Summer Reading Assignment

SUMMER READING ASSIGNMENT

The summer reading assignment will get our feet wet with the blog. You will have to read two mandatory texts.

·         A Walk across the Sun by Corban Addison

·         Caleb's Crossing Geraldine Brooks

We will start with Addison’s haunting mystery adventure novel published this year. In an effort to understand how incredibly interconnected we are as citizens of the word in a global economy, Addison follows human trafficking through various countries from the U.S. to India, France, Russia, etc. In a heartfelt yet intriguing tale of a middle aged lawyer’s attempt to become conscientious , he explores themes of voyeurism, justice, innocence, family, selfishness, and, greed.  The book is broken into four parts. After completing each section, two, three, and four, you will be responsible for two blog posts (6 total). I encourage readers to pay close attention to the titles and quotes that accompany each chapter. Try to explain how they add to the story, either theme, organization, or development. One post will be an original reader’s response, and the second will be a reply to a classmate’s post. I will explain these below.

The second work by Brooks is a different kind of story where the writer draws on family stories and experiences to piece together a history. Consider how various parts of the story affect the reader and the actual telling of the tale. Complete SIX blogs, 3 original, 3 responses, as you read the work. They should be spread out to show progression of your reading from early on to the end of the text and between. In the discussion of both novels, be careful to not become repetitive of existing statements and conversations. The discussions on the blog should be discussions. For each extension or new contribution, you must consider what your peers have previously mentioned and either offer something new in relation to existing discussions or begin a new one.

The Blog: www.MrsFSeniorHonors.blogspot.com

Pay attention to forum titles so you post in the appropriate place and do not spoil the endings for others.
So I know who you are, sign each post with your first initial and then the first three letters of your last name. Eg. John Smith = JSmi

EACH POST SHOULD BE A MINIMUM OF 15O WORDS TO A MAX OF 250 WORDS.
ALL BLOGS MUST BE COMPLETED BY the start date of school.

I am available via email during the summer: afotinatos@msgrfarrellhs.org

Please feel free to email questions or concerns.

What is a reader response?

A reader response is an expression of the reader’s thoughts in relation to a piece of writing. It should not make an effort to simply identify and analyze literary elements or retell the plot. Instead, the reader must present a coherent reaction, explain it, and defend it. These are complex evaluations of a text and supersede the superficial high school reaction of I liked or did not like this book.

Here are some suggestions of how to start one:

(Fill in character’s name) appears to be much more complex than he/she seems. . . .

When reading (fill in specific textual detail), I was reminded of .  . . (a historical event, current event, literary figure, etc.)

I could not believe that  . . .

I was amazed by . . . .

I was appalled that . . .

I never would have thought that . . .

(Fill in specific detail from the text) made me really think about . . . .

Might the author be warning his/her reader to . . .

I wonder why the author chose to  . . .

Considering (author’s name)’s treatment of (theme) I am rethinking my (position on an issue, thoughts in regard to a topic or everyday task. . .)

This is just a short list. The idea is to allow yourself to experience the text and write about it in a mature, insightful way.

Similarly, in responding to classmates’ posts, you may not simply agree or disagree with people. You may challenge a point of view based on your own contrasting evidence or simply ask questions for further clarification. You may suggest a different way of seeing something or may agree with a statement and continue the discussion by offering new supporting evidence. These are again to be conversations about a text, a concept, or a thoughtful evaluation of a point of view. Remember to be professional and respectful in your discourse.  Offering suggestions is excellent, but be weary of your tone and do not attack or appear condescending to one another. Respond as peers having an intelligent conversation where at times though you disagree, perhaps even adamantly, you can still express yourself in a composed manner.

If you find any kind of media that supports your perspective, feel free to post links with explanations of its relevance.