Rising 9th Grade Required Summer Reading

James F. Byrnes Freshman Academy require summer reading for all honors English classes. English 1 Honors students are expected to read one book over the summer. English 2 Honors students are expected to read both titles listed below. 

Rising English 1 Honors Students

All English 1 Honors students must read the book of his/her choice by the first day of school and take a written test during the first week of the course, which could be either August for first semester English students, or January for second semester English students. In addition to a written test, students must also be prepared for  in-depth group discussion and analysis that leads to a culminating performance task.

• The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd 
• I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb
• Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

Rising Honors English 2 Students

All English 2 Honors students must read both books by the first day of school and take a written test at the end of the first week of the course, which could be either August for first semester English students, or January for second semester English students.  In addition to a written test, students must also be prepared for in-depth group discussion and analysis that leads to a culminating performance task.

• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
• Animal Farm by George Orwell

Rising English 2 Students 

Everyone is encouraged to read 2 of these engaging titles  by the first day of school and come and have a conversation with Mrs. Vaughn, the media specialist, during the first week of school.  This will be an informal conversation to determine if the book was read and get feedback from the student. Any student who reads and completes the two book chats, will be treated to an ice cream sundae party during school.

• The Hate You Give  by  Angie Thomas
• Long Way Down  by Jason Reynolds
• Things I Should Have Known  by Claire LaZebnik
• Warcross  by Marie Lu

Rising English 1 Students

English 1 CP students are encouraged, but not required to read one book of his/her choice by the first day of school. English 1 CP Students who read one book and complete one of the projects below will participate in an ice cream party.

Write a journal as though you are one of the main characters in the book.  The journal should have five entries in chronological order and reflect the feelings and thoughts of that character at five different points in time (2-3 pages).

Create a collage with at least 20 graphics (pictures, photographs, ClipArt, etc.) that apply literally or figuratively to the story.  The collage can be done either by hand or on the computer.  You must include a list of the 20 items with explanations about why you selected those graphics. 

Create a movie-pitch for the book. Choose at least six real-life actors for the main/supporting characters in the novel, and be sure to explain why those actors would be perfect for the roles. You must also include a soundtrack with at least ten songs for ten different points in the story.

Choice of Books:

Ghost                                                                     Reynolds

Everything all at Once                                           Leno

Scythe                                                                   Shusterman

Salt to the Sea                                                       Sepetys

Crossing Ebenezer Creek                                       Bolden

Stick                                                                       Harmon

Three Dark Crowns                                                Blake

Taking Flight                                                          Deprince

Rising 8th Grade Summer Reading

D.R. Hill students who will be taking English 1 Honors next year as 8th graders are expected to read one book over the summer.

Rising Honors English 1 Students

All English 1 Honors students must read the book of his/her choice by the first day of school and take a written test during the first week of class.  In addition to a written test, students must also be prepared for in-depth group discussion and analysis that leads to a culminating performance task.

• The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
• I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb
• Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys