Welcome to Freshman Year! Class of 2020
Welcome
The English department requires that each student do some preparatory reading prior to the
beginning of fall classes. Your summer reading is outlined below. In addition, there is also a
suggested guide for your own involvement as you read these books. By completing the required
books, we will be able to enjoy a great start to the 2016 - 2017 school year. Go Shamrocks!
Summer Reading List
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd – Publisher: Penguin ISBN: 9780142001745
The novel is renowned for its warmth and humor, despite dealing with the serious issues. The young narrator Lily is in search of
her identity and learns life lessons along the way. As you read, note the particular historical references to the time period as
well as the distinguishing characteristics of each female in the novel.
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway – Publisher: Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978064801223
Hemingway is an author who plays with language. The simplest thing can have numerous interpretations. This story of a
fisherman seems like a simple story. It is much more. Read for the descriptions and the references and the symbols.
Hemingway’s heroes have recognizable characteristics such as dignity and self-reliance.
Tips to Annotate as you read:
Critical reading will become second nature for you. So while you read this summer, become an active reader. Annotation is
active. Taking notes, or annotation, assures you, the reader, is involved and aware of the plots. Always read with a pen or
pencil in hand. The following are a few tips to note while you read.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Use post it notes. If you choose not to write on your book, post it notes work great.
Pencils work best. Use a soft lead pencil to make notes directly on the book. Ink is messy.
Avoid over highlighting. If you mark everything, nothing stands out.
Annotate questions. While reading, if you have questions, note them. Then, annotate the answers as you uncover
and discover meaning.
5.
Plot elements. Make brief notes of the book’s plot elements such as setting, characters, conflicts, climax and
resolution.
6.
7.
8.
9.
New words and vocabulary. Note vocabulary that is unfamiliar or necessary for clarification.
Literary elements. Annotate examples of literary elements you have studied: symbols, images, patterns, themes.
Important passages. Underline or highlight passages that are moving or significant to the elements of the plot.
Note your ideas. Annotate your reflections and ideas as you read. Perhaps the story reminds you of another piece
of literature, a period in history or other references. Note this.
10. Organize your thoughts. Stars may indicate an unfamiliar word, brackets may indicate details, and check marks
may indicate a new character. Color coding might be fun too.
Assessments upon your arrival.
Ladies, some of you may have already read the titles assigned. Please understand we are not reading for summative purposes,
we are reading for critical analysis. Look closely at the use of language and the development of the conflict. We will assess
your efforts in annotating your novels during the first week of school. So, while you are enjoying your summer, read critically
while annotating along the way. Happy Reading! Happy summer!
2016 - 2017 English I and English I pre AP
Required Book List
English I pre
AP
Bradbury
Hemingway
Houston
Kidd
Rawl
Positive
Kingsolver
Album
Cisneros
Maclean
English I
The Bean Trees
The Five People You Meet in Heaven
House on Mango Street
A River Runs Through It
Balla
ss
Bant
Penguin
HarperCollins
Harper
Hyperion
Vintage
Chicago Press
Fahrenheit 451
Old Man and the Sea
Farewell to Manzanar
The Secret Life of Bees
Balla
ss
Bant
Penguin
Bradbury
Hemingway
Houston
Kidd
Rawl
Kingsolver
Fahrenheit 451
Old Man and the Sea
Farewell to Manzanar
The Secret Life of Bees
Positive
The Bean Trees
HarperCollins
Harper
1982
1980
1973
2002
2014
1988
2003
1984
1976
9780345342966
9780684801223
9780553272581
9780142001745
9780062342515
9780060915544
9781401308582
9780679734772
9780226500577
1982
1980
1973
2002
9780345342966
9780684801223
9780553272581
9780142001745
2014
1988
9780062342515
9780060915544
English I and English I pre AP students will read the same two novels:
Hemingway, Old Man and the Sea and Kidd, The Secret Life of Bees
Supplies: black pen, number 2 pencil, a composition book, loose notebook paper, a large
binder of choice.