For Students ENTERING the 8th Grade
During the summer, students will read TWO (2) novels: one contemporary non-fiction and one classic fiction.
Though not required, students are strongly encouraged to obtain a personal copy of the summer reading books.
Websites like amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and thriftbooks.com often sell inexpensive, used books and all
books are available for e-readers. Most of the fiction books are in the public domain and are available for free
or low cost online.
NON- FICTION: Students will write ONE (1) essay about the non-fiction book: A Long Way Gone: Memoirs
of a Boy Soldier.
About the book: What is war like through the eyes of a child soldier? How does one become a killer? How does one
stop? Child soldiers have been profiled by journalists, and novelists have struggled to imagine their lives. But until now,
there has not been a first-person account from someone who came through this hell and survived. In A Long Way Gone,
Beah, now twenty-five years old, tells a riveting story: how at the age of twelve, he fled attacking rebels and wandered a
land rendered unrecognizable by violence. By thirteen, he'd been picked up by the government army, and Beah, at heart a
gentle boy, found that he was capable of truly terrible acts.
Writing Assignment:
Students must choose and answer one of the following prompts. The response must be typed, 450- 500 words, doublespaced, using Times New Roman, 12 point font. See attached rubric for grading specifications.
Violence—physical, psychological, social, and otherwise-- is, of course, a major topic in this book. Indeed, some of the
more violent passages in this book make for very difficult if not unsettling reading. In an essay, reflect on what
Ishmael’s many violent experiences taught you about the consequences, both intended and unintended, of violence.
--Or-A Long Way Gone is a book with much to say on the subject of family: family life, family relationships, and family
environment. Write an essay that catalogs and characterizes the many different families that Ishmael has belonged to
over the course of his young life. Reflect on what it means to be part of a “family.” You may include a comparison to
the different families you belong to as well.
FICTION: Students will have an opportunity to see book review presentations developed by current 8th grade students.
They are located on YouTube. Look for Mrs. Yeaton’s eighth grade class for the video reviews. During the first week of
school, students will be given a project to work on based on their fiction choice.
Classic Fiction Choices:
The Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell
The Adventures of Robin Hood by Roger Lancelyn Green
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift
Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
Essay Rubric
Traits
4
3
There is one clear, wellfocused topic. Main
ideas are clear and
are well supported by
detailed and accurate
information.
There is one clear, wellfocused topic. Main
ideas are clear but are
not well supported by
detailed information.
There is one topic.
Main ideas are
somewhat clear.
The topic and main
ideas are not clear.
Organization
The introduction is
inviting, states the main
topic, and provides
an overview of the
paper. Information is
relevant and presented
in a logical order. The
conclusion is strong.
The introduction states
the main topic and
provides an overview
of the paper. A
conclusion is included.
The introduction states
the main topic. A
conclusion is included.
There is no clear
introduction, structure,
or conclusion.
Voice
The author’s purpose
of writing is very clear,
and there is strong
evidence of attention
to audience. The
author’s extensive
knowledge and/or
experience with the
topic is/are evident.
The author’s purpose of
writing is somewhat
clear, and there is some
evidence of attention
to audience. The
author’s knowledge
and/or experience with
the topic is/are evident.
The author’s purpose
of writing is somewhat
clear, and there is
evidence of attention
to audience. The
author’s knowledge
and/or experience with
the topic is/are limited.
The author’s purpose of
writing is unclear.
Word Choice
The author uses vivid
words and phrases. The
choice and placement
of words seems
accurate, natural, and
not forced.
The author uses vivid
words and phrases. The
choice and placement
of words is inaccurate
at times and/or seems
overdone.
The author uses words
that communicate
clearly, but the writing
lacks variety.
The writer uses a
limited vocabulary.
Jargon or clichés may
be present and detract
from the meaning.
Sentence
All sentences are well
constructed and have
varied structure and
length. The author
makes no errors in
grammar, mechanics,
and/or spelling.
Most sentences are well
constructed and have
varied structure and
length. The author
makes a few errors in
grammar, mechanics,
and/or spelling, but
they do not interfere
with understanding.
Most sentences are well
constructed, but they
have a similar structure
and/or length. The
author makes several
errors in grammar,
mechanics, and/or
spelling that interfere
with understanding.
Sentences sound
awkward, are
distractingly repetitive,
or are difficult to
understand. The author
makes numerous errors
in grammar, mechanics,
and/or spelling
that interfere with
understanding.
Focus &
Details
Structure,
Grammar,
Mechanics, &
Spelling
2
1