summer reading 2017
NYACK MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADES 6
Information for Students Entering Grades 6 In September, 2017
PAGE 2 3 4 5 7-9
TABLE OF CONTENTS
…… …… ……
Letter from Mr. Joyce, English Department Chairperson Grades 6-12 Summer Reading Expectations by Grade Level
……
Note-Taking Forms – Grade 6 (One form per book)
……
Suggested Titles for Grades 6-12
FAQ’s
SUMMER READING 2017
2017
Administration Building 13A Dickinson Avenue Nyack, NY 10960 (845) 353-7000 Phone:(845)353-7045 Fax:(845) 353-0508
June 1, 2017 Dear Students/Parents: The purpose of summer reading is twofold: one, to enjoy the activity of reading, and two, to maintain comprehension skills, fluency, and stamina during the summer months. We strongly encourage students to read as many books as possible, but all students entering grades 6-12 are required to read at least two books. Enclosed in this packet is all of the information pertaining to Summer Reading. Please carefully review the expectations for the grade level you will be entering in September, 2017. A copy of this packet has been posted to the district’s homepage, Nyack High School’s homepage, and Nyack Middle School’s homepage, as well as to the library class pages at both schools. Copies have also been made available in local libraries and area bookstores. SUMMER READING ASSESSMENT DATE: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017 (Note: For students in AP English Language & Composition, the due date for the assignment is Friday, September 15, 2017). Teachers will assign either an in-class writing task or a project to be collected on that day. The credit earned from this assessment will be applied toward your first quarter average. You can earn full credit simply by completing the requirements and demonstrating understanding of the texts. REQUIRED NOTE-TAKING TEMPLATES – In this packet, you will find note-taking forms for students entering grades 6-12. ALL students must turn in TWO completed note-taking forms, one form PER BOOK. Make sure you use the correct template for the grade level you are entering in September. Students taking English 10H and AP courses must complete the assignment that pertains to the course they are taking. EXTRA-CREDIT: If you choose to participate in the Summer Reading Program at either the Nyack Public Library or the Valley Cottage Public Library, you will be eligible for extra-credit. In addition to earning extra-credit, you will become eligible to win great prizes and awards (see page 4 for details). Students who participate in the public libraries’ Summer Reading Programs will submit their completed note-taking templates to their local public librarians, who will then deliver them to me as proof of participation. Also included in this packet is a list of SUGGESTED titles. This list is compiled directly from Appendix B of the Common Core Learning Standards (www.corestandards.org/assets/Appendix_B.pdf). Please note that students are NOT required to select books only from this list. Ultimately, students should choose books they will truly enjoy. I wish you a restful, enjoyable, and literate summer with your families and friends, and I look forward to joining my colleagues in welcoming you back to school in September! Sincerely,
John Joyce English Department Chairperson, Grades 6-12
Page | 2
SUMMER READING 2017
2017
SUMMER READING EXPECTATIONS BY GRADE LEVEL READ THIS PAGE CAREFULLY, FOLLOWING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ENGLISH COURSE YOU ARE TAKING IN SEPTEMBER, 2017. If you are a middle schooler, high school student taking an R-Level English course, or a senior taking an elective in September, you will read two books of your own choice. Students taking H-Level courses or one of our AP English courses must read the required text(s) listed below.
ENTERING… ELA –6 ELA –7 ELA –8 English 9R
MUST READ Two (2) works of student’s choice: fiction and/or nonfiction. Two (2) works of student’s choice: fiction and/or nonfiction. Two (2) works of student’s choice: fiction and/or nonfiction. Two (2) works of student’s choice: fiction and/or nonfiction. REQUIRED TEXT
English 9H
English 10R
Siddhartha, Hermann Hesse
Two (2) works of student’s choice: fiction and/or nonfiction. REQUIRED TEXT
English 10H English 11R
Into the Wild, John Krakauer
One (1) work of student’s choice: Fiction or Nonfiction.
AND
Two (2) works of student’s choice: fiction and/or nonfiction. REQUIRED TEXT
English 11H
One (1) work of student’s choice: Fiction or Nonfiction.
