8th Grade GT English - Kimbrough Middle School
Required Summer Reading
2015
Congratulations on being selected for GT English. I hope that you are looking forward to
an interesting and challenging school year.
*Please note that all 8th grade English students will be taking the English I End of Course
exam at the end of the year in order to gain English I credit. You must pass the EOC to
gain English I credit.
*This class is a very fast paced class. It is rigorous and will require dedication, which in
return, should help you earn English I credit. If you are not willing to put forth the time or
effort, you may want to rethink this opportunity.
You will have 2 assignments to complete over your summer break:
Assignment 1:
Not everyone has what it takes to be a true hero, and perhaps that is why society often
labels people heroes who are not really heroes at all.
Who are a society's heroes, meaning the particular individuals selected by that society as
worthy of its collective admiration and emulation? Are they movie stars, rock stars,
supermodels, corporate leaders, politicians, or professional athletes? If so, then why does
the society idolize these particular individuals to the exclusion of other individuals who
are perhaps far more deserving of admiration? Why does the society consider these
people heroes? Is it because they really are heroes and, therefore, deserving of adulation,
or is merely because they are glamorous, successful, flamboyant, and/or wealthy?
What Is the Definition of a Hero?
According to Webster’s (2004), there are actually several definitions of the word “hero.”
The first provided is “a man of great strength and courage;” whereas, number three is
“any man admired for his qualities or achievements and regarded as an ideal or model”
(p. 657).
Society's Misplaced Hero Worship
It is the last definition provided that most people apparently have in mind when deciding
upon whom to idolize and endeavor to imitate. They want to be like their favorite star,
model, CEO, politician, or pro-athlete. In fact, they want to be them. Yet, is this the case
because these chosen individuals are strong and courageous, or is it merely because they
have achieved fame and fortune?
The 3rd day of class demonstrate your preparedness by turning in the following:
A. Read: The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane
-Read Chapters 1 – 4
-Annotate Chapters 1-4 using the attached Annotate, Highlight, Analyze
steps.
-Compete the narrative/dialogue chart (attached)
Assignment 2:
Read: Self-selected work: Ideas for appropriate books can be found from the
following website:
College Board Recommended Reading List: http://missyween.com/?page_id=13
DO NOT DO: THE GREAT GATSBY, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, or
ROMEO AND JULIET !
Prepare: a 3-minute book talk
Things to include in your book talk
*Author background info/tidbits
* Exposition
*Inciting Force
*Rising Action
*Climax
*Falling Action
*Denouement
*Protagonist
*Antagonist
*Favorite part of the book and why
*Symbolism
*Irony
*Theme
*Would you recommend this book to other? Why?
*Be prepared to present your 3-minute book talk on the 3rd day of school.
NOTE: You will also need to purchase the following titles over the summer that we
will be using in class during the year. You will need your own copy of each book.
Robert Fagels. The Odyssey. Penguin Classics. (Has to be this edition by ROBERT
FAGLES. Be careful! There are several different editions) IF IT IS A USED COPY,
MAKE SURE THERE IS NOT ANY WRITING IN IT!!! YOU WILL NOT BE
ALLOWED TO USE A COPY THAT HAS NOTES IN IT!
The Red Badge of Courage. Stephen Crane (This is your summer reading and will be
used the 1st 6 weeks)
The summer assignment can also be found on the Kimbrough website if you need to
access it over the summer. http://www.mesquiteisd.org/kimbrough/
There will also be a few copies in the front office. Have a great summer. Next year will
be an exciting experience! I look forward to working with you.
Tikka Walters, M.Ed.
8th Grade GT English
English Department Chair
Kimbrough Middle School