English II Honors

Summer Reading Assignment 2016

Congratulations on successfully completing your freshman year! Your English teachers have compiled a list of challenging and interesting books recommended by previous students and fellow teachers. Students who are taking English II Honors are required to read one book over summer. In addition, students must bring the completed Reader’s Response Log assignments to class on the first day of school.

Choose one of the following books to read.

Fiction

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, by Mark Haddon

Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood (Graphic Novel)by MarjaneSatrapi

Non-Fiction

I am Malala, by Malala Yousafazai

NOTE: Some of the books contain adult situations. We urge you to choose a book with a parent’s or guardian’s guidance. If a book makes you uncomfortable, abandon it and select another. If you cannot find a book by

July 1st, contact Mr. Agagnina at he can provide a school copy of limited selections. If you would like to read a book not on the list, please contact Mr. Agagnina for approval before July 1st. Alternative choices are subject to teacher’s discretion.

**See assignments below

Reader’s Response Log:

While reading the novel, search for eight pieces of evidence from the text that reveal the identity of the main character including how this identity changes throughout the novel and five pieces of evidence that reveal the identity of the predominant group or culture. In the left column write the direct quote in quotation marks with the page number in MLA format. In the right column, write your reaction to this quote. See possible reactions in the sample chart below. As we explore world literature this year we will be focusing on how we define ourselves as we interact with our society and struggle to define our identity in the face of our groups and affiliations.

Evidence / Reaction
Individual Character Identity / Look for 8 pieces of quoted evidence that show:
  • physical characteristics
  • mental thoughts
  • emotional feelings
  • relationship with others
  • how the character fits into society
  • conflicts with the society
  • obstacles the character overcomes
/ Thoughtful responses should explain why the quote is important to the society and may address the following questions.
What does this reveal about a character?
Why is this important to the character?
Why does the character react in this way?
How does the character interact with the society?
How does the character change and grow?
Group Environment / Cultural Identity / Look for 5 pieces of quoted evidence that show:
  • what the society values
  • class structures
  • what is “normal” or “standard” in the society
  • government or leadership structures
  • common beliefs
  • biased thinking
/ Thoughtful responses should explain why the quote is important to the society and may address the following questions.
What does this reveal about the society?
Why is this important to the society?
Why does the society react in this way?
How does the society influence other characters?
How do the characters challenge the society?

Be thorough with your responses. During the first week of school you will be assessed on your understanding of the text with a creative project and an in-class essay. You may use your Reader’s Response Log to help you complete the tasks, so being detailed and reflective will be to your benefit.

Still have questions?

Contact Mr. Agagnina, who will be happy to answer your questions!

[Student’s Name]

[Teacher’s Name]

English II Honors

[Day] [Month] 2014

Reader’s Response Log

[Book Title] by [Author’s Name]

Evidence / Reaction
Individual Character Identity / 1. “[Quoted evidence from the text]” ([Authors Last Name] [page #])
2. “[Quoted evidence from the text]” ([Authors Last Name] [page #])
3. “[Quoted evidence from the text]” ([Authors Last Name] [page #])
4. “[Quoted evidence from the text]” ([Authors Last Name] [page #])
5. “[Quoted evidence from the text]” ([Authors Last Name] [page #])
6. “[Quoted evidence from the text]” ([Authors Last Name] [page #])
7. “[Quoted evidence from the text]” ([Authors Last Name] [page #])
8. “[Quoted evidence from the text]” ([Authors Last Name] [page #])
Group Environment / Cultural Identity / 1. “[Quoted evidence from the text]” ([Authors Last Name] [page #])
2. “[Quoted evidence from the text]” ([Authors Last Name] [page #])
3. “[Quoted evidence from the text]” ([Authors Last Name] [page #])
4. “[Quoted evidence from the text]” ([Authors Last Name] [page #])
5. “[Quoted evidence from the text]” ([Authors Last Name] [page #])