MacArthur Middle School 700 N. Schoenbeck Road Prospect Heights, IL 60070 847-870-3879 ======Principal Assistant Principal Dr. Camron Nystrom Mr. Chris Alms
June 2018
Dear Parent or Guardian:
As an old school year comes to a close and a new one begins in about two and a half months, we wanted to th take this opportunity to share with you the 8 grade summer reading list. In order to facilitate a smoother th transition from summer to school, we are asking that all incoming 8 grade students read one or two books from the list below during the summer. If a student is in Regular Reading, he/she will choose ONE novel from the list. If a student is in Accelerated Reading, he/she will choose TWO novels from the list. Note: The two books for Accelerated Reading should come from two different series. Of course, students are welcome to read more of the books on the list, and we encourage students to read more frequently during the summer in a variety of mediums either in print or electronic (magazines, newspapers, fiction, nonfiction, etc.). Summer reading encourages students to continue practicing their reading skills during the summer so they will be all the more prepared for the new school year. As with sports, music, and any other interest or hobby, the best way to develop a skill is to practice it frequently. Summer reading is one way that students can practice reading without the in-school stress of a time crunch or teacher-directed reading.
th When choosing books for this summer reading program, 8 grade highlights Science Fiction, a genre that has gained popularity with the introduction of dystopian novels and series such as The Hunger Games and Divergent. A popular education website, readwritethink.org, describes Science Fiction as “a genre of fiction in which the stories often tell about science and technology of the future. It is important to note that Science Fiction has a relationship with the principles of science—these stories involve partially true- partially fictitious laws or theories of science. It should not be completely unbelievable because it then ventures into the genre fantasy. The plot creates situations different from those of both the present day and the known past. Science Fiction texts also include a human element, explaining what effect new discoveries, happenings and scientific developments will have on us in the future.”
In addition to selecting and reading ONE (Regular) or TWO (Accelerated) of the novels below, students will also complete ONE short written response to the book. The prompts for the written response are also included in this letter. Please note that the prompts are labeled for either Regular Reading or Accelerated th Reading. These written responses will be due August 27 and will be submitted into Schoology once students have been assigned their Reading teacher.
Please choose from the following (list continues on the next page):
------The Ender Quartet Series by Orson Scott Card: Once again, the Earth is under attack. Alien “buggers” are poised for a final assault. The survival of the human species depends on a military genius: Ender Wiggins. Brilliant. Ruthless. Cunning. A tactical and strategic master. And a child. Can Ender lead Earth in a victory against an alien population that has once already tried to wipe out humanity? Book 1: Ender's Game Book 2: Speaker for the Dead Book 3: Xenocide Book 4: Children of the Mind ------The House of the Scorpion Series by Nancy Farmer: Matteo Alacrán was not born; he was harvested. His DNA came from El Patrón, lord of a country called Opium, which was once called Mexico. Escape is the only chance Matt has to survive. But escape is no guarantee of freedom because Matt is marked by his difference in ways he doesn’t even suspect. Book 1: The House of the Scorpion Book 2: The Lord of Opium ------Life As We Knew It Series by Susan Beth Pfeffer: An asteroid has just knocked the moon closer to Earth. The result is catastrophic. How can humans survive in a future where worldwide tsunamis are wiping out coasts, earthquakes are rocking the continents, and volcanic ash is blocking out the sun? Book 1: Life As We Knew It Book 2: The Dead and the Gone Book 3: This World We Live In Book 4: The Shade of the Moon *Note: Book 1 and Book 2 are interchangeable. You can read either one because it’s the same event but told from 2 different perspectives. However, both Book 1 and Book 2 must be read before Book 3 in order for Book 3 to make sense. Book 4 must be read last. ------This Side of Paradise Series by Steven Layne: When his father relocates the family to a town called Paradise to work for the mysterious Eden Corporation, Jack Barrett uncovers a sinister plot that threatens everyone he loves. Book 1: This Side of Paradise Book 2: Paradise Lost ------Uglies Series by Scott Westerfeld: Tally is about to turn sixteen and undergo the traditional operation to make her pretty. Just before her operation, Tally meets Shay, a fellow “ugly” who is not convinced being ugly is that bad. Shay joins a rebel group resisting the authorities. Tally is suspected of assisting Shay and will not receive her “pretty” operation until she betrays her friend. Book 1: Uglies Book 2: Pretties Book 3: Specials Book 4: Extras ------
Again, of the 16 novels listed here, we are asking Regular Reading students to read one and Accelerated Reading students to read two. We have chosen novels that are part of a series to offer more options as well as further reading if students enjoy the first book in the series.
