Grade 8 HONORS

Summer Reading

Summer of 2020

The objective of summer reading for the students is to assist them in cultivating skills that have been built upon throughout their academic year. It is the hope that reading will strengthen and reinforce those skills that are vital to all aspects of academics and beyond. The English department recognizes that this year is one of unprecedented changes, especially in terms of education. Those entering an honors level course next year need to expect a higher level of rigor from the course work and more challenging expectations. In lieu of the traditional summer reading assignment, the 8th Grade Honors teachers have altered their assignment. Students only need to read ONE book from the list below. 

Listed below are resources for students. There is a list of suggested readings and also links to online access for students. 

A video explaining how to access online reading and audiobooks from CVMS Media Specialist,  Robin Renahan.

• SORA Instructions

Make sure to check out your school’s library:

• CVMS:  https://sites.google.com/pinebushschools.org/cvms-library/home
• Crispell: https://sites.google.com/pinebushschools.org/libraryatcrispell/home  

Don’t forget your local libraries!

• Middletown Thrall Library– 12 Depot Street, Middletown, NY https://www.thrall.org/WelcomeHome.html
• Pine Bush Area Public Library– 223-227 Maple Ave, Pine Bush, NY https://pinebusharealibrary.org/
• Mamakating Library– 128 Sullivan Street, Wurstboro, NY
  Mamakatinglibrary.org

You can check the availability of each text from the following merchants:

http://www.amazon.com                    www.barnesandnoble.com

 

Grade 8 HONORS Summer Reading

Below you will find a list of books to choose from as you embark on your summer reading project.

You are to pick ONE book from the list provided. Books are listed under curriculum subject areas that will be taught during the academic year.  In October, you will be asked to write an evidence-based claim essay based on the text that you selected. The choices complement the texts we will be reading this year in class.

You must take notes as you read the book so that when you are asked to write the essay, you will be able to find evidence for your paper.

If you purchase the book, feel free to use the annotation skills you gained in 7th grade to assist you.

Finding Home: Refugees Unit:

The Turtle of Oman by Naomi Shihab Nye

Shooting Kabul by N.H. Senzai

Bamboo People by Mitali Perkins

World War II:

Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz ( Ruth Gruener, Jack Gruener)

Once by Morris Gleitzman

The Berlin Boxing Club by Robert Sharenow

Literature:

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson

Suggestions for note-taking:

The following literary elements will be a focus in your summer reading assignment. Be sure to underline, highlight, and annotate for evidence that relates to the following literary elements.

Characterization, Conflict, Setting, and Theme