Dear Parents and Students,

The focus of the junior English program is the study of American Literature and its historical, philosophical, and theological context. The goal of the summer reading program is to allow an opportunity for students to read significant literary works at a leisurely pace. They must read two novels for this assignment. Students will be expected to complete an accompanying assignment, double journal entry for each of the novels. The selections are as follows.

Mandatory novel for all juniors entering college preparatory American Literature:

Anthem Ayn Rand

Choose a second novel from the following list:

Catcher in the Rye JD Salinger

The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald

Cannery Row John Steinbeck

Ethan Frome Edith Wharton

Winesburg, Ohio Sherwood Anderson

It is expected that each student comes to class the first day of school ready to share their response to both pieces in the form of double-entry journals. During the reading process, students should choose important quotes or ideas and write them on the left side of the page. On the right side they should write their interpretation of the significance of the passages chosen; explain, basically, why it was chosen. The purpose of the double entry journal is to identify attitudes and opinions about what they are reading, to demonstrate critical reading skills, and to track their thought process on the journey through the piece. The students should choose quotes throughout the entire piece and indicate page numbers for reference. (It is reasonable to expect each journal to be comprised of 4-5 pages when complete). Students will be supplied with an example of a double entry journal to help them with the assignment. There really is no wrong way to do this, as long as the student is keeping up with their reading and recording their thoughts.

Library or Bookstore? The age old question! Buying books means you are able to highlight important passages as they read during the summer to prepare for discussions and presentations later in the year. I personally feel that being able to mark up a text and “dog-ear” the pages helps in developing a “relationship” with the text. It also cuts down on late fees at your local library. The selections are considered major texts and may be found at any bookstore.

Be sure to keep and refer to this letter as a guide. Some other helpful hints: Read and highlight, note, or question as you go; it helps to keep up on your response journal to track your reactions after a day’s reading. (You may find it difficult to go back after you have read the novel). Two novels over the period of the summer is a reasonable goal, especially when you consider the wonderful places these novels may take them.

I look forward to an enlightening and exciting year as we explore literature together.

I may be contacted at the following email address over the summer should there be any questions or concerns: or