Powell Honors English I

Independent Reading Selection Suggestions for Semester 1

The following books are classics and relate to our Finding Common Ground and The Struggle for Freedom units. You want to be as well-read as possible, so please choose one work that you have not already read or perhaps that you read as a child and now want to read as a scholar. Read carefully and using stickies, highlighter, or notebook take notes on the following remembering to incorporate what we have been talking about in class: lines that relate to our themes-- What is the author’s purpose and what is he/she saying to us about society and human nature?), Characterization, Settings, Conflicts, Rhetorical Devices, Symbol, and Irony- CLOSE READING NOTES, PLEASE. Remember, you will be writing a paper using this book as part of your performance task. Your notes will help you plan for this essay. In addition, your reading group will be required to create and present a project. Please, choose a book that you actually enjoy; there is something for everyone here, and I can help you choose if you are stuck. Bring your books every day in case you have time in class to read, please. Some of these works contain mature subject matter. If you or your parents object, please choose a different work.

Choices: an asterisk indicates a more challenging novel, and you will earn 10 extra points for choosing one of these works. NF indicates nonfiction and is a memoir.

Ernest Gaines- A Lesson Before Dying *

NF Nujood Ali,- I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced

NF Ishmael Beah - A Long Way Gone

Ayn Rand- Anthem

Neal Shusterman- Downsiders or Unwind

Ray Bradbury- Fahrenheit 451 *

George Orwell- 1984 *

NF The Narrative Life of Frederick Douglass- Frederick Douglass *

William Golding- Lord of the Flies*

Harper Lee- To Kill a Mockingbird *

NF Maya Angelou- I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings *

Bryce- The Power of One (the Young Reader’s Edition)

Marc Zusak- The Book Thief

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Literature Group Dates: On the following dates you may prepare for notes for your paper and prepare for your project. Please organize your reading into thirds –at the least. Be ready for a popped quiz on the notes you have taken on any of these dates, please.

1st meeting: December 8th

2nd meeting: December 15th

3rd meeting: January 5th

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Project presentation date: January 20th