AND
USEFUL READING GUIDE & BACKGROUND INFO HERE: http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/286568/siddhartha -by-hermann-hesse/9780142437186/readers-guide/#
Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell REQUIRED TEXT
AP Language & Composition
One (1) work of student’s choice: Fiction or Nonfiction.
AND AND
REQUIRED TEXT Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking, Susan Cain
The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald
REQUIRED TEXT (CHOICE)
REQUIRED TEXT
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter,
How to Read Literature Like a Professor,
AP Literature & Composition
Carson McCullers OR
AND
Thomas Forster
A Prayer for Owen Meany, John Irving
Senior Electives
(See Assigned Chapters on Page 19)
Two (2) works of choice: fiction and/or nonfiction.
NEED A SUGGESTION? See suggested titles at the end of this packet.
Page | 3
SUMMER READING 2017
2017 FAQ’s
When is the Summer Reading Assessment? FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017 What will I be expected to do on the Summer Reading Assessment? When you return to school in September, your English teacher will assign either a project for you to complete by September 29, or an essay which you will write in class on September 29. Your teacher will provide you with specific details in September. What do I need to do in order to earn full credit for Summer Reading? 1. Read TWO books. Make sure that you follow Complete TWO note-taking templates (one for each book). The templates are located at the end of this packet. 2. Demonstrate understanding of the books on the Summer Reading Assessment. What happens if I do not complete the Summer Reading Requirements? Only students who complete the note-taking templates and demonstrate understanding on the September 29 assessment can earn credit. I want to start my school year with as many points as possible. Is there a way to earn extra-credit? How ambitious of you! Yes, of course! You can earn EXTRA-CREDIT if you participate in the 2017 Teen Summer Reading Program, sponsored by the Nyack Public Library and the Valley Cottage Public Library. Here is how it works: 1. Sign up at the Nyack or Valley Cottage Public Libraries (contact info below). 2. Students who participate in the SRP’s will read books (assigned texts and recreational reading), turn in the required note-taking templates and simple rating/review sheets on the books they read, and have the opportunity to win prizes from both libraries. Students can also participate in various fun activities, including Community Service opportunities, which are organized through the libraries.
NOTE! →
In order to earn EXTRA-CREDIT, students must submit their completed notetaking template to the public librarian at the completion of the summer reading program, so that participation can be verified. The written notes will be delivered to the student’s English teacher in September.
PUBLIC LIBRARY SUMMER READING PROGRAM – BENEFITS: Students will receive their own library card when they sign up. Students will become familiar with the library’s resources and professionals, making them more comfortable in utilizing them for academic pursuits during the school year. Students will be able to understand the importance of the public library as the cornerstone of literate communities. Students will be done with summer reading before the first day of school. For more information about how to sign up, contact the library directly: Nyack Public Library: 845.358.3370 Valley Cottage Public Library: 845.268.7700
Page | 4
SUMMER READING 2017 2017
NOTE-TAKING FORM – GRADE 6 – BOOK 1 Your Name: _______________________________
TITLE OF BOOK: ________________________________ AUTHOR: _______________________________________
Directions: Write your answers to each question in the space provided. Be as complete as you can, and try to answer each question fully. Use another sheet of paper if necessary. 1. Who is the main character or characters? Describe them.
2. Where and when is the story set? How can you tell?
3. What major problem or struggle does the main character encounter in the story? How does the character deal with his or her problem? To what degree does the character succeed in overcoming his or her problem?
4. What is the most exciting or action-packed part of the story? What is your favorite part?
5. How do you feel about the book? In your response, explain whether or not you would recommend this book and provide a specific example from the book to support your recommendation.
Page | 5
SUMMER READING 2017 2017
NOTE-TAKING FORM – GRADE 6 – BOOK 2 Your Name: _______________________________
TITLE OF BOOK: ________________________________ AUTHOR: _______________________________________
Directions: Write your answers to each question in the space provided. Be as complete as you can, and try to answer each question fully. Use another sheet of paper if necessary. 1. Who is the main character or characters? Describe them.
2. Where and when is the story set? How can you tell?
3. What major problem or struggle does the main character encounter in the story? How does the character deal with his or her problem? To what degree does the character succeed in overcoming his or her problem?
