Sandy Creek High School Summer Reading List
Gifted Ninth Grade Literature and Composition
Mrs. Cindy Claxton
Welcome to Sandy Creek High School! I look forward to working with you as we begin a fascinating and productive journey together. Strive for excellence!
I. Please read the following literary selections during the summer. Be prepared for tests on
them during the first days of school.
A. Tuesdays with Morrie* Mitch Albom
B. The Elements of Style W. Strunk and E. B. White
C. Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes Edith Hamilton
You are responsible for obtaining a copy of these books.
*A few copies of Tuesdays with Morrie are available from the English department at
Sandy Creek High School. Please see me at Sandy Creek High School (8:00-12:00 noon)
by Thursday, June 1, 2017, if you would like to borrow a copy. Remember that
Monday, May 29, is Memorial Day, and I will not be at school.
II. Tuesdays with Morrie: Please prepare one set of book cards on this selection. These book
cards are due on the first day of school for a major test grade.
Adhere to the following instructions.
A. Use large (6 x 8ish), lined index cards.
B. Use black ink.
C. Write on the front only.
D. Use as many individual cards as needed to complete each set; staple together the
cards for this selection.
E. Use standard abbreviations to save space.
Use the following format for the set of cards:
A. Title (underlined) and author information (birth and death dates, nationality, any
special information)
B. Original publication date
C. Setting (time/place/social and political atmosphere) and theme (main idea in one
sentence)
D. Original plot summary (NOT one from someone/where else)
E. Characters (with descriptions, identify pro/antagonist, foil, etc.)
F. Major literary devices with example (symbol, metaphor, allusion, etc.)
G. Distinguishing characteristics of the work
You and your classmates may work collaboratively on the book cards, with the understanding that each person should make an equal contribution to the production of the cards. The goal is not merely to get the job done; it is to create a quality product. If you work together, please understand that each student must
turn in a set of the book cards.
Page 2
III. Elements of Style: Please make sure that you know and understand the information in this
terse little book, how to use the information, and how to incorporate it into your own
writing.
A. Please read the Foreword (ix-xi), the Introduction (xiii-xviii), and the Glossary (89-
95).
B. For each chapter (I-V) please prepare two (or more) questions that you have
concerning this information or its application. Organize your questions according
to chapter, and be sure to phrase your questions clearly and specifically. Bring a
paper copy of your questions to class on the first day of school.
IV. Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes: Please adhere to the following reading
schedule for this important source of literary allusions.
A. Foreword, Introduction to Classical Mythology, and Part One: Chapters 1-4 are
due on the first day of school along with a drawing, poster, or other physical
representation (that you create, not an image that you found elsewhere) of
one character, creature, item, or place from the reading that interests you.
B. Part Two: Chapters 5-8 are due on Monday, September 11, 2017
C. Part Three: Chapters 9-12 are due on Monday, October 23, 2017
D. Part Four: Chapters 13-16 are due on Monday, December 4, 2017
E. Part Five: Chapters 17-19 are due on Monday, January 22, 2018
F. Part Six: Chapters 20-21 are due on Monday, March 5, 2018
Of course, you may read ahead as you desire.
Please note: I do NOT accept late work, nor will I print out your assignments for you. It is your responsibility to bring a physical copy of all assignments to class on the first day of school.
I hope you enjoy your summer! Email me if I can help or clarify! I will check my school email every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday until schools begins. I eagerly await meeting you in August!
Mrs. Cindy Claxton