CharihoRegionalHigh School River Jct., RI
11th Grade Summer Reading 2012
(For Students Entering 11th Grade–The American Experience)
The goal of the Chariho Regional High School Summer Reading program is to encourage lifelong reading. Our philosophy is that books open up new worlds to people and the more you read the better readers and writers you become. The summer reading requirement also supports the district’s English Language Arts standard of students reading at least 25 books per year.
Why is independent reading so important for all students?
- Reading provides students with greater content knowledge across all subject areas.
- Reading increases your reading comprehension, vocabulary and verbal fluency.
- Reading increases student success on achievement tests (standardized tests, NECAP,
PSAT, SAT).
- Reading increases your general world knowledge.
- Research shows that students who do not read over the summer may show a decline of
6 months to 1 year in their academic performance at the beginning of the school year.
Guidelines: All students entering the 11th grade will read one book from the list. Honors students MUST CHOOSE FROM THE HONORS LIST (in grey boxes). All others are welcome to choose from either list.
Assessment: Students will reflect on the American experience in their novel through an on-demand three-paragraph response, graded and weighed as the first test grade of the 1st Quarter.
Theme - The American Experience: The American experience probably has a different meaning to every U.S. citizen. For some, it is the opportunity and freedom afforded to all Americans, and for others it is the pursuit of wealth and fame. Many novels focus on how this experience plays out for those who are natural citizens or come to the U.S.by choice. Many novels also look at the results of this experience when interrupted by internal and/or external conflicts and turmoil, often beyond the character’s control.
Note Taking Tips
Try using one of the active reading tasks suggested below. You may use these notes when taking the test.
Annotate as you go: Keep track of important information about characters and events by recording notes in the margins (ONLY IF YOU OWN THE BOOK), or on Post-it notes. Use this method to mark favorite passages, or perhaps to ask questions you hope to answer as you continue reading.
Chapter Check: At the end of each chapter, summarize important information and events in a journal.
Look-Back List: Create a page-number-organized list of important information about characters and events. Perhaps employ a chart or color system to facilitate quick and easy reference.
11th Grade Summer Reading 2012
(For Students Entering 11th Grade)
CP students can select any book on the list. Honors students must select from the titles in the grey boxes.Geeks : How Two Lost Boys Rode the Internet Out of Idaho
by Jon Katz
Tells the true story of Jesse and Eric, nineteen-year-old roommates in the small town of Caldwell, Idaho who changed their lives and built a new future for themselves with the power of the Internet.(Non-fiction) / Before I Fallby Lauren Oliver
When Samantha Kingston suddenly dies, she is given a second chance to live out her final day over the course of a week in order to solve the mystery of her death and understand the real value of everything she might lose.(Realistic teen with a twist)
Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
The people of Sterling, New Hampshire, are forever changed after a shooting at the high school leaves ten people dead, and the judge presiding over the trial tries to remain unbiased, even though her daughter witnessed the events and was friends with the assailant.(Realistic fiction) / Plainsong by Kent Haruf
The American experience is revealed in a rural Colorado community as the author interweaves the stories of a pregnant high school girl, a lonely teacher, a pair of boys abandoned by their mother, and a couple of crusty bachelor farmers.(Realistic fiction)
Going Bovineby Libba Bray
Cameron Smith, a disaffected sixteen-year-old diagnosed with mad cow disease, sets off on a road trip with a death-obsessed, video-gaming dwarf he meets in the hospital in an attempt to find a cure.(Humorous fiction) / Feed by M.T. Anderson
In a future where most people have computer implants in their heads to control their environment, a boy meets an unusual girl who is in serious trouble.(Science fiction)
East of Edenby John Steinbeck
The story of Cal and Aron, twin brothers in early twentieth-century California, who act out a modern-day version of the biblical story of Cain and Abel.(Family drama) / Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell
The author explores why some people are high achievers and others are not, citing culture, family, and chance as possible reasons some people are not as successful as others.(Non-fiction)
The Age of Innocenceby Edith Wharton
A portrayal of New York society in the 1870s where money counted for less than manners and morals.(Romantic fiction)
(This title can be found on the Internet at Gutenberg.org as a free downloadable eBook. It can also be read directly on the website without downloading.) / Electric Kool-aid Acid Testby Tom Wolfe
A portrait of the novelist Ken Kesey and the West Coast "Merry Pranksters" during their years in pursuit of the LSD experience and the development of psychedelia. (From Wikipedia: Hysterical realism)
The Awakening by Kate Chopin
Edna Pontellier, a Victorian-era wife and mother, is awakened to the full force of her desire for love and freedom when she becomes enamored with Robert LeBrun, a young man she meets while on vacation.(Psychological fiction)
(This title can be found on the Internet at Gutenberg.org as a free downloadable eBook. It can also be read directly on the website without downloading.) / The Jungle by Upton Sinclair
Describes the conditions of the Chicago stockyards through the eyes of a young immigrant struggling in America.(Political fiction)
(This title can be found on the Internet at Gutenberg.org as a free downloadable eBook. It can also be read directly on the website without downloading.)
Annotations from: Follett Titlewave and Amazon