4. What is the most exciting or action-packed part of the story? What is your favorite part?
5. How do you feel about the book? In your response, explain whether or not you would recommend this book and provide a specific example from the book to support your recommendation.
Page | 6
SUMMER READING 2017 2017
SUGGESTED TITLES From the Common Core State Standards, Appendix B
Grades 6 - 8 FICTION Little Women Alcott, Louisa May Generations of readers young and old, male and female, have fallen in love with the March sisters of Louisa May Alcott’s most popular and enduring novel, Little Women. Here are talented tomboy and author-to-be Jo, tragically frail Beth, beautiful Meg, and romantic, spoiled Amy, united in their devotion to each other and their struggles to survive in New England during the Civil War. The Dark is Rising Cooper, Susan On the Midwinter Day that is his eleventh birthday, Will Stanton discovers a special gift — that he is the last of the Old Ones, immortals dedicated to keeping the world from domination by the forces of evil, the Dark. At once, he is plunged into a quest for the six magical Signs that will one day aid the Old Ones in the final battle between the Dark and the Light. And for the twelve days of Christmas, while the Dark is rising, life for Will is full of wonder, terror, and delight. A Wrinkle in Time L’Engle, Madeleine Meg Murry and her friends become involved with unearthly strangers and a search for Meg's father, who disappeared while engaged in secret work for the government. The Tale of the Mandarin Ducks Paterson, Katherine A pair of mandarin ducks, separated by a cruel lord who wishes to possess the drake for his colorful beauty, rewards a compassionate couple who risk their lives to reunite the ducks. Black Ships Before Troy: The Story of the Iliad Sutcliff, Rosemary Sutcliff creatively retells the story of the Trojan War from the quarrel for the golden apple and the flight of Helen with Paris, to the destruction of Troy. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Twain, Mark Mischief is Tom Sawyer's middle name. There is nothing he likes better than playing hookey from school, messing about on the Mississippi with his best friend, Huckleberry Finn, or wooing the elusive beauty Becky Thatcher. Lazy and reckless, he is a menace to his Aunt Polly, an embarrassment to his teachers, and the envy of his peers. But there is method in his badness. This novel is Mark Twain's hymn to childhood and it remains a classic account of “boys on the loose” in frontier-era America. Dragonwings Yep, Laurence In the early twentieth century a young Chinese boy joins his father in San Francisco and helps him realize his dream of making a flying machine.
Page | 7
SUMMER READING 2017 2017 NONFICTION/informational Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass an American Slave Douglass, Frederick The impassioned abolitionist and eloquent orator provides graphic descriptions of his childhood and horrifying experiences as a slave as well as a harrowing record of his dramatic escape to the North and eventual freedom. Published in 1845 to quell doubts about his origins, the Narrative is admired today for its extraordinary passion, sensitive descriptions, and storytelling power. Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad Petry, Ann Petry’s biography of the black woman whose cruel experiences as a slave in the South led her to seek freedom in the North for herself and for others through the Underground Railroad is a classic. Travels with Charley: In Search of America Steinbeck, John John Steinbeck, author of such American classics as The Pearl, Of Mice and Men, and The Grapes of Wrath, embarks on a journey across America with his poodle, Charley, during the later years of his life. This chronicle of their trip meanders from small towns to growing cities to glorious wilderness oases. Still evocative and awe-inspiring after fifty years, Travels with Charley in Search of America provides an intimate look at one of America's most beloved writers in the later years of his life—a self-portrait of a man who never wrote an explicit autobiography. A Night to Remember Lord, Walter First published in 1955, A Night to Remember remains a completely riveting account of the Titanic's fatal collision and the behavior of the passengers and crew, some of whom sacrificed their lives, while others fought like animals for their own survival. A Short Walk through the Pyramids and through the World of Art Isaacson, Phillip Introduces tangible and abstract components of art, and the many forms art can take including sculpture, pottery, painting, photographs, and even furniture and cities. The Great Fire Murphy, Jim Vivid firsthand descriptions by persons who lived through the 1871 Chicago fire are woven into a gripping account... Absorbing and riveting reading. Vincent Van Gogh: Portrait of an Artist Greenberg, Jan & Jordan, Sandra Vincent Van Gogh–one of the 19th century’s most brilliant artists–will forever be remembered as the Dutchman who cut off his ear. But this incident only underscores the passion that consumed him–a passion that infused his work when he took up painting at age 27 and led him to pioneer a new technique and style.
