7th Grade Advanced English Summer Reading 2014 REQUIRED (2): Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle: A classic case, based on a Devonshire legend in which the demonic howling of a hound calls Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson on an eerie adventure. As you read, take notes and/or annotate the text to keep up with the important characters, quotations, and events. Stop frequently to process information and jot down notes. In advanced English, we focus on becoming better academic writers. We pay attention to our word choice so that we communicate clearly and concisely, and we use evidence from the text to support what we write. To practice these skills, answer the following questions related to the book’s plot and characters. For each, use specific examples from the text (either summarize, quote, or paraphrase). Each of your responses should be a paragraph in length. 1. Name and describe the main characters in the novel. Include what makes them who they are—their physical descriptions (if possible), relationship to other characters, personality traits, important actions, important quotations, etc. 2. Describe the main conflict(s) (problem) in the novel. 3. Describe the climax (turning point) of the story. 4. Explain the resolution of the story (how the conflicts are resolved). The Giver by Lois Lowry: In the Community, where everything seems just about perfect — no hunger, no inequality, no strife — a boy learns that the prized virtue of “Sameness” comes at a cost. More than a decade before The Hunger Games and Divergent, Lowry depicts a future society in which a young teen must stand up against his government.
You will see many similarities between The Giver and other popular young adult novels and movies. It also relates to a novel we will read this year called Fahrenheit 451. As you read, take notes and/or annotate the text to keep up with the important characters, quotations, and events. Stop frequently to process information and jot down notes. v Your writing task is to compare aspects of The Giver to •
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Other books you have read, and/or Other movies you have seen, and/or Your own personal experiences v Organize your response into at least two, well-­‐organized extended paragraphs. v Be sure to use specific examples from the book. CHOICE (1): Choose one additional book to read over the summer. You may use the attached lists for suggestions, or you may choose a book on your own. The library’s link on our MBJH Website is another great resource for book recommendations. Choose something that is enjoyable and appropriate for your reading level. v Your assignment for this book is to write a one paragraph summary that includes the title and author, the main characters, and the most important information or events. Be sure to bring your notes and your writing assignments to class on the first day of school. Seventh and Eighth Grade Suggested Fiction You may choose any fiction text for your choice book, provided it is grade-­‐level appropriate. If you would like some book suggestions, you may refer to the list below. However, it is not mandatory that your choice comes from this list. At Home in Mitford Jan Karon Cheaper By the Dozen Frank Gilbreth and Ernestine Gilbreth Downriver Will Hobbs Ender’s Game Orson Scott Card Eragon Christopher Paolini Fallen Angels Walter Dean Myers Five People You Meet in Heaven Mitch Albom Flipped Wendelin Van Draanen Gathering Blue Lois Lowry Heat Mike Lupica Homecoming Cynthia Voigt Hope Was Here Joan Bauer Inkheart Cornelia Funke Jane Eyre Charlotte Bronte Little Women Louisa May Alcott Murder on a Bad Hair Day Anne George Nine Coaches Waiting Mary Stewart No More Dead Dogs Gordon Korman Redwall series Brian Jacques Silver Norma Fox Mazer Stargirl Jerry Spinelli The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Sir Arthur Conan Doyle The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Mark Twain The Contender Robert Lipsyte The Dark Is Rising Susan Cooper The Hero and the Crown Robin McKinley The Hobbit J. R. R. Tolkien The Last of the Breed Louis L’Amour The Thief Lord Cornelia Funke The True Confessions of Charlotte Avi Doyle The Unlikely Romance of Kate Louise Plummer Bjorkman Uglies Scott Westerfield Walk Two Moons Sharon Creech Seventh and Eighth Grade Suggested Nonfiction You may choose any nonfiction text for your choice book, provided it is grade-­‐
level appropriate. If you would like some book suggestions, you may refer to the list below. However, it is not mandatory that your choice comes from this list. Another Season Gene Stallings Boy Roald Dahl Good Brother, Bad Brother: The Story James Cross of Edward and John W. Booth In These Girls, Hope Is a Muscle Madeleine Blais It’s Not About the Bike: My Journey Lance Armstrong Back to Life Joe and Me: An Education in Fishing Joe Prosek and Friendship Joni Joni Eareckson Tada Let Me Play: The Story of Title IX, the Karen Blumenthal Law That Changed… Marley and Me My Life in Dog Years Gary Paulsen My Sergei: A Love Story Ekaterina Gordeeva Night Elie Weisel Reach for the Summit Pat Summit Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Bethany Hamilton Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board The Fire Tower: Alabama Turkey Bob Henderson, Jr. Hunting The Greatest Generation Tom Brokaw The Hiding Place Corrie Ten Boom Tuesdays with Morrie Mitch Albom Walk Across America Peter Jenkins Warriors Don’t Cry Melba Patillo Beale