Prince of Peace Christian School
Summer Reading 2015-2016
Crossroads (8th Honors) – Two books
*Rebecca by du Maurier; Avon; First Edition ed. (July 2002) ISBN: 9780380778553
*The Best of Poe: The Tell-Tale Heart, The Raven, The Cask of Amontillado and 30 Others
by Edgar Allan Poe; Prestwick House; (March 2006) ISBN: 978-1580493871
Carefully read and annotate your two books. A general guideline for annotations includes marking
important passages about character, plot, and details. Be prepared to show your annotations to your
teacher. DO NOT use outside sources such as Spark Notes, Cliff Notes, Bookrags etc.
Read Rebecca by du Maurnier, and Fall of the House of Usher and Masque of the Red Death by Edgar Allan
Poe, then write a short paper with the following elements:
• An introductory paragraph that defines Gothic fiction by describing at least 3 characteristics of the
genre.
• A first body paragraph that explores how Rebecca is or is not an example of Gothic fiction.
• A second body paragraph that explores how Fall of the House of Usher is or is not an example of Gothic
fiction.
• A third body paragraph that explores how Masque of the Red Death is or is not an example of Gothic
fiction.
• An optional conclusion paragraph in which you pull your ideas together.
Make sure you include both evidence and explanation of the significance of your evidence. DO NOT merely
retell or summarize the plot of the episode. Be prepared to submit your typed essay to turnitin.com to check for
plagiarism.
Please purchase a clean copy with the exact ISBN and copyright date to ensure the same edition
required for class discussion of the novel. We will be using the exact edition requested as an essential
part of the curriculum for the first several weeks of English. Please check the publisher, the copyright
date and the ISBN. The clean copy of the text allows the student to add his or her own annotations.
For all assigned summer reading books (except the novel of choice for Crossroads), there will be an
objective quiz given the 1st week of school. After the summer reading has been analyzed and
discussed in class, a test will complete the summer reading unit.
Eng. I – One book
The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien; Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (September 18, 2012); Paperback
ISBN: 978-0547928227
Carefully read and annotate The Hobbit. A general guideline for annotations includes marking
important passages about character, plot, and details. Be prepared to show your annotations to your
teacher. DO NOT use outside sources such as Spark Notes, Cliff Notes, Bookrags etc.
Choose ONE of the following values – cunning, hospitality, gratitude, forgiveness, respect or selfcontrol – and select 2 key episodes from The Hobbit that reveal one character’s understanding of that
value. Then, write a well-developed paragraph (½ to one full typed page) in which you explain how
the two episodes reveal what your selected character understands about the ONE value you choose.
Make sure you include both evidence and explanation of the significance of your evidence. DO NOT
merely retell or summarize the plot of the episode. Be prepared to submit your typed paragraph to
turnitin.com to check for plagiarism.
Please purchase a clean copy with the exact ISBN and copyright date to ensure the same edition
required for class discussion of the novel. We will be using the exact edition requested as an essential
part of the curriculum for the first several weeks of English. Please check the publisher, the copyright
date and the ISBN. The clean copy of the text allows the student to add his or her own annotations.
For all assigned summer reading books, there will be an objective quiz given the 1st week of school.
After the summer reading has been analyzed and discussed in class, a test will complete the summer
reading unit.
Eng. I PreAP- Two books
The Odyssey by Homer trans. Fitzgerald; Farrar, Straus and Giroux (November 1998)
ISBN: 978-0374525743
Mythology by Edith Hamilton; Mass Market Paperback, Reissue ed. (Jan. 2011)
ISBN: 978-0446574754
This summer, you will go on a voyage with the Greek hero Odysseus as he returns from the Trojan
War to his beloved Ithaca, his faithful wife, and his loving son. Before you begin, you should read the
background information on the Trojan War included in your copy of Edith Hamilton’s Mythology,
“Part Four: Heroes of the Trojan War,” including the chapters on “The Trojan War,” ‘The Fall of
Troy,” and “The Adventures of Odysseus”. As you read about each of Odysseus’ adventures, consider
the trials he must face. Odysseus’ character is portrayed in his ability to handle dangerous situations.
The trials illustrate more than just temptations that he must overcome; they show a different man at the
end of the book than at the beginning. His adventures in his journey humble his pride, reveal his
cleverness, and prepare him, by giving him self-control, for the task of restoring order to his household
and to Ithaca. In each of his twelve adventures (Books IX – XII), Odysseus is tempted to display a
negative character trait or to choose a false identity that he must reject, and he is encouraged to
demonstrate a positive trait.