Page | 8
SUMMER READING 2017 2017 Freedom Walkers: The Story of the Montgomery Bus Boycott Freedman, Russell On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks refused to move to the back of the bus and give up her seat to a white man. This simple act sparked a nationwide movement for equality. Award-winning author Russell Freedman puts readers in the midst of a volatile and uplifting time. This compelling and poignant volume, illustrated with arresting black-and-white photographs from the period, is an essential addition to the Civil Rights canon. The Number Devil: A Mathematical Adventure Enzensberger, Hans Magnus Annoyed with his math teacher who assigns word problems and won't let him use a calculator, twelve-year-old Robert finds help from the Number Devil in his dreams, who leads him to discover the amazing world of numbers. As we dream with him, we are taken further and further into mathematical theory and we wind up marveling at what numbers can do. Geeks: How Two Lost Boys Rode the Internet out of Idaho Katz, John When Jesse and Eric meet John Katz, a roving journalist, their lives change forever. Inspired by Katz’s belief that their geeky qualities are highly valuable, Jesse and Eric leave Idaho and bravely set out to conquer Chicago – geek-style. Told with Katz’s trademark charm and sparkle, Geeks is a humorous, moving tale of triumph over adversity that delivers two irresistible heroes for the digital age. The Building of Manhattan Mackay, Donald Meticulously accurate line drawings and fascinating text trace Manhattan's growth from a tiny Dutch outpost to the commercial, financial, and cultural heart of the world. This book explains construction above and below ground, including excavating subway lines and building bridges and skyscrapers. The Words We Live By: Your Annotated Guide to the Constitution Monk, Linda R. The United States Constitution is the basis for our most fundamental rights as Americans. But how many of us actually understand the language used by our Founding Fathers? In The Words We Live By, Linda R. Monk, an award-winning author and journalist, offers insight, legal expertise, surprising facts, little-known information, alternate interpretations, and historical anecdotes that breathe meaning into this provocative and hallowed document.
Page | 9
Information for Students Entering Grades 6 In September, 2017
PAGE 2 3 4 5 7-9
TABLE OF CONTENTS
…… …… ……
Letter from Mr. Joyce, English Department Chairperson Grades 6-12 Summer Reading Expectations by Grade Level
……
Note-Taking Forms – Grade 6 (One form per book)
……
Suggested Titles for Grades 6-12
FAQ’s
SUMMER READING 2017
2017
Administration Building 13A Dickinson Avenue Nyack, NY 10960 (845) 353-7000 Phone:(845)353-7045 Fax:(845) 353-0508
June 1, 2017 Dear Students/Parents: The purpose of summer reading is twofold: one, to enjoy the activity of reading, and two, to maintain comprehension skills, fluency, and stamina during the summer months. We strongly encourage students to read as many books as possible, but all students entering grades 6-12 are required to read at least two books. Enclosed in this packet is all of the information pertaining to Summer Reading. Please carefully review the expectations for the grade level you will be entering in September, 2017. A copy of this packet has been posted to the district’s homepage, Nyack High School’s homepage, and Nyack Middle School’s homepage, as well as to the library class pages at both schools. Copies have also been made available in local libraries and area bookstores. SUMMER READING ASSESSMENT DATE: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017 (Note: For students in AP English Language & Composition, the due date for the assignment is Friday, September 15, 2017). Teachers will assign either an in-class writing task or a project to be collected on that day. The credit earned from this assessment will be applied toward your first quarter average. You can earn full credit simply by completing the requirements and demonstrating understanding of the texts. REQUIRED NOTE-TAKING TEMPLATES – In this packet, you will find note-taking forms for students entering grades 6-12. ALL students must turn in TWO completed note-taking forms, one form PER BOOK. Make sure you use the correct template for the grade level you are entering in September. Students taking English 10H and AP courses must complete the assignment that pertains to the course they are taking. EXTRA-CREDIT: If you choose to participate in the Summer Reading Program at either the Nyack Public Library or the Valley Cottage Public Library, you will be eligible for extra-credit. In addition to earning extra-credit, you will become eligible to win great prizes and awards (see page 4 for details). Students who participate in the public libraries’ Summer Reading Programs will submit their completed note-taking templates to their local public librarians, who will then deliver them to me as proof of participation. Also included in this packet is a list of SUGGESTED titles. This list is compiled directly from Appendix B of the Common Core Learning Standards (www.corestandards.org/assets/Appendix_B.pdf). Please note that students are NOT required to select books only from this list. Ultimately, students should choose books they will truly enjoy. I wish you a restful, enjoyable, and literate summer with your families and friends, and I look forward to joining my colleagues in welcoming you back to school in September! Sincerely,
John Joyce English Department Chairperson, Grades 6-12
Page | 2
SUMMER READING 2017
2017
SUMMER READING EXPECTATIONS BY GRADE LEVEL READ THIS PAGE CAREFULLY, FOLLOWING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ENGLISH COURSE YOU ARE TAKING IN SEPTEMBER, 2017. If you are a middle schooler, high school student taking an R-Level English course, or a senior taking an elective in September, you will read two books of your own choice. Students taking H-Level courses or one of our AP English courses must read the required text(s) listed below.
