Southeast High School
English 10 - 2015 Summer Reading
The long, leisurely days of summer are fast approaching. What a great opportunity to sit back
and relax with a good book!
Goal:
The goal of summer reading is to maintain and enhance your reading skills while you are away
from school. Since active reading requires practice, it is important to continue reading on your
own. Participating in summer reading will allow us to start the year at the same level of
excellence you are leaving at. We also wish to promote reading for pleasure.
Additionally, The Southeast Big Summer Read is opportunity for all of us at Southeast High
School, students and staff, to share in the experience of reading the same book.
REQUIRED READING:
Southeast’s Big Summer Read Book: Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
“The lieutenant’s name was Louis Zamperini. As a boy, he had been a clever delinquent,
breaking into houses, brawling, and stealing. As a teenager, he had channeled his defiance into
running, discovering a supreme talent that carried him to the Berlin Olympics. But when war
came, the athlete became an airman, embarking on a journey that led to his doomed flight, a
tiny raft, and a drift into the unknown.” –Amazon.com
Assignment
Attached is a list of questions related to the book. Answer 8 out of the 10 questions. You may
handwrite your answers under the questions, write them on another sheet of paper, or type
them. Be sure to answer all parts of the question.
Answers will be due on the first Friday of school (September 4th) and will be worth 40 points
Note: Book may be purchased at any bookstore, or borrowed from any library, or borrowed
from the high school main office.
If you have time, check out these other great books!
Recommended/Optional Reading:
1. To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
2. Angela’s Ashes, Frank McCourt
3. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Betty Smith
4. Divergent, Veronica Roth
5. The Fault in Our Stars, John Green
Summer Reading Assignment 2015
English 10
Due: Friday, September 4th - 40 points
You may receive bonus points if your answers are typed in size 12, Times New Roman font
Directions: Please answer 8 of the 10 questions below. Answers should be specific and clear to show
that you have read the book. Each answer should be at least 4 sentences. Answer all parts of the question.
1. Louie described running as his way of getting recognition. Discuss the role of recognition in your
life. Is it important? Why or why not?
2. Louie would lie in the infield before track meets “visualizing his coming race” (pg. 21). What
goals have you envisioned for yourself?
3. Describe the events of Green Hornet’s ill-fated search mission. How did Louie and Phil survive?
4. Describe the qualities of a good leader. How does Louie demonstrate these qualities?
5. Discuss the measures the prisoners took to meet their basic needs.
6. Mutsuhiro Watanabe actually seems to be jealous of Louie. Why? How have you worked through
feelings of jealousy?
7. Discuss how Louie’s fellow prisoners of war reacted to the civilian world after their torturous war
experiences.
8. Louie comments on the importance of forgiveness. What does he say about it? Consider the
moments in your life when you have been wronged. Is it better for you to forgive or to get even?
9. Which aspects of Louie’s life most affected you? Was Louie a hero?
10. How important is confidence and courage when facing a crisis? Explain how Louie had these.