Junior Summer Reading

This is a series of stories of young American soldiers during the Vietnam conflict many of them unprepared for the pain that lies ahead. They carry heavy rations and supplies, as well as fear, sadness, and confusion. Tim O'Brien, author and narrator, writes stories about his friends in his platoon. The author understands that stories can help bring back the memories of those that are gone and can help heal the grief.

“A common theme in the book is that intimacy with death carries with it a corresponding new intimacy with life.”

The Things They Carried was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award. It is widely regarded as the most significant work

of fiction to come out of the Vietnam War.

Source : Wikepedia

The Social Studies Department believe that summer reading should be enjoyable as well as a source of historical understanding. We hope that you take the opportunity to read The Things They Carried and develop a better understanding of the Vietnam conflict.

There will be a test administered in the first cycle of the 2009 – 2010 school calendar by the social studies department. The summer reading exam will count as 10% of the first quarter grade.

Enjoy your summer reading!