Summer Reading Assignments2019-2020

SLAM Titans, Below, as you scroll down, you will find the summer reading assignments for each grade level. Read the novel assigned to your INCOMING grade level and complete the assignment along with it. For example, incoming 6th graders read the 6th grade book and so on and so forth. The goal is to enrich your understanding of literature and to enhance your vocabulary, as well as to develop your ability to present and discuss the text or texts you have read. We look forward to meeting you in the Fall! Have a safe and happy summer,

SLAM ELA Department

Grade 6

Text: Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen Assignment: Read ONE of the selected novels for your grade level, analyze, interpret, and prepare a children’s book version or graphic novel that demonstrates your understanding of the text. Create a children’s book or graphic novel based off the major plot events in the novel. This project will be presented during the first two weeks of school. Prepare a children’s book version of the novel assigned following these requirements:

• Present the plot of the novel you read and make it understandable for children. • Ask yourself, “What was the MORAL of the story? What can children learn from this book?

How can I explain it in a way they can understand?” • The book must have an inviting cover. You might choose either a key image or important

element for the cover. The title and the author of the novel must appear on the cover. • The first page must include your name and ID number. • The children’s book must contain 10 or more pages (combination of text and illustrations). • The pages must be professional-looking/creative (consider typing it). • The back cover of the book must contain a short, enticing summary originally created by

YOU. • Check for mistakes. (spelling, grammar, capitalization…etc.) • Remember to ask yourself, “What was the MORAL of the story? What can children learn

from this book? How can I explain it in a way they can understand?”

***FOLLOW THE RUBRIC BELOW & GOOD LUCK!*** 6th Grade Summer Project Grading Rubric

***This Project will be worth 3 grades in your English class *** Component Points Earned Points Possible

COVER includes the following (2 pts. each)

• Name of book • Name of author • Illustration that portrays the main idea

8

FIRST PAGE (Title page) includes (2 pts. each)

• Student’s name • Student id number

2

Book contains 10 or more pages (MUST be a combination of text and illustrations)

10

PLACEMENT/DESIGN (Illustrations should match text)

10

Book is PROFESSIONAL and CREATIVE looking

• Uses appropriate paragraph structure, varied sentences, and effective transitions

• Uses precise, vivid, descriptive words • Demonstrates creativity and originality

10

BACK COVER includes a synopsis (summary) of the book ORIGINALLY written by the student

10

STORY HAS BEEN ADAPTED appropriately for children

• Reflects an understanding of the piece • Demonstrates a clear purpose and focus • Presents ideas and/or narrative events in a clear and logical order • Appropriate for the intended audience

10

OVERALL GRAMMAR & MECHANICS

(Includes spelling, capitalization, punctuation…etc.)

20

Project is NOT a summary of the original story (In other words, it is a creative telling of the original plot which focuses on the MORAL of the story.)

20

TOTAL

7 th Grade

Text: Anything But Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin OR The Call of the Wild by Jack London Assignment: Read ONE of the selected novels for your grade level, analyze, interpret, and prepare a children’s book version or graphic novel that demonstrates your understanding of the text. Create a children’s book or graphic novel based off the major plot events in the novel. This project will be presented during the first two weeks of school. Prepare a children’s book version of the novel assigned following these requirements:

• Present the plot of the novel you read and make it understandable for children. • Ask yourself, “What was the MORAL of the story? What can children learn from this book?

How can I explain it in a way they can understand?” • The book must have an inviting cover. You might choose either a key image or important

element for the cover. The title and the author of the novel must appear on the cover. • The first page must include your name and ID number. • The children’s book must contain 10 or more pages (combination of text and illustrations). • The pages must be professional-looking/creative (consider typing it). • The back cover of the book must contain a short, enticing summary originally created by

YOU. • Check for mistakes. (spelling, grammar, capitalization…etc.) • Remember to ask yourself, “What was the MORAL of the story? What can children learn

from this book? How can I explain it in a way they can understand?”

