2015 Summer Reading Assignment for Incoming Seventh Graders

2015 Summer Reading Assignment for Incoming Seventh Graders

5.0 level

You are required to read two books for summer reading: Wonder by RJ Palacio and student-choice novel.

Below, please find the steps needed to complete the required summer reading assignments for students entering seventh grade in the North Penn School District.

Please note, your summer reading work is an individual assignment. While you are encouraged to discuss the reading, your responses should be completed independently.

Book One: Wonder by RJ Palacio

1.  Obtain a copy of Wonder. We recommend the edition published by Random House (ISBN 9780375869020)

2.  Preview the assignment prior to reading Wonder.

3.  Read the book and take necessary notes to complete the required assignment.

4.  Complete the assignment for Wonder. Your work may be word-processed or handwritten.

5.  Bring a hard copy of the completed assignment to school on the first day class meets.

6.  Each student will complete an additional written response about Wonder in their English class. You may use your work from the summer to help in writing your in-class response.

Book Two: Student-Choice Novel

1.  Select and obtain another book of your choosing.

2.  Preview the assignment prior to reading your student selection.

3.  Read the book and take necessary notes to complete the required Book Review assignment.

4.  Complete the Book Review assignment for that book. Your work may be word-processed or handwritten.

5.  Bring a hard copy of the completed Book Review assignment to school on the first day class meets.

Required Reading Assignment - Wonder

Proper Assignment Heading:

Your Name

Teacher Name (leave blank for now)

English 7

19 August 2014

Wonder by R. J. Palacio

ISBN#: 978-0375869020 (Please be certain to get THIS version of the novel)

Summary:

August Pullman was born with a facial deformity that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting fifth grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance.

______

Before you read:

Here are some suggested introductions to the novel:

Excerpted from: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=wonder

 Watch You Tube Video book trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOXDD3atWco

 Watch You Tube Video interview with author R. J. Palacio:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUJtGHhy41Q

http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/choose-kind/pledge.php

 Meet a real Auggie – with a facial cranial condition – Peter –

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9c0tEtP2j14

During Your Reading:

Themes in Wonder

A theme can be defined as the message or main idea that the author would like to bring to the reader.

Directions: Answer the questions below based on your reading of Wonder. Please answer the questions using complete sentences unless noted otherwise.

1. Family Relationships –

a. Via says, “I’m always going to be the sister of a kid with a birth defect; that’s not the issue. I just don’t always want to be defined that way,” (91). What does she mean by this statement?

b. Despite his deformities, Auggie is a normal 5th grade student who is “comfortable in his own skin.” How does he make it easier for his friends and family to relate/connect to him?

2. Friendship –

a. Based on your personal experiences, what are three qualities of a good friend?

b. Using your three qualities of a good friend, how does Jack demonstrate these characteristics as Auggie’s friend? Give two examples from the story with page numbers to support your answer.

c. Why does Jack talk about Auggie behind his back? How does your opinion of Jack and Auggie’s friendship change based on Jack’s comments?

3. Overcoming Challenges – Auggie’s attendance at Beecher Prep creates issues for students, parents, teachers, and the principal.

a.  List some of the challenges that arise for the

·  Students

·  Parents:

·  Teachers:

·  Principal:

b. In Mr. Tushman’s speech at the end of the year, he says, “Always try to be a little kinder than necessary.” How does being kind help someone overcome challenges?

4. Bullying

a. In what subtle or unnoticed ways does Julian bully Auggie? List examples from the novel.

b.  How does Julian influence the other students to join in his cruelty toward Auggie and Jack? Give two examples from the text to support your answer

c.  What is Auggie’s response to the bullying?

After Your Reading:

A. Select one character from the novel. Name two of his or her character traits and then give two examples with text evidence from the novel to support the character trait you have identified.

Character: ______

Character Trait #1 / Text Evidence from Wonder with page number / Text Evidence from Wonder with page number
Character Trait #2 / Text Evidence from Wonder with page number / Text Evidence from Wonder with page number

B. A precept is like a motto. Mr. Browne’s precepts for each month are listed in the novel. Create an original precept for your life. Write a paragraph discussing why and how you plan to implement this precept in your daily life.

Student Choice Assignment

Book Review

Title:

Author:

Rating:

Summary:

Recommend? Yes No

Explain.