken Pieces- Ann E. Burg (Can be found on Storia)
Brown Girl Dreaming- Jacqueline Woodson
Uprising- Margaret Peterson Haddix
The Book Thief- Markus Zusak
The Crossover- Kwame Alexander
**Chasing Lincoln’s Killer- James L. Swanson
Read One of the Following Nonfiction Titles:
Bomb: The Race to Build and Steal the Most Dangerous Weapon - Steve Sheinkin
Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice- Phillip Hoose
**Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom (With a Few Flat Tires
Along the Way)- Sue Macy
** Challenge books. They are higher level reading novels.
Assignment: You must complete the guided questions and the writing prompt for The
Outsiders.
Writing prompt directions: Please write a three paragraph essay for the writing prompt.
Remember paragraphs are 8-12 sentences each. Make sure you answer all the questions
within the prompt! Use evidence from the novel to back up your points.
1.) What is your definition of an “outsider”? Why do you believe S.E. Hinton chose this title
for the book? Who are the “outsiders” in the book? It may seem like an obvious question,
but it can have a complicated answer.
The Outsiders Guided Reading Questions.
Directions: Answer all the questions in short answer form (2-4 full sentences). You must
include a quote and page number in support of each answer. Answers must be typed, size
12, Times New Roman. Check your spelling and punctuation.
Chapters 1-2
1. Describe Darry, Soda, or Ponyboy.
2. List and describe the members of Ponyboy’s gang?
3.Describe what happened to Pony on his way home from the movies?
4.Describe what had happened to Johnny prior to the time of this story?
Chapter 3-4
5. After talking with Cherry, what reason does Pony finally give from the separation between
the Greasers and the Socs?
6. Describe Cherry and Marcia’s boyfriends.
7. Why was Ponyboy late coming home from the Nightly Double?
8. Discuss what caused Pony to “run away”?
Describe what happened to Johnny and Ponyboy at the park?
Chapter 5-6
9. Explain why Ponyboy was upset about getting a haircut.
10. Describe Johnny’s relationship with his parents.
11. What happened when Johnny, Ponyboy, and Dally returned to the church from the
restaurant?
Chapter 7-9
12. What problems did the three brother face after Pony’s return?
13. What did Pony say was the difference between Tim’s gang and his?
14. Who “won” the rumble? Explain why this group only partly won.
15. What were Johnny’s Last words to Ponyboy? What does he mean?
Chapter 10-12
16. Of what did Pony try to convince himself on the way home from the hospital? Why?
17. What was the result of the court hearing?
18. Describe how Ponyboy reacted to the three Socs who bullied him about killing Bob?
19. Johnny’s note made several point. What were they?
20. How do we know Ponyboy will be okay?
Please complete ONE writing prompt for the optional fiction book. The writing prompt should
be a three paragraph essay (6-10 sentences per paragraph). It must be typed, size 12 font
in Times New Roman.
1. Choose a character from one of the books you read and clearly identify how that
character is similar to you in terms of her/his personality. Clearly identify 2-3 specific parts
of the story that reveals the character’s personality. Use the examples from the book that
reveals the character’s personality to help you compare (include the page numbers).
Provide an example of something similar from your own life. When you begin to write your
response, be sure to include the book’s title and the author’s name.
or
2. Choose a character from one of the books you read and clearly identify how this
character is different than you in terms of her/his personality. Clearly identify 2-3 specific
parts of the story that reveals the character’s personality. Use the examples from the book
that reveals the character’s personality to help you contrast (use quotes and page number).
Explain how you would have acted in the situation from the story. Provide an example from
your own life that demonstrates that your personality is the opposite of that of the character
you have chosen. When you begin to write your response, be sure to include the book’s title
and the author’s name.
Please be ready to complete an in-class assignment on the nonfiction title in Social Studies
class.
All assignments are due September 8, 2015. Be aware that you have ALL summer to do
this assignment. It is not to be done two days before school begins. If you have any
questions, please contact me via email at [email protected]. I will check my email
once a week until school begins.