Summer Reading List

Since the best preparation for any standardized test is reading,
the English Department wishes to encourage reading during the
summer months. Rather than select works that students will be
assigned in class, we have created a list of supplemental readings
to foster reading for pleasure. Students who read selections
from the grade-appropriate list below will be given a choice of
projects to complete for credit, and for each acceptable project
students will receive a slip which can be redeemed for 2 points
on their 9-weeks’ English average (with a maximum of 4 points per
9-weeks period). All projects must be turned in to English teachers
by September 2nd. These books are available at local bookstores,
the public library, and through Amazon.com or other on-line
booksellers. 


SUMMER READING PROJECTS
You must complete a different activity for each book you read. The only activity
that can be done more than once is #1. Unless otherwise indicated, all written
projects must be typed. To earn credit for your reading, the projects must be
turned in to your English teacher by September 1st.
  1. As you read the book, keep a reader's journal. At the end of every two chapters,
    write at least one page about what you've read. These writings should not summarize
    the plot; rather, they should focus on different elements (such as setting, character,
    structure, symbolism), theme, or your reactions to the actions or characters. Be sure
    to date and label each entry in your reader's journal. This assignment may be handwritten.
  2. Create a web page for the novel which includes links to the Neville English Dept.
    page (http://monroe.k12.la.us/~neville/) and at least three other links
    to pages related to the novel or its author (do not link to amazon.com or any other
    commercial site). This page must consist of more than just links.
  3. Create an original book jacket including both front cover and back. The front
    cover should include the title, author, and some picture or design related to the
    book. On the back cover write a description of the book that would make someone want
    to buy it and read it. The book jacket should be able to fit over a hardcovered book
    ( total size 8 ½" X 14").
  4. Create a vocabulary list of at least 30 words. Each word must include its part of
    speech, a definition, and a full-sentence example from the book (with page number) AND
    create a fill-in-the-blank or multiple-choice reading test of 25 questions on the book.
    Also provide an answer sheet.
  5. In an essay of at least 250 words, evaluate the book as an example of its genre
    (for example, science fiction, mystery, fantasy, thriller, adventure, non-fiction).
  6. Create a newspaper front page which includes accounts of events from the book in
    the form of news stories. The newspaper page should measure 8 ½" X 14" and contain
    several stories, not just one.
  7. Write a letter of recommendation for a major character for a job, "Person of the
    Year," or some other award. Identify the job or award in your letter, and give reasons
    why the character deserves the award or position. A letter of recommendation should be
    at least one full page single-spaced.
  8. Create a poster-sized collage of pictures, words, and quotations that together
    convey an impression of the book. Neatness matters.
  9. Create an advertising poster for an original movie that has been made from the
    book (do not copy any posters from actual movies). You must create some visual
    representation of the book that will appeal to moviegoers. In addition, you must
    cast the main characters of the book and include this information on the poster,
    and include a sentence or long phrase that best sums up the plot or main idea of
    the book. This project must be poster-sized. 
  10. Create a PowerPoint presentation of at least 10 slides in book report format.  You                                                                                                              may develop your own book report format or use one from the Internet, but you  must                                                                                                      include the various parts of a book report:  characters, setting, etc.