All Incoming 8th Grade Summer Reading Assignments are posted below. CHOOSE ONE BOOK ONLY AND READ GUIDELINES BELOW CAREFULLY!
We will begin the year using these books to examine a variety of different voices of World War II and the Holocaust. Students will work in cohort groups to bring the themes, conflicts, points of view, and universal truths into a bigger whole-class discussion. A thorough reading of the book is necessary to engage in our deeper work on analysis strategies and critical thinking skills as part of our first cross-curricular unit in Trimester 1.
Remember:
-All typed papers must have standard 1" margins, with a conservative font (size 11).
-Papers are not to be double spaced (Essay portion can be if desired).
-Assignments will be due the first day we return to school. Please be sure they are assembled in a way that will streamline grading and show excellent presentation. Be sure to carefully address ALL components of the assignment.
-All formal written work (essay portions and reflections) should reflect the student's best writing and presentation possible. It is from these writing samples that curriculum will be shaped.
Summer Assignment for The Diary of Anne Frank
Discovered in the attic in which she spent the last years of her life, Anne Frank’s remarkable diary has become a world classic—a powerful reminder of the horrors of war and an eloquent testament to the human spirit.
In 1942, with the Nazis occupying Holland, a thirteen-year-old Jewish girl and her family fled their home in Amsterdam and went into hiding. For the next two years, until their whereabouts were betrayed to the Gestapo, the Franks and another family lived cloistered in the “Secret Annexe” of an old office building. Cut off from the outside world, they faced hunger, boredom, the constant cruelties of living in confined quarters, and the ever-present threat of discovery and death. In her diary Anne Frank recorded vivid impressions of her experiences during this period. Thoughtful, moving, and humorous, her account offers a fascinating commentary on human courage and frailty and a compelling self-portrait of a sensitive and spirited young woman whose promise was tragically cut short.
“One of the most moving personal documents to come out of World War II.”--The Philadelphia Inquirer
“The single most compelling personal account of the Holocaust . . . remains astonishing and excruciating.”--The New York Times Book Review
1. Read The Diary of Anne Frank - (the classic edition)
2. Write a 5 paragraph essay (minimum) comparing and contrasting your life as a young teen with Anne Frank’s. Avoid generalizations; be specific, and show that you have truly read and understood the deeper value of this book which provides a glimpse into the scope of humanity and the ability of a young teen to see and articulate it.
Essay Focus: How is teenage life different and similar both externally (i.e. relationships, interests, etc.) and internally (i.e. inner thoughts, questions, and observations about self, life, the world) between your life as a teen today and Anne Frank's. How are her struggles your own? Be sure to show proof of reading the book by adding quotes, important passages, and specific details to illustrate your points and conclusions. Make sure your writing reflects your best essay writing to date.
3. Create a Vocabulary List of at least 30 words that are new to you or that need clarification.
Be sure to do the following:
1) Number and list the words
2) Next to the word, write the sentence that you found the word in from the book and include the page number.
3) Write the full definition for the word (using the definition as it is meant in the book).
4. Reflection Page - After reading the book, type a one page reflection discussing the following things: Why do you suppose The Diary of Anne Frank is still required reading for many students even today? What does the book have to offer people of all ages in our modern world? What did you discover or have affirmed regarding the value of learning, the importance of family, and the gift of life, love, and humanity in general?
5. Be prepared to take a comprehension test on accelerated reader upon your return. Notes taken as you read will be allowed as an aid during the test.
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Summer Assignment for Escape from Warsaw (originally titled The Silver Sword) - good for more sensitive readers. Note: The book is currently out of print but can be purchased used through Amazon.com. There are plenty of copies available there (button to link is above).
WARSAW 1942 - On a cold, dark night in Warsaw in 1942, the Balicki children watch in horror as Nazi Storm Troopers arrest their mother. Now they are alone. With the war raging around them, food and shelter are hard to come by. They live in constant fear. Finally, they get word that their father is alive. He has made it to Switzerland. Edek and Ruth are determined to find him, though they know how dangerous the long trip from Warsaw will be. But they also know that if they don't make it, they may never see their parents again. Their gripping story is taken from actual accounts. The parts of the assignment are listed below:
1. Read Escape from Warsaw by Ian Serraillier
2. As you read, create a Vocabulary List of at least 30 words that are new to you or that need clarification.
Be sure to do the following:
1) Number and list the words
2) Next to the word, write the sentence that you found the word in from the book and include the page number.
