Honors English I Summer Reading Assignment Congratulations On

Honors English I Summer Reading Assignment

Congratulations on your decision to challenge yourself to work harder in order to become a stronger student, which begins with your summer reading for Honors English I.

The purpose of the summer reading assignment is refine reading skills, which are often lost or reduced over the summer months, and to encourage reading for pleasure. Reading closely and analytically requires practice, so completing the summer reading assignment allows you to maintain your level of excellence.

You have two (2) reading assignments to complete over the summer:

Assignment #1: Read The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. A summary of this book is attached to this letter. This book can be borrowed from the public library or purchased at local bookstores or online. We strongly suggest that you purchase your own copy of the book so that you can practice active reading through highlighting, taking notes in the margins, and using sticky notes to mark important passages. In addition to reading The Book Thief, it is also required that you accomplish the attached novel analysis chart (see the chart for more specific directions).

Assignment #2: Read a book of your choosing from the attached list, complete the English I Honors Summer Reading Book Chart (again, check the chart for more specific directions), and practice the active reading techniques. Please do not choose one that you have already read, has been read to you, or whose movie (or cartoon!) you have seen. It would be to your benefit to do a little research before choosing your novels to ensure the subject matter and language are within your acceptable reading standards. If you run into something you are uncomfortable reading, choose a new book! See the enclosed list.

Please Note: This summer assignment is not something you can put off until the last week of the summer, so get started as soon as possible. Taking good notes and marking the book as you go will help you remember what you have read, even if you get your reading done in June.

Remember, you are making a commitment as an honors student to complete your work to the best of your ability. We expect an honors performance. Please plan your time accordingly. If you lose the summer reading assignment, you can find it on the school website.

We look forward to seeing you in class next fall, and we hope you are excited to begin your high school experience. Should you have any questions in the meantime, please email one of us.

Sincerely,

Mr. Bever [email protected] Mrs. Mealey [email protected]

Honors English I Summer Reading Assignment The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak

Directions: Complete the chart below. Write down your thoughts on each question and then find at least one piece of evidence from the The Book Thief that supports your belief. Don’t worry about answering the questions in complete sentences; however, be prepared to discuss your ideas and responses in class.

Example: How does foreshadowing influence the reader’s experience while reading The Book Thief? Why do you believe Zusak uses the literary device so frequently throughout the novel?

My thoughts- Evidence from the book- (Include pg. #) -because Death is the narrator, the book’s end is “The book thief and her brother were traveling not the most important part (Everything must down toward Munich, where they would soon be eventually end in death). given over to foster parents. We know now, of -If we know what is going to happen, then we are course, that the boy didn’t make it” (19). more likely to pay attention to how it is happening.

Questions: 1. What is the importance (or symbolism) of Death’s role as narrator in The Book Thief?