Ninth Grade Literature

NINTH GRADE LITERATURE SUMMER READING LIST

The purpose of summer reading is to sustain the powers of the imagination and to explore worlds of characters, settings, plots, and ideas we can only visit through literature. The summer reading list contains both classic and contemporary authors. These books are available from your local library or bookstore. During the first week of school, your English teacher will announce the due date for the assignment. The due date is usually the second week of the semester. Although video versions are enjoyable, they may differ greatly from the written word; rely on the works themselves. You are required to read one of the two books below. Be advised some books may contain somewhat explicit language, sexual references, or mature subject matter. If you have any questions, please contact the English Department Chair, Marybeth Dial on the Sprayberry website or at [email protected].

Assigned texts are integral to our 9th Lit curriculum. We will have class discussions and additional assignments associated with these books when you return to school.

Directions: Complete the attached assignment for the following assigned text(s).

1. Read Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson (L690). Rationale: Some of the major topics that are explored in Speak are bullying, violence, isolation, and finding your voice (the courage to speak out). These are topics that will be explored further as we examine Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird and Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. Students will be able to make real world connections as it pertains to their everyday lives (text-to-self & text-to-world), for these are common issues that are universal.

1 . Read The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (L470). Rationale: Percy Jackson struggles in school and sometimes cannot control his anger. He also experiences conflicts at home with his stepfather. Life is tough for Percy. But when he discovers a secret about his background, he must dig deep inside to find the strength and courage to embark on an archetypal quest that will prove him to be a hero. We will be discussing in class the archetypal hero and his journey. Reading this novel will prepare you, and give you a strong foundation for these discussions.

2. During Reading: Complete the following dialectical journal assignment. (You can type your responses directly onto the graphic organizer using Microsoft Word).

3. After Reading: Identify the theme(s). (A theme is the central message that the author wishes to convey about life. In other words, the moral of the story. What theme or central message(s) can be found in Speak or The Lightning Thief that one can apply to his or her everyday life? Explain. 9th Lit. Summer Reading Dialectic Journal – The Lightning Thief, Rick Riordan Quotes 1. Explain the quote. Directions: As you read, select two 2. Why do you find this quote to be significant to the overall significant quotes from the sections marked plot? Explain. below that you find significant to the overall 3. Connect – Make a connection with the selected quote (text- plot. to-self, text-to-text, text-to-world). Be sure to use quotation marks and to cite 4. Respond – What conflicts/issues or heroic qualities are the page number. illustrated in this quote? Explain thoroughly. Chapters 1 - 6: (Quote #1) Explain:

Significance/Importance:

Connection:

Response: Chapters 1 - 6: (Quote #2) Explain:

Connection:

Response:

Chapters 7 – 12: (Quote #1) Explain:

Significance/Importance: Connection:

Response:

Connection:

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Chapters 13 – 18: (Quote #2) Explain: Significance/Importance:

Connection:

Response:

Connection:

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Connection:

Response: Step 3 - After Reading: Identify the theme(s). (A theme is the central message that the author wishes to convey about life. In other words, one can look at theme as “the moral of the story.”) What theme(s) or central message(s) can be found in Speak that one can apply to his or her everyday life? Explain fully.

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Quotes 1. Explain the quote. Directions: As you read, select two significant 2. Why do you find this quote to be significant to quotes from each of the four “marking periods” that the overall plot? Explain. you find significant to the overall plot. 3. Connect – Make a connection with the Be sure to use quotation marks and to cite the page selected quote (text-to-self, text-to-text, text-to- number. world). Explain the situation thoroughly. 4. Respond – What are your personal thoughts regarding the thoughts or actions of the character in your chosen quote? 1st Marking Period: (Quote #1) Explain:

Connection:

Response: 1st Marking Period: (Quote #2) Explain:

Connection:

Response: 2nd Marking Period (Quote #1) Explain:

Connection:

Response:

2nd Marking Period (Quote #2) Explain:

Connection:

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3rd Marking Period (Quote #1) Explain:

Connection: Response:

3rd Marking Period (Quote #2) Explain:

Connection:

Response:

4th Marking Period (Quote #1) Explain:

Connection:

Response:

4th Marking Period (Quote #2) Explain:

Significance/Importance: Connection:

Response:

Step 3 - After Reading: Identify the theme(s). (A theme is the central message that the author wishes to convey about life. In other words, one can look at theme as “the moral of the story.”) What theme(s) or central message(s) can be found in Speak that one can apply to his or her everyday life? Explain fully. ______