TAS 8th Grade Summer Reading List – 2009/2010

Pick 2 of the following:
The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho
Skellig – David Almond
Life of Pi – Yann Martel
Secret Life of Bees – Sue Monk Kidd
Speak – Laurie Halso Anderson
My Sister’s Keeper – Jodi Picoult
Jurassic Park – Michael Crichton
Keep a book journal. Each time you sit down to read, write the page number where you start and finish. Make notes in your journal as well as highlight words and passages in the book you are reading. Your journal should include a wide variety of responses included but not limited to:
− Quick sketches
− New vocabulary words and their definitions
− Predictions regarding where the story is going
− Observation about characters
− Themes and symbols you notice
− Illustrations of scenes or characters
− Personal connections you make to the story
− Investigations the story inspired (you can print and paste articles on topics you google)
− Questions and thoughts the book inspires
− The sky’s the limit – use your imagination
When you finish the book, do 2 things:
1) Write a one paragraph review.
2) Write three questions that you believe would make good discussion questions.
The point is to work on being an active reader! Bring your books and journal to school on the first day of school.

Have a great summer,

Jennifer