There are many different ways to access these novels. Barnes & Noble will have these titles available both in-store and online. Amazon is another reliable source for buying new or gently used books. We have also contacted Arlington Heights, Indian Trails, and Prospect Heights Libraries to inform them of our program. While you can check out actual novels from these libraries, you may also check out eBooks, which can be loaded onto tablets or phones.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Joe Behun ([email protected]) or Melissa Joffe th (mjoffe@d23org). We look forward to a successful 8 grade year for both you and your child(ren).
Sincerely,
Joe Behun, Melissa Joffe, Megan Windsor, and Lee Wright
th 8 Grade Reading Teachers MacArthur Middle School
Writing Prompt Options for Summer Reading Novels
After you have read the novel you selected, CHOOSE ONE AND ONLY ONE of the following prompts to answer. Please note the amount of sentences for which each prompt asks. When you type your response, please double-space and use Times New Roman 12-point font. In addition, make sure that your first and last names are on the response as well as the title and author of the novel. Titles should be underlined or italicized. th As a reminder, these responses will be due August 27 and should be submitted into Schoology once students have been assigned their Reading teacher. Please note that none of these prompts are asking you simply to summarize your book(s).
ACCELERATED READING OPTION #1
Science Fiction has a human element explaining what effect new discoveries, happenings [events], and science will have on us in the future.”
Write at least sixteen (16) sentences explaining how your novels exemplify this statement. Please note the three italicized parts in the statement and make sure that you address all three. You will need to include details on how both novels show similar elements of the definition as well as how they show different elements of the definition.
ACCELERATED READING OPTION #2
A question that we will be investigating in our first unit as well as our first novel is, “Is truth the same for everyone?” Write at least sixteen (16) sentences in which you examine this question as it relates to both of your novels.
REGULAR READING OPTION #1
Choose five (5) of the following sentence starters. For each sentence starter, write a reflection of at least three (3) sentences. This will be a total of 15 sentences.
□ I noticed... □ I wondered... □ I was reminded of... □ I think... □ I'm surprised that... □ I'd like to know... □ I realized... □ If I were... □ I'm not sure... □ If ______then... □ The central issue(s) is (are)... □ One consequence of _____ could be...
REGULAR READING OPTION #2
In a reflection of at least ten (10) sentences, describe the character/person who changed the most from the beginning of the book to the end of the book. Explain the change. How did the character think/act at the beginning of the book vs. the end? What caused this change?
More options listed on the next page
REGULAR READING OPTION #3
In a reflection of at least eight (8) sentences, describe a minor character/person in the book who had major importance. Explain why. (Notice that it says minor character, not major.)
REGULAR READING OPTION #4
On a scale of 1-10, rate the book you read. (1 is the worst, 10 is the best). In a reflection of at least eight (8) sentences, explain in detail why you gave this book that score. Please do not summarize the book. Give your actual opinion.
REGULAR READING OPTION #5
In a reflection of at least twelve (12) sentences, evaluate the ending of this book. Considering how the book unfolded, is it an effective ending? Why or why not?
REGULAR READING OPTION #6
If this book had gone one more chapter, what would have happened? Why? Make sure your reflection is at least ten (10) sentences.
REGULAR READING OPTION #7
“Science Fiction has a human element explaining what effect new discoveries, happenings [events], and science will have on us in the future.”
Write at least eight sentences explaining how your novel exemplifies this statement. Please note the three italicized parts in the statement and make sure that you address all three.
REGULAR READING OPTION #8
A question that we will be investigating in our first unit as well as our first novel is, “Is truth the same for everyone?” Write at least eight (8) sentences in which you examine this question as it relates to your novel.