Middle School and Upper School Summer Reading Lists for 2008
Every summer, Visitation’s Middle School and Upper School English Departments assign a summer reading program for students. This summer reading program is designed to help students enhance reading proficiency and foster a love for the written word. The English Department encourages students to spend time every day this summer reading.
Following is a list of books for students who will be entering grades six through twelve starting in August 2008. The English Department requires that each student read the books listed for the grade he or she will be entering this fall. Students entering sixth grade, eighth grade, and ninth grade must complete a written assignment; other students will be given a quiz on these books in August.
Tackling Summer Reading
Students are advised to keep a journal as they are reading to help them remember crucial plot details and character traits. Even writing down characters’ names and conflicts on post-it notes will help students prepare for their writing assignments or review for the quizzes. Some students may want to write down favorite lines; some students may want to write about character development, theme, the meaning of the title, or vivid images that the author creates. Note-taking and journaling are good tools for student learning.
If you have questions or concerns regarding summer reading, please contact Elizabeth Arnstein (English Department Chair) via email or your particular teacher.
Upper School Reading Lists
Grade 9:
Students entering ninth grade may access the summer reading lists and assignment by clicking here.
Grade 10:
Students entering tenth grade must read Oedipus Rex (King) by Sophocles. Then choose two of the following:
A Place Where the Sea Remembers by Sandra Benetiz
Snow Falling on Cedars by Steve Guterson
David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
The Once and Future King by T. H. White
The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien
Grade 11:
Students entering eleventh grade must read the following books:
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
Gifts from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindberg
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
Grade 12:
Student entering English 12 should read Lord of the Flies, Candida, and The Power and the Glory.
AP English students should read Lord of the Flies, The Power and the Glory, and the first of their research paper books as well as the required papers and grammar review. AP students were given information on the research paper book, papers, and grammar requirements at the end of May.
Middle School Lists
Grade 6:
Students entering sixth grade should read one of the following books and write a book report, which is due on the first day of school. The book report (hand written or typed) should include the book’s title, its author(s), a summary of the plot, and a conclusion that includes the student’s opinion (example: “I liked or disliked this book because…”).
My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
Rascal by Sterling North
Zlata’s Diary: A Child’s Life in Sarajevo by Zlata Filipovic
Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli
Holes by Louis Sachar
Thief of Hearts by Laurence Yep
Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Curtis
A Shingle Shard by Linda Park
Dave at Night by Gail Larson Levine
Chasing Redbird by Sharon Creech
Grade 7:
Students entering seventh grade should click here for a copy of the summer reading assignment.
Grade 8:
Students entering eighth grade should click here for a copy of the summer reading assignment.