***FOLLOW THE RUBRIC BELOW & GOOD LUCK!*** 7th Grade Summer Project Grading Rubric

***This Project will be worth 3 grades in your English class *** Component Points Earned Points Possible

COVER includes the following (2 pts. each)

• Name of book • Name of author • Illustration that portrays the main idea

8

FIRST PAGE (Title page) includes (2 pts. each)

• Student’s name • Student id number

2

Book contains 10 or more pages (MUST be a combination of text and illustrations)

10

PLACEMENT/DESIGN (Illustrations should match text)

10

Book is PROFESSIONAL and CREATIVE looking

• Uses appropriate paragraph structure, varied sentences, and effective transitions

• Uses precise, vivid, descriptive words • Demonstrates creativity and originality

10

BACK COVER includes a synopsis (summary) of the book ORIGINALLY written by the student

10

STORY HAS BEEN ADAPTED appropriately for children

• Reflects an understanding of the piece • Demonstrates a clear purpose and focus • Presents ideas and/or narrative events in a clear and logical order • Appropriate for the intended audience

10

OVERALL GRAMMAR & MECHANICS

(Includes spelling, capitalization, punctuation…etc.)

20

Project is NOT a summary of the original story (In other words, it is a creative telling of the original plot which focuses on the MORAL of the story.)

20

TOTAL

8 th Grade Text: Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank OR Heroes, Gods and Monsters of the Greek Myths by Bernard Evslin

Assignment: Read either of the selected novels for your grade level, analyze, interpret, and prepare a children’s book version or graphic novel that demonstrates your understanding of the text. Create a children’s book or graphic novel based off the major plot events in the novel. This project will be presented during the first two weeks of school. Prepare a children’s book version of the novel assigned following these requirements:

• Present the plot of the novel you read and make it understandable for children. • Ask yourself, “What was the MORAL of the story? What can children learn from this book?

How can I explain it in a way they can understand?” • The book must have an inviting cover. You might choose either a key image or important

element for the cover. The title and the author of the novel must appear on the cover. • The first page must include your name and ID number. • The children’s book must contain 10 or more pages (combination of text and illustrations). • The pages must be professional-looking/creative (consider typing it). • The back cover of the book must contain a short, enticing summary originally created by

YOU. • Check for mistakes. (spelling, grammar, capitalization…etc.) • Remember to ask yourself, “What was the MORAL of the story? What can children learn

from this book? How can I explain it in a way they can understand?”

***FOLLOW THE RUBRIC BELOW & GOOD LUCK!*** 8th Grade Summer Project Grading Rubric

***This Project will be worth 3 grades in your English class *** Component Points Earned Points Possible

COVER includes the following (2 pts. each)

• Name of book • Name of author • Illustration that portrays the main idea

8

FIRST PAGE (Title page) includes (2 pts. each)

• Student’s name • Student id number

2

Book contains 10 or more pages (MUST be a combination of text and illustrations)

10

PLACEMENT/DESIGN (Illustrations should match text)

10

Book is PROFESSIONAL and CREATIVE looking

• Uses appropriate paragraph structure, varied sentences, and effective transitions

• Uses precise, vivid, descriptive words • Demonstrates creativity and originality

10

BACK COVER includes a synopsis (summary) of the book ORIGINALLY written by the student

10

STORY HAS BEEN ADAPTED appropriately for children

• Reflects an understanding of the piece • Demonstrates a clear purpose and focus • Presents ideas and/or narrative events in a clear and logical order • Appropriate for the intended audience

10

OVERALL GRAMMAR & MECHANICS

(Includes spelling, capitalization, punctuation…etc.)

20

Project is NOT a summary of the original story (In other words, it is a creative telling of the original plot which focuses on the MORAL of the story.)

20

TOTAL

9 th Grade

9th Grade Summer Reading Project: Children’s Book Text: The Kite Runner by Khlaled Hosseini OR

The Help by Kathryn Stockett OR

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd OR

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Assignment: Read ONE of the selected novels for your grade level, analyze, interpret, and prepare a children’s book version or graphic novel that demonstrates your understanding of the text. Create a children’s book or graphic novel based off the major plot events in the novel. This project will be presented during the first two weeks of school. Prepare a children’s book version of the novel assigned following these requirements:

• Present the plot of the novel you read and make it understandable for children. • Ask yourself, “What was the MORAL of the story? What can children learn from this book?

How can I explain it in a way they can understand?” • The book must have an inviting cover. You might choose either a key image or important

element for the cover. The title and the author of the novel must appear on the cover. • The first page must include your name and ID number. • The children’s book must contain 10 or more pages (combination of text and illustrations). • The pages must be professional-looking/creative (consider typing it). • The back cover of the book must contain a short, enticing summary originally created by

YOU. • Check for mistakes. (spelling, grammar, capitalization…etc.) • Remember to ask yourself, “What was the MORAL of the story? What can children learn

from this book? How can I explain it in a way they can understand?”