ENTERING… ELA –6 ELA –7 ELA –8 English 9R
MUST READ Two (2) works of student’s choice: fiction and/or nonfiction. Two (2) works of student’s choice: fiction and/or nonfiction. Two (2) works of student’s choice: fiction and/or nonfiction. Two (2) works of student’s choice: fiction and/or nonfiction. REQUIRED TEXT
English 9H
English 10R
Siddhartha, Hermann Hesse
Two (2) works of student’s choice: fiction and/or nonfiction. REQUIRED TEXT
English 10H English 11R
Into the Wild, John Krakauer
One (1) work of student’s choice: Fiction or Nonfiction.
AND
Two (2) works of student’s choice: fiction and/or nonfiction. REQUIRED TEXT
English 11H
One (1) work of student’s choice: Fiction or Nonfiction.
AND
USEFUL READING GUIDE & BACKGROUND INFO HERE: http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/286568/siddhartha -by-hermann-hesse/9780142437186/readers-guide/#
Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell REQUIRED TEXT
AP Language & Composition
One (1) work of student’s choice: Fiction or Nonfiction.
AND AND
REQUIRED TEXT Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking, Susan Cain
The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald
REQUIRED TEXT (CHOICE)
REQUIRED TEXT
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter,
How to Read Literature Like a Professor,
AP Literature & Composition
Carson McCullers OR
AND
Thomas Forster
A Prayer for Owen Meany, John Irving
Senior Electives
(See Assigned Chapters on Page 19)
Two (2) works of choice: fiction and/or nonfiction.
NEED A SUGGESTION? See suggested titles at the end of this packet.
Page | 3
SUMMER READING 2017
2017 FAQ’s
When is the Summer Reading Assessment? FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017 What will I be expected to do on the Summer Reading Assessment? When you return to school in September, your English teacher will assign either a project for you to complete by September 29, or an essay which you will write in class on September 29. Your teacher will provide you with specific details in September. What do I need to do in order to earn full credit for Summer Reading? 1. Read TWO books. Make sure that you follow Complete TWO note-taking templates (one for each book). The templates are located at the end of this packet. 2. Demonstrate understanding of the books on the Summer Reading Assessment. What happens if I do not complete the Summer Reading Requirements? Only students who complete the note-taking templates and demonstrate understanding on the September 29 assessment can earn credit. I want to start my school year with as many points as possible. Is there a way to earn extra-credit? How ambitious of you! Yes, of course! You can earn EXTRA-CREDIT if you participate in the 2017 Teen Summer Reading Program, sponsored by the Nyack Public Library and the Valley Cottage Public Library. Here is how it works: 1. Sign up at the Nyack or Valley Cottage Public Libraries (contact info below). 2. Students who participate in the SRP’s will read books (assigned texts and recreational reading), turn in the required note-taking templates and simple rating/review sheets on the books they read, and have the opportunity to win prizes from both libraries. Students can also participate in various fun activities, including Community Service opportunities, which are organized through the libraries.
