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Summer Reading

Upper School

Upper School Summer Reading List 2026

Summer reading provides students with an opportunity to maintain educational momentum while exploring topics of interest.
It is important to read outside of the classroom. Over the summer, each student should read multiple books, articles, essays,
comics, poems, and song lyrics for pleasure. Reading widely and broadly offers an improved perspective and increases
our ability to empathize with others.
All summer reading work will be offered as extra credit with the exception of AP students.
The reading for AP courses is mandatory, but AP courses are elective. If you need clarification on what English you are enrolled in, please contact Amy Stabile in the Upper School office at astabile@farragut.org

Grade 8 - Language Arts III

Stargirl - Jerry Spinelli
Write a handwritten reading journal by summarizing every 5 to 6 chapters in your own words. In your summary, discuss the plot, setting, character development, and any themes you notice.
You may also include connections to your own experiences or other texts, as well as predictions about what might happen next in the story. Each journal entry should be at least 5-7 complete
sentences.

Grade 9 - English 1 (Extra Credit)

The Hunger Games- Suzanne Collins
Write a handwritten reading journal by summarizing every 5 to 6 chapters read in your own words. In your summary, discuss the plot, setting, character development, and any themes you notice. You may also include connections to your own experiences or other texts, as well as predictions about what might happen next in the story. Each journal entry should be at least 8-10 complete sentences.

Grade 9 - English 1 Honors (Extra Credit)

The Old Man and The Sea: Hemingway, Ernest
To Kill a Mockingbird: Lee, Harper
Students may pick one book and complete a literary analysis poster. On the poster, provide a critique of the author's choices (structure, characterization, word choice, etc.), identify the theme of text, and examples of connotative and figurative language that led to your understanding of the theme of the text. Add illustrations of scenes from the novel.

Grade 10 - English 2 (Extra Credit)

Night by Elie Weisel
Create a poster on posterboard (not a trifold) about the book that covers the following topics: themes, setting, characters and their traits, plot line, and symbols. Provide a summary (3-5 sentences) of the story at the top of the poster and a short bio about Elie Weisel (2-3 sentences). Also include a section about what you would have done if you were in the author’s shoes (5-7 sentences). You may print photos from websites (cite those websites on the back of your poster). You may not use AI for this project. This is due the first Friday of the semester.

Grade 10 - English 2 Honors (Extra Credit)

Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Rewrite a chapter from the tiger’s perspective. Make sure you describe the tiger and Pi’s relationship and what the tiger thinks of Pi. Make sure you think about an animal’s perspective – they use sensory details to interpret events. Your rewrite must be handwritten. It does not have to be the same length as the chapter you’re basing your work on, but make sure you cover all the important points and events in the chapter. Do not use AI for this assignment. This is due the first Friday of the semester.

Grade 11 - English 3 (Optional Extra Credit)

Their Eyes Were Watching God- Zora Neale Hurston
Click for Full Assignment

Grade 11 - English 3 Honors (Optional Extra Credit)

Beloved- Toni Morrison
Click for Full Assignment

Grade 12 - English 4

The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
Create a visually engaging poster that explores the major themes, characters, and life lessons from the novel. Your poster should demonstrate understanding of Eddie’s journey and how each person he meets in heaven helps reveal the meaning and impact of his life. Include: Important characters and their significance, major themes or lessons from the novel, key quotes with analysis, symbols or imagery connected to the story, creative visuals and organized design. Your poster should combine thoughtful analysis with creativity and clear presentation.

Grade 12 - English 4 Honors

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Literary Analysis Project-Read Remarkably Bright Creatures carefully and annotate important quotes, themes, symbols, character development, and significant moments throughout the novel. After reading, handwrite a 2 page literary analysis explaining how Shelby Van Pelt uses relationships, perspective, and characterization to explore themes such as grief, loneliness, healing, and human connection. Support your ideas with specific textual evidence and thoughtful analysis. In addition, complete one creative component: either a symbolism collage with explanation, three character journal entries, or a short thematic presentation connecting the novel’s ideas to modern society or human relationships. Be prepared to discuss the novel during the first week of class.

AP English Language - (All assignments required)

Google Classroom Code: ywpingoo
Click for Full Assignment

AP English Literature - (Two books total required)

Google Classroom Code: qmf7kdzk
●How to Read Literature Like a Professor (3rd Edition) - Foster (required)
ISBN-13: 978-0062301673 *Please take thorough notes. There will be a large project on this book and it informs the entire course.

One drama required:
●The Piano Lesson - August Wilson
●The Glass Menagerie - Tennessee Williams

*Please annotate the play of your choice with thorough notes on characters, figurative language, setting, diction, tone, and any relevant historical and author notes. The annotations will be graded, so they must be thoroughly done (see notes on proper annotations). There will also be a test on the play you choose in the first week of school.

ESOL

For ESL Students Entering ESOL in 2025-26

📚 Your Mission: Read ONE book from the list below and complete a handwritten reading

journal. Be creative—make it fun, personal, and full of your thoughts!

🔥 Books to Choose From:

1. Esperanza Rising – Pam Muñoz Ryan (A story of hope, struggle, and starting over—perfect if you love inspiring journeys!)

2. Number the Stars – Lois Lowry (Bravery, friendship, and history—great if you like suspense and heroism!)

3. Tuesdays with Morrie – Mitch Albom (Life lessons from a wise teacher—ideal if you enjoy deep conversations!)

✏ Reading Journal Instructions:

For each chapter, write:

✅ A Summary (in your own words!) – What happened? Who did what?

✅ Your Thoughts & Reactions – Did you love it? Hate it? Did it surprise you? Why?


Each response should be at least 1 detailed paragraph (5-7 sentences).

💡 Pro Tip: Add drawings, sticky notes, or quotes you liked! The more effort, the better your extra credit!

🌟 Make It Fun! Ideas to Spice Up Your Journal:

●Doodle key scenes (stick figures welcome!)

●Write a letter to a character—what would you ask them?

●Predict what happens next—were you right?

●Compared to your life, have you felt like the characters?

🚫 No boring summaries! Your teacher wants to hear YOUR voice.

📅 Due Date: First week of school!

Effort = Extra Credit! Minimal work = minimal points. Impress us!

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