***FOLLOW THE RUBRIC BELOW & GOOD LUCK!*** 9th Grade Summer Project Grading Rubric

***This Project will be worth 3 grades in your English class *** Component Points Earned Points Possible

COVER includes the following (2 pts. each)

• Name of book • Name of author • Illustration that portrays the main idea

8

FIRST PAGE (Title page) includes (2 pts. each)

• Student’s name • Student id number

2

Book contains 10 or more pages (MUST be a combination of text and illustrations)

10

PLACEMENT/DESIGN (Illustrations should match text)

10

Book is PROFESSIONAL and CREATIVE looking

• Uses appropriate paragraph structure, varied sentences, and effective transitions

• Uses precise, vivid, descriptive words • Demonstrates creativity and originality

10

BACK COVER includes a synopsis (summary) of the book ORIGINALLY written by the student

10

STORY HAS BEEN ADAPTED appropriately for children

• Reflects an understanding of the piece • Demonstrates a clear purpose and focus • Presents ideas and/or narrative events in a clear and logical order • Appropriate for the intended audience

10

OVERALL GRAMMAR & MECHANICS

(Includes spelling, capitalization, punctuation…etc.)

20

Project is NOT a summary of the original story (In other words, it is a creative telling of the original plot which focuses on the MORAL of the story.)

20

TOTAL

10 th Grade

Text: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury OR Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom OR

In a Time of Butterflies by Julia Alvarez

Assignment: Read ONE of the selected novels for your grade level, analyze, interpret, and prepare a children’s book version or graphic novel that demonstrates your understanding of the text. Create a children’s book or graphic novel based off the major plot events in the novel. This project will be presented during the first two weeks of school. Prepare a children’s book version of the novel assigned following these requirements:

• Present the plot of the novel you read and make it understandable for children. • Ask yourself, “What was the MORAL of the story? What can children learn from this book?

How can I explain it in a way they can understand?” • The book must have an inviting cover. You might choose either a key image or important

element for the cover. The title and the author of the novel must appear on the cover. • The first page must include your name and ID number. • The children’s book must contain 10 or more pages (combination of text and illustrations). • The pages must be professional-looking/creative (consider typing it). • The back cover of the book must contain a short, enticing summary originally created by

YOU. • Check for mistakes. (spelling, grammar, capitalization…etc.) • Remember to ask yourself, “What was the MORAL of the story? What can children learn

from this book? How can I explain it in a way they can understand?”

***FOLLOW THE RUBRIC BELOW & GOOD LUCK!*** 10th Grade Summer Project Grading Rubric

***This Project will be worth 3 grades in your English class *** Component Points Earned Points Possible

COVER includes the following (2 pts. each)

• Name of book • Name of author • Illustration that portrays the main idea

8

FIRST PAGE (Title page) includes (2 pts. each)

• Student’s name • Student id number

2

Book contains 10 or more pages (MUST be a combination of text and illustrations)

10

PLACEMENT/DESIGN (Illustrations should match text)

10

Book is PROFESSIONAL and CREATIVE looking

• Uses appropriate paragraph structure, varied sentences, and effective transitions

• Uses precise, vivid, descriptive words • Demonstrates creativity and originality

10

BACK COVER includes a synopsis (summary) of the book ORIGINALLY written by the student

10

STORY HAS BEEN ADAPTED appropriately for children

• Reflects an understanding of the piece • Demonstrates a clear purpose and focus • Presents ideas and/or narrative events in a clear and logical order • Appropriate for the intended audience

10

OVERALL GRAMMAR & MECHANICS

(Includes spelling, capitalization, punctuation…etc.)

20

Project is NOT a summary of the original story (In other words, it is a creative telling of the original plot which focuses on the MORAL of the story.)

20

TOTAL

11 th Grade Text: Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut OR The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

Assignment: Read ONE of the selected novels for your grade level, analyze, interpret, and prepare a children’s book version or graphic novel that demonstrates your understanding of the text. Create a children’s book or graphic novel based off the major plot events in the novel. This project will be presented during the first two weeks of school. Prepare a children’s book version of the novel assigned following these requirements:

• Present the plot of the novel you read and make it understandable for children. • Ask yourself, “What was the MORAL of the story? What can children learn from this book?