First, carefully read and annotate Part Four, Chapters I, II, and III of Mythology. These chapters will
give you a summary and overview of the Trojan War described in The Iliad and The Odyssey and will
be helpful as you read and write about The Odyssey. There will be questions from the mythology book
as well as from The Odyssey on the objective quiz.
Then, carefully read and annotate The Odyssey. Choose three of the adventures** to discuss in your
essay, including a brief summary of each, the negative trait he must overcome or reject, and the
positive trait that he embraces to succeed.
1. Begin with a brief thesis sentence that lists title and author, the three adventures, and the main
idea of Odysseus’ choices. This sentence may be the only sentence in your first paragraph.
2. In each of the following three paragraphs, you will summarize the adventure, discuss the
negative trait, and explain the positive character trait that Odysseus demonstrates.
3. You should include a short concluding paragraph that pulls your ideas together.
4. The essay will be submitted to turnitin.com to check for plagiarism.
**Here is a list of Odysseus’ twelve adventures:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Island of Ismarus (The Ciconians)
Lotus-eaters
Cyclops
Aeolus
Laestrygonians
Circe
7. Hades
8. Sirens
9. Scylla and Charybdis
10. Island of Helios
11. Calypso
12. Phaecians (Nausicaa)
Please purchase a clean copy of both books with the exact ISBN and copyright dates to ensure the
same edition required for class discussion of the books. We will be using the exact editions requested
as an essential part of the curriculum for the first several weeks of English. Please check the publisher,
the copyright date, and the ISBN. The clean copy of the texts allows the student to add his or her own
annotations.
For all assigned summer reading books, there will be an objective quiz given the 1st week of school.
After the summer reading has been analyzed and discussed in class, a test will complete the summer
reading unit.
English II – One book
Lord of the Flies by Golding; Perigee Trade; Casebook ed. (Sept. 1987)
ISBN: 9780399506437
Please purchase a clean copy with the exact ISBN and copyright date to ensure the same edition
required for class discussion of the novel. We will be using the exact edition requested as an essential
part of the curriculum for the first several weeks of English. Please check the publisher, the copyright
date and the ISBN. The clean copy of the text allows the student to add his or her own annotations.
Previous annotations can be misleading, or keep you from reading for yourself.
Carefully read and annotate Lord of the Flies. A general guideline for annotations includes marking
important passages about character, plot, and details. Aim for 1-2 significant annotations per page. Be
prepared to show your annotations to your teacher. DO NOT use outside sources such as Spark Notes,
Cliff Notes, Bookrags etc.
Choose two of the following characters: Ralph, Jack, Piggy, Simon. Then choose a different scene for
each character that gives the most insight into their character. Write one well-developed paragraph for
each of your 2 characters: a total of 2 paragraphs. Each paragraph should be ½ to one full page. For
example, if you selected Ralph, choose the one scene that reveals the most about Ralph, noting both
the details of the scene and their significance. You will have 2 separate paragraphs (no “big” thesis
tying it all together).
Make sure you include both evidence and explanation of the significance of your evidence. DO NOT
merely retell or summarize the plot of the episode. Be prepared to submit your typed essay to
turnitin.com to check for plagiarism.
For all assigned summer reading books, there will be an objective quiz given the 1st week of school.
After the summer reading has been analyzed and discussed in class, a test will complete the summer
reading unit.
English II PreAP – Two books
Of Mice and Men by Steinbeck ; Penguin (January 8, 2002) ISBN: 9780142000670
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley; Bedford/St. Martin's; 2nd ed., Case Studies ed. (April 14, 2000)
ISBN: 9780312191269
Please purchase a clean copy with the exact ISBN and copyright date to ensure the same edition
required for class discussion of the novel. We will be using the exact edition requested as an essential
part of the curriculum for the first several weeks of English. Please check the publisher, the copyright
date and the ISBN. The clean copy of the text allows the student to add his or her own annotations.
Previous annotations can be misleading, or keep you from reading for yourself.
Carefully read and annotate your two books. A general guideline for annotations includes marking
important passages about character, plot, and details. Aim for 1-2 significant annotations per page. Be
prepared to show your annotations to your teacher. DO NOT use outside sources such as Spark Notes,
Cliff Notes, Bookrags etc.
Both of these works confront the reader with scenes of violence. Choose a central scene of violence
from both works: total of 2 specific scenes (spanning 1-3 pages each), one from each work.
Annotate/explore each scene in depth. Then, in a well-organized essay, compare and contrast how
violence in these two scenes deepen your understanding of each work. Stay focused ONLY on your 2
chosen scenes. Aim for a critical mass of 2 ½ - 3 pages (Times New Roman 12, 1 inch margins, all
doublespaced).