3) Write the full definition for the word (using the definition as it is meant in the book).
3. Write a 5 paragraph essay exploring the use of symbolism and theme in Escape from Warsaw. Avoid generalizations; be specific, and show that you have truly read and understood the deeper value of the book which provides a glimpse into the scope of humanity, the importance of family, and the ways people find the strength to endure.
Essay Focus: The original title of this book was The Silver Sword. In this story, the silver sword is the primary symbol that unites and protects the main characters throughout the book. 1) What do you think the sword symbolizes and why; how does it function in the story to keep the family together? 2) Toward the end of the story there is a terrible storm which prevents the family from reuniting for a time. What does the storm symbolize in the story? 3) Finally, in what ways does the reader learn about the power of hope and determination (a main theme) of the human spirit in its will to survive and thrive? Be sure to show proof of reading the book by adding quotes, important passages, and specific details to illustrate your points and conclusions. Make sure your writing reflect your best essay to date.
4. Research and Reflection Page - After reading the book, type a one page research-connected reflection discussing the following things: 1) What was it like for people living in the Warsaw ghetto during World War II? 2)The book ends on a happy note, however, for most people, like the main characters, the reality of people of Warsaw did not end so happily. Based on your research, what might have been the fate of an actual family who lived through this time in history? 3) What does the book have to offer people of all ages in our modern world? What did you discover or have affirmed regarding the importance of family, and the gift of life, love, and humanity in general? 4) Which title do you think best fits the book - Escape from Warsaw or The Silver Sword? Why?
5. Be prepared to take a comprehension test on accelerated reader upon your return. Notes taken as you read will be allowed as an aid during the test.
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Summer Assignment for The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
The Book Thief is a best-selling book set during World War II in Germany with Death as its narrator. An important theme to track while reading the book is that of the power of words and how it can connect people and bring beauty to a brutal world.
1. Read The Book Thief. As you are reading, do the following:
A. Highlight passages you feel are important, particularly in regards to books, writing, and the use words. Highlight other passages that you find touching or important to the book's themes. Underline any words in the text that need clarification or that you don't know. Feel free to write notes or questions in the book.
B. At the close of each chapter/vignette, write a brief summary and personal response to what is going on in each of the parts of the book (appx. 1 paragraph per chapter for summaries and for responses by book parts: Prologue, Parts 1-10, and Epilogue). Label each chapter and section clearly. Write these entries in a journal or composition book.
C. Vocabulary List: In your journal include the following, a list of at least 30 words that are new to you or need clarification. Write the word, page number where it was found, the sentence you found it in, and the dictionary definition that reflects how the word is used in the novel.
2. After you read The Book Thief, write a 5 paragraph essay (minimum) that reflects your ability and best work using the following writing prompt:
Essay Focus: In the novel, The Book Thief, the act of book thievery teaches the main character, Liesel, about life and death. what do books and writing symbolize in the novel in general? What books are important to Liesel and the story-line; discuss why? How do books, writing, and the use of words help Liesel learn about life, power, and the importance of connecting with others?
Be sure to include quotes from the book that illustrate your points. Remember, this is a book report so the more you can show that you read the book, the better. Please place carefully typed and proofed essay into composition book when you turn the summary/reflection, vocab words, and essay in.
3. Research and Reflection Page: After reading this book, learn more about the book-burning policies of the Nazi government, and type a one-page research-connected reflection about the following: What books were targeted and why? What did the Nazis hope to gain from these policies? How were they able to conduct these mass burnings, and how did Germans participate or resist? In your opinion, how were the Nazis able to destroy so much learning with the consent of the people? Why is the burning of books, and the destroying of information and learning an act of violence upon all mankind? Feel free to also use The Book Thief to describe the impact of book-burning on its citizens.
4. Be prepared to take a comprehension test on accelerated reader upon your return. Notes taken as you read will be allowed as an aid during the test.