NOTE! →
In order to earn EXTRA-CREDIT, students must submit their completed notetaking template to the public librarian at the completion of the summer reading program, so that participation can be verified. The written notes will be delivered to the student’s English teacher in September.
PUBLIC LIBRARY SUMMER READING PROGRAM – BENEFITS: Students will receive their own library card when they sign up. Students will become familiar with the library’s resources and professionals, making them more comfortable in utilizing them for academic pursuits during the school year. Students will be able to understand the importance of the public library as the cornerstone of literate communities. Students will be done with summer reading before the first day of school. For more information about how to sign up, contact the library directly: Nyack Public Library: 845.358.3370 Valley Cottage Public Library: 845.268.7700
Page | 4
SUMMER READING 2017 2017
NOTE-TAKING FORM – GRADE 6 – BOOK 1 Your Name: _______________________________
TITLE OF BOOK: ________________________________ AUTHOR: _______________________________________
Directions: Write your answers to each question in the space provided. Be as complete as you can, and try to answer each question fully. Use another sheet of paper if necessary. 1. Who is the main character or characters? Describe them.
2. Where and when is the story set? How can you tell?
3. What major problem or struggle does the main character encounter in the story? How does the character deal with his or her problem? To what degree does the character succeed in overcoming his or her problem?
4. What is the most exciting or action-packed part of the story? What is your favorite part?
5. How do you feel about the book? In your response, explain whether or not you would recommend this book and provide a specific example from the book to support your recommendation.
Page | 5
SUMMER READING 2017 2017
NOTE-TAKING FORM – GRADE 6 – BOOK 2 Your Name: _______________________________
TITLE OF BOOK: ________________________________ AUTHOR: _______________________________________
Directions: Write your answers to each question in the space provided. Be as complete as you can, and try to answer each question fully. Use another sheet of paper if necessary. 1. Who is the main character or characters? Describe them.
2. Where and when is the story set? How can you tell?
3. What major problem or struggle does the main character encounter in the story? How does the character deal with his or her problem? To what degree does the character succeed in overcoming his or her problem?
4. What is the most exciting or action-packed part of the story? What is your favorite part?
5. How do you feel about the book? In your response, explain whether or not you would recommend this book and provide a specific example from the book to support your recommendation.
Page | 6
SUMMER READING 2017 2017
SUGGESTED TITLES From the Common Core State Standards, Appendix B
Grades 6 - 8 FICTION Little Women Alcott, Louisa May Generations of readers young and old, male and female, have fallen in love with the March sisters of Louisa May Alcott’s most popular and enduring novel, Little Women. Here are talented tomboy and author-to-be Jo, tragically frail Beth, beautiful Meg, and romantic, spoiled Amy, united in their devotion to each other and their struggles to survive in New England during the Civil War. The Dark is Rising Cooper, Susan On the Midwinter Day that is his eleventh birthday, Will Stanton discovers a special gift — that he is the last of the Old Ones, immortals dedicated to keeping the world from domination by the forces of evil, the Dark. At once, he is plunged into a quest for the six magical Signs that will one day aid the Old Ones in the final battle between the Dark and the Light. And for the twelve days of Christmas, while the Dark is rising, life for Will is full of wonder, terror, and delight. A Wrinkle in Time L’Engle, Madeleine Meg Murry and her friends become involved with unearthly strangers and a search for Meg's father, who disappeared while engaged in secret work for the government. The Tale of the Mandarin Ducks Paterson, Katherine A pair of mandarin ducks, separated by a cruel lord who wishes to possess the drake for his colorful beauty, rewards a compassionate couple who risk their lives to reunite the ducks. Black Ships Before Troy: The Story of the Iliad Sutcliff, Rosemary Sutcliff creatively retells the story of the Trojan War from the quarrel for the golden apple and the flight of Helen with Paris, to the destruction of Troy. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Twain, Mark Mischief is Tom Sawyer's middle name. There is nothing he likes better than playing hookey from school, messing about on the Mississippi with his best friend, Huckleberry Finn, or wooing the elusive beauty Becky Thatcher. Lazy and reckless, he is a menace to his Aunt Polly, an embarrassment to his teachers, and the envy of his peers. But there is method in his badness. This novel is Mark Twain's hymn to childhood and it remains a classic account of “boys on the loose” in frontier-era America. Dragonwings Yep, Laurence In the early twentieth century a young Chinese boy joins his father in San Francisco and helps him realize his dream of making a flying machine.
