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 .

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.

Read The Lightening 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.

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

1. 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 Speakor The Lightening Thiefthat one can apply to his or her everyday life? Explain.

9th Lit. Summer Reading Dialectic Journal – The Lightening Thief, Rick Riordan

1. Explain the quote.
2. Why do you find this quote to be significant to the overall plot? Explain.
3. Connect – Make a connection with the selected quote (text-to-self, text-to-text, text-to-world).
4. Respond – What conflicts/issues or heroic qualities are illustrated in this quote? Explain thoroughly.

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 The Lightning Thief that one can apply to his or her everyday life? Explain fully.

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