Summer Reading Letter
Incoming Junior Accelerated English Students:
You have been recommended for Accelerated English because you have worked hard and have the skills necessary to meet the demand of an accelerated composition and literature course.
You will need to read several of the suggested books over the summer to prepare for the fast pace ahead this fall. (See the Summer Reading List for your grade level. * Indicates required reading – Old Man and the Sea and The Moon is Down are required for juniors). Incoming Juniors need to read both required novels and at least one other novel from the selection.
Keep a Reader's Blog and take notes as you read. Each student has a blog set up by Mr. Langley that may be accessed through Mr. Langley's Digital Classroom website. Blogs are to contain 50 to 100 entries of your notes, responses, and interpretations based on the reading. Each blog entry must be no less than 325 words. For each book you read, write a blog entry on each of the following discussion topics:
- What does the writing reveal about the author's values and attitudes? From what perspective does he/she write?
- What are the causes, gains, and losses of the conflict dealt with in this book?
- What universal themes does this book address? What does the author understand about human nature?
- Who is the "hero" in this book and what are some of his/her traits? What does he/she accomplish, and how is he/she portrayed? Does the hero represent an abstract idea such as goodness, truth, courage or evil?
- How does this novel reflect the history, behavior and social issues of the time period and setting? What is this book's symbolic and thematic significance?
- Why do we still read this book? What is so timeless about its message and characters? What can we learn from reading this novel?
- What techniques does the author use to engage the audience and make the story effective? Give examples to support your analysis (mystery, humor, symbolism, suspense, etc.).
- How accurately does this novel reflect events in history? What responsibilities does the author believe exist between various groups in society, such as workers and bosses, men and women, blacks and whites, etc.? What people, ideas, and events probably influenced this author?
For the remaining blog entries, respond to themes, characters [actions and character descriptions], symbolism, irony, imagery, tone, conflicts, etc. While using events from the story as support for your ideas and analyses is expected, do not summarize the books. DO NOT write a "personal journal" of your daily activities. MLA parenthetical citations and bibliography citations are also expected for each blog entry
All blog entries must be completed by the first day of school - no lates. Mr. Langley will check your progress throughout the summer.
In addition to your Reader's Blog, check your email throughout the summer. Mr. Langley will host one online book chat for each required book to give insight into those books for your analyses. Be sure to read Old Man and the Sea by June 30 for the first book chat. Be sure to read The Moon is Down by July 30 for the second book chat. Mr. Langley will email the date, time, and link to the online chat approximately one week prior to each online chat.
If you plan to continue in Advanced Placement English, which is a college level course, during your senior year, then careful interpretive journal writing and "close reading" are necessary.
Remember that you are in an accelerated class because you are a motivated reader and writer. Be prepared to discuss each novel you read during the first week of school.
thank you,
Mr. Langley