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Summer Assignment for Night by Elie Wiesel
Night is Elie Wiesel's masterpiece, a realistic, horrific, and deeply saddening autobiographical account of surviving the Holocaust as a young teenager. It is considered a classic of Holocaust literature, and was one of the first texts to be recognized as such.
1. Read Night.
2. As you are reading, do the following:
A. Highlight passages you feel are important, particularly in regards to references about faith, faith traditions, and the thoughts and feelings of the main character and his father. Highlight other passages that you find touching or important to the book's plot and important themes (what the author wants you to think about and take with you after reading the book). Underline any words in the text that need clarification or that you don't know. Feel free to write notes or questions in the book.
B. Write the following in a journal or composition book: At the close of each chapter/vignette, write a brief summary and personal response to what is going on in each of the parts of the book (appx. 1 paragraph per chapter for summaries and for responses by chapters). Label each chapter and section clearly.
C. Inside your notebook, create a Vocabulary List of at least 30 words that are new to you or that need clarification. Be sure to do the following:
1) Number and list the words
2) Next to the word, write the sentence that you found the word in from the book and include the page number.
3) Write the full definition for the word (using the definition as it is meant in the book).
2. After you read Night, write a 5 paragraph essay (minimum) that reflects your best work and writing skills using the following prompt:
Throughout the book, Eliezer's feelings about his father and his faith change and grow. Analyze these changes.
1) Discuss Eliezer's feelings about his family, especially his father. Compare and contrast the father-son relationship you see at the end of the memoir with the one you saw at the beginning. In what ways has the relationship changed?
2) Examine Eliezer's faith in God and his faith tradition. How does his faith change over the course of the book?
Be sure to include quotes from the book that illustrate your points. Remember, this is a book report so the more you can show that you read the book, the better. Please place carefully typed and proofed essay into composition book when you turn the summary/reflection, vocab words, and essay in.
3. Research / Reflection Page - After reading the book, research the pogroms that were established in Nazi Germany that eventually led Jews to their extermination in the concentration camps. In addition, learn more about Jewish resistance in World War II. Then, type a one page reflection (single spaced) that combines your research and what you learned in the book by discussing the following:
Reflection Focus: Many students often ask why more Jews did not see the signs of what was to come and why they seemed to not do anything to stop the Nazis or save themselves. In the book Night, why didn't the Jewish townspeople believe the horrible news Moishe brought back to them, and what might be the reasons they chose to be in denial of the Nazi's plans to to eliminate Jews based on the evidence facing them? What opportunities were available to help some Jews and other persecuted groups escape (in the book and in your research)? Based on your research, what opportunities did Jews and other persecuted groups take to fight back and resist Nazi rule? How does understanding this help you to see the Jewish experience of the Holocaust in a fuller way?
4. Be prepared to take a comprehension test on accelerated reader upon your return. Notes taken as you read will be allowed as an aid during the test.
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Summer Assignment for Unlikely Warrior: A Jewish Soldier in Hitler's Army by George Rauch
A Unique Point of View: It’s easy to paint a picture of World War II-era German soldiers as cold-hearted Nazi bad guys—pop culture has certainly done so time and time again—but of course the members of Hitler’s army were people, too. Some were admirable, some were not, and a great many of them didn’t want to be in the war at all. Some, like Georg Rauch, were even Jewish! Despite Rauch’s Jewish heritage and his activities in the underground resistance, he nonetheless found himself drafted into the German army and forced to serve in a war that he didn’t believe in. In his captivating biography, Rauch details what his time as a reluctant soldier was like and how he managed, through wits and luck, to survive to tell his incredible story.
Unlikely Warrior: A Jewish Soldier in Hitler’s Army is a great example of nonfiction, and it contains a wealth of primary source material, including nearly 100 letters, photographs, and drawings that Rauch sent to his family from the trenches. Rauch is a very likeable and unconventional narrator, and he has an important story to tell. Even readers who don’t typically enjoy nonfiction will be drawn in by his story.
1. Read Unlikely Warrior: AJSIHA. As you are reading, do the following:
A. Highlight passages you feel are important, particularly in regards to passages that are are similar or different to what you might assume about Nazi soldiers. Highlight other passages that you find touching or important. Underline any words in the text that need clarification or that you don't know. Feel free to write notes or questions in the book.
