All rising juniors will read two short stories to prepare them to explore questions of identity in the fall:

• Tim O'Brien's "On the Rainy River"
• Toni Cade Bambara's "The Lesson"

Then, students should complete this "moments sheet" for each story. During the first week of school, students will write an essay in class using their notes. Hard copies of the "moments sheet" may be picked up at Durfee High School upon request.

All honors juniors must also choose 1 of the following 4 novels to read — whichever looks most exciting:

• The 57 Bus — Dashka Slater
• Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe — Benjamin Alire Sáenz
• The Hate U Give — Angie Thomas
• The Poet X — Elizabeth Acevedo

Then, students should complete the "moments sheet" for that novel. Hard copies of the "moments sheet," as well as the books, may be picked up at Durfee High School upon request. During the first week of school, students will write an essay in class using their notes.