Make sure that you have a clear introduction that ends with your MT claim (main thesis). For the body
of your essay, include both evidence and explanation of the significance of your evidence. DO NOT
merely retell or summarize the plot of the episode or summarize other scenes in the novel. You will
probably have 3-4 body paragraphs. End your essay with a thoughtful conclusion. Be prepared to
submit your typed essay to turnitin.com to check for plagiarism.
For all assigned summer reading books, there will be an objective quiz given the 1st week of school.
After the summer reading has been analyzed and discussed in class, a test will complete the summer
reading unit.
English III – One book
Scarlet Letter by Hawthorne; Barnes and Noble Classic (2003) ISBN: 9781593080129
Please purchase a clean copy with the exact ISBN and copyright date to ensure the same edition
required for class discussion of the novel. We will be using the exact edition requested as an essential
part of the curriculum for the first several weeks of English. Please check the publisher, the copyright
date and the ISBN. The clean copy of the text allows the student to add his or her own annotations.
Previous annotations can be misleading, or keep you from reading for yourself.
Carefully read and annotate The Scarlet Letter. Be prepared to show your annotations to your teacher.
DO NOT use outside sources such as Spark Notes, Cliff Notes, Bookrags etc.
The following is a list of symbols in the novel that will be the basis of your summer essay. Choose the
top 3 symbols you would like to explore and email your choices to Mrs. Ashcraft at
ashley.ashcraft@popcs.org. Since only two people can choose each symbol, the sooner you choose,
the more likely you will receive your first choice. Mrs. Ashcraft will reply with your assigned symbol.
1. Doors/Thresholds
2. Weeds/Vegetation/Flowers
3. Forest/Town
4. 3 scaffolds
5. Color black
6. Color green
7. Color gold
8. Color red
9. Triads (groups of three)
10. Mirrors/Reflections
11. Sunlight/Darkness
12. Draperies and Curtains
13. Pearl
14. Steps
15. Water
Your essay should explore the symbols as follows:
1. Introduction including a thesis that draws a conclusion about Hawthorne’s purpose in using the
symbol and the theme represented by it.
2. Body paragraph about 2-3 appearances of the novel, using quotes and MLA documentation
3. Body paragraph about the meaning of the symbol. How does the symbol convey the theme and
purpose of the novel and what effect does it have on the reader?
4. A concluding paragraph that answers the “so-what” question: how is the meaning of the
symbol “like life” or how is the meaning of the symbol universal?
The essay will be due during the first week of classes and will be submitted to turnitin.com to check
for plagiarism.
For all assigned summer reading books, there will be an objective quiz given the 1st week of school.
After the summer reading has been analyzed and discussed in class, a test will complete the summer
reading unit.
AP Language– Two books
Scarlet Letter by Hawthorne; Dover Publications (May 2, 1994) ISBN: 9780486280486
Language of Composition by Shea, Scanlon, and Aufses; 2nd ed. ISBN 9780312676506
Please purchase a clean copy with the exact ISBN and copyright date to ensure the same edition
required for class discussion of the novel. We will be using the exact edition requested as an essential
part of the curriculum for the first several weeks of English. Please check the publisher, the copyright
date and the ISBN. The clean copy of the text allows the student to add his or her own annotations.
Previous annotations can be misleading, or keep you from reading for yourself.
1. Assignment for The Scarlet Letter: Respond to the following prompt in a well-developed essay
of no longer than 750 words (include a word count at the end of the essay). Essay must be in
12 font, Times New Roman, double-spaced with MLA formatting. It will be submitted to
turnitin.com the first week of school.
Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote The Scarlet Letter in 1850, during the age of Romanticism
and Transcendentalism. Hawthorne was a friend and neighbor of such transcendental writers as
Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, who viewed man as naturally good and who
believed in the possibility of creating a utopian society. On the other hand, Hawthorne was a
product of his Puritan ancestors who believed that man is naturally depraved and sinful; one of
Hawthorne’s ancestors was Judge John Hathorne who was a judge in the notorious Salem witch
trials that took place in New England in 1692. Hawthorne chose Boston in 1642-49 as the
setting for his novel. Write a well-organized essay which addresses the possibility that a piece
of fiction can be an argument. Consider The Scarlet Letter as Hawthorne’s anti-utopian
argument in response to his transcendentalist contemporaries or his moral argument in response
to his Puritan ancestors.
2. Assignment #2 Activity and quiz on Chapter 1 of The Language of Composition: Carefully
read and annotate chapter one of your text book, The Language of Composition. Complete
Activity on page 6. Type a SOAPS analysis of the “9/11 Speech” by George W. Bush. This
analysis will be turned in on the first day of class. Also, be prepared for a quiz on the “Glossary
of Rhetorical Terms,” pages 36-8 to be given the first week of class.