B. There are three distinct sections to this book: Part 1 - deals with training and early wartime experience; Part 2 - deals with his experiences as a prisoner of war (POW) in Russia; Part 3 - deals with the end of the war and the long, journey home. After you complete reading each section, write a brief summary and personal response to what is going on in each. Each section should have a minimum of a one-page summary with your responses and thoughts about what you learned. Label each section clearly and type (font 11-12). (3 summary pages total with reflections).
C. Vocabulary: Create a list of at least 30 words that are new to you or need clarification. Write the word, page number where it was found, the sentence you found it in, and the dictionary definition that reflects how the word is used in the novel. This list can be handwritten or typed and should be turned in at the back of your assignment packet.
2. After you read Unlikely Warrior: AJSIHA, write a 5 paragraph essay (minimum) that reflects your ability and best work using the following writing prompt:
Essay Focus: In this biography, what do you think the author's main purpose is for writing this? What did he hope to teach or to show his audience through his experiences? As a writer, how does the author deal with showing different points of view to his audience? In what ways were your preconceived ideas about German soldiers in World War II different than what you expected, and in what ways were your preconceived ideas about these German soldiers correct?
Be sure to include quotes from the book that illustrate your points. Remember, this is a book report so the more you can show that you read the book, the better. Please place carefully typed and proofed essay into composition book when you turn the summary/reflection, vocab words, and essay in.
3. Final Reflection Page: After completing all previous parts of the assignment. Type a one-page response answering the questions: How did this book help you to understand more about World War II and the life of an enemy soldier? How does learning more about "the enemy" contribute to finding a greater way to peace?
4. Be prepared to take a comprehension test on accelerated reader upon your return. Notes taken as you read will be allowed as an aid during the test.
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Summer Assignment for Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
Rich in historical detail and intrigue, Code Name Verity is a vivid reminder of what makes historical fiction so compelling. In exchange for a temporary stay of execution and lesser forms of torture, a young female spy captured in Nazi-occupied France writes a confession of her activities in the Resistance. Her story is that of two women who should never have crossed paths, yet were destined to become the best of friends and embark upon the covert mission that would determine which of them would live or die. Courage born of friendship, fierce hope, and surprising ironies abound in this spell-binding novel.
1. Read Code Name Verity. As you are reading, do the following:
A. Highlight passages you feel are important, particularly in regards to the reliability of the narrator, the theme of friendship, and how the author builds tension, suspense, and keeps the reader "lost" to create the feeling of uncertainty that Queenie is experiencing. Highlight other passages that you find touching or important. Underline any words in the text that need clarification or that you don't know. Feel free to write notes or questions in the book.
B. Vocabulary: Create a list of at least 30 words that are new to you or need clarification. Write the word, page number where it was found, the sentence you found it in, and the dictionary definition that reflects how the word is used in the novel. This list can be handwritten or typed and should be turned in at the back of your assignment packet.
2. After you read Code Name Verity, write a 5 paragraph essay (minimum) that reflects your ability and best work using the following writing prompt:
Essay Focus: Literary Analysis - Examine the literary devices that the author uses to build tension and suspense throughout the book. ( For example, how and why does she keep the reader off balance or "lost" to reflect what the two main characters are living through? How does the use of an unreliable narrator increase the tension? ) Fully examine the use and creation of tension and suspense throughout the novel and the author's purpose for it; then, decide whether the author achieved her purpose.
You must include thoughtful quotes from the book that illustrate your points. Remember, this is a book report so the more you can show that you read the book, the better. Please place carefully typed and proofed essay, research/reflection, and vocabulary list in a folder to turn in. Feel free to include any research proof and former drafts.
3. Final Reflection/Research Page: After completing all previous parts of the assignment. Type a one-page response to the following: Do some additional research regarding the variety of women's roles in the military and as a civilian that supported the war effort. How were women able to break out of the stereotypes that they had to fit? Apply what you learned to the theme of friendship in Code Name Verity. How were Maddie and Queenie a part of that struggle and those opportunities? How were strong friendships made in such hard times? How did your understanding of the role women played in WWII deepen? (Be sure to see Bibliography in the back of the novel for helpful direction).