KRCS Summer Reading 2016-2017
Honors Eighth Grade
Required English Selections
The Giver by, Lois Lowry, ISBN# 0440237688
Tom Sawyer, by Mark Twain, ISBN# 978-0486400778
The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak, ISBN# 978-0375842207
The eighth grade reading requirement has a two-fold purpose. The selected novels are intended not only to
introduce students to literary classics but also to encourage life-long reading. In order to prepare for class
discussion, students are encouraged to think critically as they read. Active readers should jot down notes and
highlight text while reading. Keep in mind that a well-read book looks like a well-read book! For each of the
required novels, a directed reading guide has been provided. These questions not only highlight significant
content, but they also encourage higher-level thinking skills. By using the guides, students will read with more
purpose, have a deeper understanding of the novels, engage more meaningfully in class discussions, and be
more prepared for writing assignments. Students should bring to class any notes they take over the novels.
STUDENTS SHOULD BE PREPARED TO TAKE A TEST OVER THE NOVELS ON THE FIRST DAY OF
SCHOOL.
Following each required title is an ISBN number that will be located above the barcode on the book.
Purchasing this edition will facilitate class discussion of specific passages and ensure that everyone has the
same pagination. If the specific edition listed below is not available, please use any unabridged version of
the title. Should you have further questions about editions, please contact the English Department Chair, Stacy
Volz, [email protected] .
Students who are enrolled by July 5th are expected to read all required selections. Students who enroll after
July 5th but before July 25th should read at least two of the required selections. Students who enroll after July
25th should contact Stacy Volz to make individual arrangements.
Have an enjoyable and restful summer – and enjoy your reading! We look forward to seeing you in August.
KRCS English Department
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KRCS Summer Reading 2016-17
Honors Eighth Grade
Directed Reading
The Giver by, Lois Lowry
ISBN# 0440237688
I. Setting
1. More important than where this story takes place is when the story takes place. Can you tell what
the time period of the story is? How?
2. What is unique about the novel’s community?
3. Do you find anything eerie or unsettling about Jonas’ community?
II. Characters
1. Research the biblical names of Jonas and Gabriel. Why might Lowry have chosen these names for
her characters?
2. Compare and contrast Jonas’ relationship with his family to his relationship with the Giver.
3. Is Jonah a static or a dynamic character? Explain.
III.
Plot
1. In Jonas’s world, everyone is the same. Do you find “sameness” to be a healthy concept? What
happens to individuality and diversity?
2. The ending of the novel is quite ambiguous. What is your interpretation of the novel’s resolution?
3. Map the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution of the novel.
IV. Theme
1. Theme is the central message or insight that is revealed through a literary work. The importance
of memory is as the key to living a life without pain is the theme in The Giver. Highlight any
examples or instances of this theme.
2. Language is an integral component in The Giver. There are many examples of euphemism, the
substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh or blunt.
Identify at least three words or phrases that have been used in The Giver to distort the literal
meaning with a positive twist. What is the danger of such misleading language?
3. Euthanasia is the act of ending someone’s life in order to ease their pain and suffering. Explain
how this practice is used in The Giver. How does the community in The Giver handle euthanasia?
What is Jonas’ view? Do you agree or disagree with this method?
4. Define utopia. At the beginning of the novel, Jonas’ community seems to be a utopian society. Is it?
Why or why not?
Tom Sawyer, by Mark Twain
ISBN# 978-0486400778
1. How does Tom get his friends to whitewash the fence for him? According to Mark Twain, what “great
law of human action” is he following?
2. Who is Huckleberry Finn? Why does Tom find him appealing?
3. Tom uses his imagination to escape from the boredom of everyday life. Is this a positive or a negative
characteristic? What are its advantages and disadvantages? Explain your answer.
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4. Do you think Mark Twain is excusing behavior in Tom that others would find irresponsible or annoying?
Examine the text for evidence of Twain’s attitude towards Tom’s pranks, schemes, and, especially,
treatment of other people. Do you find any indication that Mark Twain disapproves of Tom? If not,
discuss why the author might be so forgiving of Tom’s behavior.
5. Can you find evidence that Twain’s story and its setting are not entirely viewed through rose-colored
glasses (in other words, is the story too optimistic and unrealistic?)? Does he focus only on the good
aspects of life in the small town, or does he include both good and bad aspects? Use examples from
the novel to support your argument in writing.
6. Are you satisfied with the ending of Tom Sawyer? Why or why not? Do you feel the ending fits with the
rest of the novel? If so, explain why. If not, what kind of ending might you prefer?
7. By the time the novel ends, has Tom changed in any important way or learned something new about
himself and his place in society? In your group, discuss what Tom learns in the novel, how he may
have changed, what new beliefs he may have developed, and how his understanding of himself and St.
Petersburg may have become sharper. Pay special attention to his final conversation with Huck in
Chapter 35. Do you think Tom has become a spokesperson for the adult values of the town that he
previously rebelled against?
Source:
“Study Guide for The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.” Glencoe. n.d. Web. 29 May 2012.
The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak
ISBN# 978-0375842207
Please follow this link for a discussion guide on The Book Thief.
http://www.readinggroupguides.com/reviews/the-book-thief/guide
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