Page | 7
SUMMER READING 2017 2017 NONFICTION/informational Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass an American Slave Douglass, Frederick The impassioned abolitionist and eloquent orator provides graphic descriptions of his childhood and horrifying experiences as a slave as well as a harrowing record of his dramatic escape to the North and eventual freedom. Published in 1845 to quell doubts about his origins, the Narrative is admired today for its extraordinary passion, sensitive descriptions, and storytelling power. Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad Petry, Ann Petry’s biography of the black woman whose cruel experiences as a slave in the South led her to seek freedom in the North for herself and for others through the Underground Railroad is a classic. Travels with Charley: In Search of America Steinbeck, John John Steinbeck, author of such American classics as The Pearl, Of Mice and Men, and The Grapes of Wrath, embarks on a journey across America with his poodle, Charley, during the later years of his life. This chronicle of their trip meanders from small towns to growing cities to glorious wilderness oases. Still evocative and awe-inspiring after fifty years, Travels with Charley in Search of America provides an intimate look at one of America's most beloved writers in the later years of his life—a self-portrait of a man who never wrote an explicit autobiography. A Night to Remember Lord, Walter First published in 1955, A Night to Remember remains a completely riveting account of the Titanic's fatal collision and the behavior of the passengers and crew, some of whom sacrificed their lives, while others fought like animals for their own survival. A Short Walk through the Pyramids and through the World of Art Isaacson, Phillip Introduces tangible and abstract components of art, and the many forms art can take including sculpture, pottery, painting, photographs, and even furniture and cities. The Great Fire Murphy, Jim Vivid firsthand descriptions by persons who lived through the 1871 Chicago fire are woven into a gripping account... Absorbing and riveting reading. Vincent Van Gogh: Portrait of an Artist Greenberg, Jan & Jordan, Sandra Vincent Van Gogh–one of the 19th century’s most brilliant artists–will forever be remembered as the Dutchman who cut off his ear. But this incident only underscores the passion that consumed him–a passion that infused his work when he took up painting at age 27 and led him to pioneer a new technique and style.
Page | 8
SUMMER READING 2017 2017 Freedom Walkers: The Story of the Montgomery Bus Boycott Freedman, Russell On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks refused to move to the back of the bus and give up her seat to a white man. This simple act sparked a nationwide movement for equality. Award-winning author Russell Freedman puts readers in the midst of a volatile and uplifting time. This compelling and poignant volume, illustrated with arresting black-and-white photographs from the period, is an essential addition to the Civil Rights canon. The Number Devil: A Mathematical Adventure Enzensberger, Hans Magnus Annoyed with his math teacher who assigns word problems and won't let him use a calculator, twelve-year-old Robert finds help from the Number Devil in his dreams, who leads him to discover the amazing world of numbers. As we dream with him, we are taken further and further into mathematical theory and we wind up marveling at what numbers can do. Geeks: How Two Lost Boys Rode the Internet out of Idaho Katz, John When Jesse and Eric meet John Katz, a roving journalist, their lives change forever. Inspired by Katz’s belief that their geeky qualities are highly valuable, Jesse and Eric leave Idaho and bravely set out to conquer Chicago – geek-style. Told with Katz’s trademark charm and sparkle, Geeks is a humorous, moving tale of triumph over adversity that delivers two irresistible heroes for the digital age. The Building of Manhattan Mackay, Donald Meticulously accurate line drawings and fascinating text trace Manhattan's growth from a tiny Dutch outpost to the commercial, financial, and cultural heart of the world. This book explains construction above and below ground, including excavating subway lines and building bridges and skyscrapers. The Words We Live By: Your Annotated Guide to the Constitution Monk, Linda R. The United States Constitution is the basis for our most fundamental rights as Americans. But how many of us actually understand the language used by our Founding Fathers? In The Words We Live By, Linda R. Monk, an award-winning author and journalist, offers insight, legal expertise, surprising facts, little-known information, alternate interpretations, and historical anecdotes that breathe meaning into this provocative and hallowed document.
Page | 9