How can I explain it in a way they can understand?” • The book must have an inviting cover. You might choose either a key image or important

element for the cover. The title and the author of the novel must appear on the cover. • The first page must include your name and ID number. • The children’s book must contain 10 or more pages (combination of text and illustrations). • The pages must be professional-looking/creative (consider typing it). • The back cover of the book must contain a short, enticing summary originally created by

YOU. • Check for mistakes. (Spelling, grammar, capitalization…etc.) • Remember to ask yourself, “What was the MORAL of the story? What can children learn

from this book? How can I explain it in a way they can understand?”

***FOLLOW THE RUBRIC BELOW & GOOD LUCK!*** 11th Grade Summer Project Grading Rubric

***This Project will be worth 3 grades in your English class *** Component Points Earned Points Possible

COVER includes the following (2 pts. each)

• Name of book • Name of author • Illustration that portrays the main idea

8

FIRST PAGE (Title page) includes (2 pts. each)

• Student’s name • Student id number

2

Book contains 10 or more pages (MUST be a combination of text and illustrations)

10

PLACEMENT/DESIGN (Illustrations should match text)

10

Book is PROFESSIONAL and CREATIVE looking

• Uses appropriate paragraph structure, varied sentences, and effective transitions

• Uses precise, vivid, descriptive words • Demonstrates creativity and originality

10

BACK COVER includes a synopsis (summary) of the book ORIGINALLY written by the student

10

STORY HAS BEEN ADAPTED appropriately for children

• Reflects an understanding of the piece • Demonstrates a clear purpose and focus • Presents ideas and/or narrative events in a clear and logical order • Appropriate for the intended audience

10

OVERALL GRAMMAR & MECHANICS

(Includes spelling, capitalization, punctuation…etc.)

20

Project is NOT a summary of the original story (In other words, it is a creative telling of the original plot which focuses on the MORAL of the story.)

20

TOTAL

12th Grade Text: 1984 by George Orwell OR

The Awakening of Miss Prim by Natalia Sanmartin Fenollera OR

The Fellowship of the Ring by JRR Tolkien OR

Funny in Farsi by Firoozeh Dumas

Assignment: Read ONE of the selected novels for your grade level, analyze, interpret, and prepare a children’s book version or graphic novel that demonstrates your understanding of the text. Create a children’s book or graphic novel based off the major plot events in the novel. This project will be presented during the first two weeks of school.

Prepare a children’s book version or graphic novel of the book assigned following these requirements:

• Present the plot of the novel you read and make it understandable for children. • Ask yourself, “What was the MORAL of the story? What can children learn from this book?

How can I explain it in a way they can understand?” • The book must have an inviting cover. You might choose either a key image or important

element for the cover. The title and the author of the novel must appear on the cover. • The first page must include your name and ID number. • The children’s book must contain 10 or more pages (combination of text and illustrations). • The pages must be professional-looking/creative (consider typing it). • The back cover of the book must contain a short, enticing summary originally created by

YOU. • Check for mistakes. (Spelling, grammar, capitalization…etc.) • Remember to ask yourself, “What was the MORAL of the story? What can children learn

from this book? How can I explain it in a way they can understand?”

***FOLLOW THE RUBRIC BELOW & GOOD LUCK!*** 12th Grade Summer Project Grading Rubric

***This Project will be worth 3 grades in your English class *** Component Points Earned Points Possible

COVER includes the following (2 pts. each)

• Name of book • Name of author • Illustration that portrays the main idea

8

FIRST PAGE (Title page) includes (2 pts. each)

• Student’s name • Student id number

2

Book contains 10 or more pages (MUST be a combination of text and illustrations)

10

PLACEMENT/DESIGN (Illustrations should match text)

10

Book is PROFESSIONAL and CREATIVE looking

• Uses appropriate paragraph structure, varied sentences, and effective transitions

• Uses precise, vivid, descriptive words • Demonstrates creativity and originality

10

BACK COVER includes a synopsis (summary) of the book ORIGINALLY written by the student

10

STORY HAS BEEN ADAPTED appropriately for children

• Reflects an understanding of the piece • Demonstrates a clear purpose and focus • Presents ideas and/or narrative events in a clear and logical order • Appropriate for the intended audience

10

OVERALL GRAMMAR & MECHANICS

(Includes spelling, capitalization, punctuation…etc.)

20

Project is NOT a summary of the original story (In other words, it is a creative telling of the original plot which focuses on the MORAL of the story.)

20

TOTAL

.