For all assigned summer reading books, there will be an objective quiz given the 1st week of school.
After the summer reading has been analyzed and discussed in class, a test will complete the summer
reading unit.
English IV - One book
Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis; Harper One, 2015, ISBN 978-0060652937
Please purchase a clean copy of The Screwtape Letters with the exact ISBN given above. We will be
using this precise edition as an essential part of the curriculum for the first several weeks of English
IV. Please check the publisher and the ISBN. A new, clean copy of the text allows the student to add
his or her own annotations. Previous highlighting and annotations can be misleading.
Carefully read and annotate Screwtape Letters. Aim for 2-3 significant annotations per page.
Annotations go beyond highlighting or underlining. The annotations themselves are written in the
margins (or post-its) that clarify definitions, identify relationships between characters, highlight
significant events, locate literary devices, and capture questions you may have. Underlining and/or
highlighting will not be considered in your “2-3 substantive annotations per page” requirement. Be
prepared to show your annotations to your teacher for a daily grade on the first day back in the fall.
DO NOT use outside sources such as Spark Notes, Cliff Notes, Bookrags etc. DO USE a couple of
good dictionaries. Think carefully and critically about the role of each page before moving to the next.
Carefully think about the Epigraph and Preface.
While reading, make a list in the front of the book of the main characters and their relationships.
1. Note any particulars or descriptives given as well.
2. Next, flag and note and/or keep a list of
a) Primary Goals or Purposes
b) Strategies and tactics recommended
c) Weapons illustrated or used
d) Advice, rules, laws or restrictions given
e) Obstacles to the characters’ ability to achieve their plans
f) How obstacles are to be dealt with or overcome
3. Keep a list of “theoretical” definitions, that is, list any special terms that are defined directly
or indirectly by the characters themselves in their own communication between themselves,
along with what the character means by that term or word.
Writing Assignment: Choose three strategies to discuss in your essay. Once you have selected three
strategies, write one paragraph for each that tells the reader:
1. The purpose of the strategy
2. Describe the strategy in detail
3. How easily could this particular strategy be executed by the intended agent
4. How easily might the strategy be detected and deflected by a patient
5. Whether in fact this strategy was successful in the book
6. Your overall assessment of this strategy as compared to the other two
Then, write a clear introductory paragraph, and also a clean, crisp concluding paragraph. Be sure the
introductory paragraph has one single, specific, compelling, thesis that is demonstrable. In the
concluding paragraph, show that you have proven your thesis.
Thesis statement minimum: (The writer) uses (three strategies) to (a verb) the (goal or goals).
Each paragraph must have a Body Thesis along with Concrete Details.Proofread for spelling, grammar,
punctuation and syntax. Senior level work is expected.
AP Literature - Two books
King Lear by Shakespeare; Folger, ISBN: 9780743482769
Heart of Darkness by Conrad; Norton critical ed.; 4th ed (Dec. 2005) ISBN: 9780393926361
Please purchase a clean copy with the exact ISBN and copyright date to ensure the same edition
required for class discussion of the novel. We will be using the exact edition requested as an essential
part of the curriculum for the first several weeks of English. Please check the publisher, the copyright
date and the ISBN. The clean copy of the text allows the student to add his or her own annotations.
Previous annotations can be misleading, or keep you from reading for yourself.
1. Assignment for King Lear: Respond to the following prompt in a well-developed essay no
longer than 750 words (include a word count at the end of the essay): In many plays a character
has a misconception of himself or his world. Destroying or perpetuating this illusion
contributes to a central theme of the play. From King Lear, choose a major character to whom
this statement applies, and write an essay in which you consider the following:
A. What the character’s illusion is and how it differs from reality as presented in the
play.
B. How the destruction/perpetuation of the illusion develops a theme of the play.
Do not merely summarize the plot.
2. Assignment for Heart of Darkness: Respond to the following prompt in a well-developed
essay no longer than 750 words (include a word count at the end of the essay):
Works of literature often depict acts of betrayal. Friends and even family may betray a
protagonist; main characters may likewise be guilty of treachery or may betray their own
values. From Heart of Darkness, consider such an act of betrayal. Then, in a well-written essay,
analyze the nature of the betrayal and show how it contributes to the meaning of the work as a
whole. Do not merely summarize the plot.
For both essays, make sure you include both evidence and explanation of the significance of your
evidence. DO NOT merely retell or summarize the plot. Be prepared to submit your typed essay to
turnitin.com to check for plagiarism. The essay must be in 12 font, Times New Roman, double-spaced
with MLA formatting.
For all assigned summer reading books, there will be an objective quiz given the 1st week of school.
After the summer reading has been analyzed and discussed in class, a test will complete the summer
reading unit.