HONORS 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 evaluate your reading through an assessment such as, but not limited to, a template test, critical or creative essay, reading journal, project, presentation, or test. Although video versions are enjoyable, they may differ greatly from the written word; rely on the works themselves. You are required to read two books, choosing one from the first list and also reading the book assigned to all students.

Be advised some books may contain somewhat explicit language, sexual references, or mature subject matter.

These texts are integral to our 9th Lit curriculum. The first unit we begin is centered on dystopian literature, so the texts below will serve as support for our discussions and assessments. As outlined below, every incoming 9th Honors student will read George Orwell’s Animal Farm and a novel of their choice from the list below.

As you complete your summer reading, please keep in mind the question: Which is more important; the individual or society at large?

  1. Read George Orwell’s Animal Farm (1170)
  2. Complete the assignment included below (see pg. 2-3)
  1. Read one of the following novels:
  2. H. G. Wells’The Time Machine (1070) – the classic story of a Time Traveler who ventures into the future and meets two very different societies.
  3. Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451(890) – A society where books are banned finds a firefighter battling with his conscience when he meets a girl and begins to question the society around him.
  4. Pat Frank’s Alas, Babylon(870)–A nuclear holocaust devastates the United States, and civilization has begun to collapse. However, the inhabitants of one Florida town are spared and attempt to “confront the darkness” of this new world.

Animal Farm WebQuest

Directions:Your task for the Animal Farm WebQuest will be to use the Internet to research the information necessary to complete this activity. In preparing to read and analyze the novel Animal Farm by George Orwell, it is important to understand certain terminologies and historical contexts to enrich your reading of the text. Under each section you will find specific websites that will help you find your answers. You may NOT use any other sites or Wikipedia. Please answer each question. Upon completion of research, you will need to present your information in a creative way, with photos. You may create a brochure, a PowerPoint, or a Prezi.

Part 1: George Orwell

Before reading the novel, it is always helpful to learn about the author. Please read aboutGeorge Orwell and take the time to learn about his life as a writer. This information will help you understand why he felt Animal Farm was important to the world.

  1. What was George Orwell’s given name?
  2. Where and when was he born? When and from what did he die?
  3. Where did he live throughout his life?
  4. What are the novels he has written?
  5. Why did he write Animal Farm?
  6. Give a brief overview of his political beliefs.

Part 2: Literary Elements

In understanding and connecting to Animal Farm, it is also important to recognize theliterary aspects of the novel. There are different types of literary elements that Orwell uses throughout Animal Farm. It is essential that you understand these terms so that you can apply them to your understanding of the novel.

1. What is an allegory? Give an example of an allegory.

2. What is a fable? Give an example of a fable.

3. What is satire? Give an example of satire.

4. What is a fairy tale? Give an example of a fairy tale?

Part 3: Propaganda

Throughout Animal Farm, there are many different uses of propaganda. Because George Orwell uses different types of propaganda techniques in Animal Farm, it is important to familiarize yourself with them before you read the novel.

  1. What is propaganda?
  2. Why and how is propaganda used?
  3. Find 3 different examples of propaganda. Identify the type and give a brief description of each. Then, find a poster or photo to accompany your examples.

Part 4: Historical Background

As you begin to read Animal Farm, you will discover and discuss in class the clearcomparisons between the book and the Russian Revolution. In order to make sense of the connection between Orwell’s Animal Farm and the Russian Revolution, it is important for you to familiarize yourself with the historical background of the text.

  1. Who was Karl Marx and what were his beliefs as he explained them in the Communist Manifesto?
  2. What is communism? What potential problems could arise with the belief of communism?
  3. Who was Nicholas II?
  4. During what years did the Russian Revolution take place?
  5. What was life like for Russians before/during/and after the Russian Revolution?
  6. Who were Joseph Stalin and Leon Trotsky? What were their differences on politics?
  7. How long did Stalin’s reign of power last? What kind of leader was he?