A.P. Human Geography
Summer Program
Contact information:
Mr. Polanski
[email protected]
Mr. Main
[email protected]
Ms. Margetson
[email protected]
Mr. McManamen
[email protected]
Prior to beginning this course, we would like for you to read one of the following books this summer: Outcasts
United by Warren St. John or The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba or Mountains
Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder. These books were selected to help you understand the nature and
complexity of geography before undertaking its formal study. The books will help our class have some common
stories to refer back to throughout the year. It is our hope that in anticipation of taking AP Human Geography,
you will not only enjoy the subject matter of the book but it will also make your AP experience more
meaningful.
You will be asked to discuss your book, based on the following guidelines, when we come back in August. A
total of two typed pages would be considered appropriate for this assignment. The response will be collected
on the first day of class. Please remember, we take the Honesty Policy seriously. Be sure this is your work.
The Sacred Guidelines for Written Book Reviews
You must answer all parts of the questions below in full and thorough paragraphs. (Typed, double spaced, 12 pt.
font. Please number each section of the report and answer each part of the question.)
1. Analysis - What is the purpose of the book? Clearly explain its major thesis and how the author develops this
thesis. What type of evidence/examples does the author present to advance his/her thesis? Be specific with
your references, but avoid extensive quotes and narrative. Weave in major geographical events/issues that are
included in the book and explain their significance.
2. Detail – Please discuss (giving examples from the book) the five themes of geography: place, location,
movement, human/environment interaction, and region. If you are unsure of the definitions of these terms,
you will need to do a little research. You do not have to address them all, just the ones that apply to the
book.
3. Reaction – Please write your reactions/thoughts about this book. What did you learn? What do you want to
know more about? What surprised you? Etc.
4. Reflective Writing – After reading your summer book and thinking about your own life experiences and
interests, what project or projects would you be passionate about where you could make a difference/change
in our country or world?
Summer book choices and course textbook information:
Title: Outcasts United
Author: Warren St. John
ISBN: 9780385522045
(If you don’t write in the book, keep notes or
annotations on paper/post-its/etc. so you can refer
to it when you need it.)
Title: The Boy Who
Harnessed the Wind:
Creating Currents of
Electricity and Hope
Author: William Kamkwamba
and Bryan Mealer
ISBN: 978-0-06-173033-7
(If you don’t write in the book,
keep notes or annotations on
paper/post-its/etc. so you can
refer to it when you need it.)
Title: Mountains Beyond
Mountains: The Quest of Dr.
Paul Farmer, A Man Who
Would Cure The World
Author: Tracy Kidder
ISBN: 0812980557
There are a couple times
when adult themes and/or
language are used in this
book. Make sure you and
your parents are okay with
this if this is your choice.
(If you don’t write in the book,
keep notes or annotations on
paper/post-its/etc. so you can
refer to it when you need it.)
Textbook Information
We highly suggest that you purchase your text so you can write in and CODE your book like you would do in
college. This will help you be more successful in the class and on the national test. If you don't purchase a text,
Neuqua Valley will provide you with one at the beginning of the year. You, however, won't be able to write in it
and thus will create more work for yourself. Make sure you order the textbook early enough, so that you have it
before the 1st day of class. The earlier you purchase it online, the cheaper it is. Don’t wait until school has
started when increased demand causes prices to rise.
Human Geography: People, Place, and Culture, 8th Edition
Harm J. de Blij, Michigan State Univ.
Alexander B. Murphy, Univ. of Oregon
Erin Fouberg, South Dakota State Univ.
ISBN: 978-0-471-67951-6
©2007
Text Purchasing Options
1. You can purchase your text online at sites like amazon.com. New copies on line are generally more
expensive. However, we recommend that you strongly consider buying a used copy online. There are some
real bargains and the sellers describe how they have highlighted the text. This is a great way to get practice
for saving money and buying used books for college.
2. Other websites to purchase used books: alibris.com, cheapesttextbooks.com, and half.com – we have found
our textbook for as low as $25.