English II Pre-AP

Summer Reading Assignment

Note: Books can be found at local bookstores, public libraries, or digitally here.

All novel annotations will be completed using a

specific chapter of
How to Read Literature Like a Professor as a guide.

Option 1-Diary of A Young Girl Options 2-The Invisible Man

By: Anne Frank By: Ralph Ellison

This
novel’s
annotations
will be
guided by
the This novel’s annotations will be guided by the
introduction and Ch. 2 (Acts of Communion) of How introduction and Ch. 12 (Symbolism) of How to Read
to Read Literature like a Professor. Literature like a Professor.

Option Option 4-The Hate You Give

3-The Great
Gatsby

This novel’s
annotations
will be
This novel’s annotations will be guided by the
guided by
introduction and Ch. 13 (Political Angles) in How to
the introduction and Ch. 14 (Archetypes/Christ figure)
Read Literature like a Professor.
in How to Read Literature like a Professor.
As you read your chosen novel (one of the options provided above), you will annotate and keep a
character journal (see back for instructions) that summarizes each chapter from the viewpoint of a
supporting character. You must choose a character other than the main character.
● The summer reading assignment will be paired with How to Read Literature Like a Professor.
Please see the box next to book covers for guidelines on which chapters to read for each particular
book.
● Make sure to write in complete sentences.
● Complete your assignment electronically (Google Docs/Microsoft Word).
● This assignment will be due within the first three weeks of the school year (it will be your first
major grade)
● You will earn 15 extra credit points to the assignment if it is turned in within the first week of
school.
 Annotation and Character Journal Instructions

As part of your summer reading assignment, you will annotate your text as you read and complete a
character journal. Below are definitions and examples of annotations and character journals.
Annotations

Annotating keeps the reader engaged with the text. While you are reading, use one or more of these
strategies to mark the book and include your thoughts and questions.

1. Write comments in the margin, especially to ask questions, relate to characters, make connections
with your own life, etc.
2. Star any passages that are very important: events, decisions, or cause-and-effect relationships.
3. Underline any sentences that made you think or appealed to you.
4. Circle/highlight words that are unfamiliar as well as figurative language such as similes,
metaphors, hyperboles, etc.
5. Bracket [ ] areas that you were confused about or did not fully understand.

Character Journal
A character journal shows your thought process and connection with the text. For each chapter/journal
entry, you will write your own journal entry from the viewpoint of a supporting character. Write the
entries through the viewpoint (feelings, reactions, and thoughts) of a character who is NOT the
protagonist. Each entry should be a minimum of (8) eight sentences in length.
● Write substantial journal entries for each chapter/journal entry from the perspective of a
supporting character in your book.
● At the beginning of each entry, state the name of the featured character and the chapter after
which the entry would be written.
● Put yourself in the character’s shoes, and consider the following questions to get you going.
Consider the following:
○ What are you (the character) most afraid of or worried about? What is making you
anxious? What event or person bothers you? Who has impressed, annoyed, or pleased
you most so far? What other character has had the strongest effect on you? Describe the
interaction you've had, and why you feel the way that you do. What do you want to
accomplish in your life? What big goals have you set for yourself, and why? What
obstacles stand in your way? If you could relive a moment, what moment would you like
to relive, and why? What event do you think about? Why is it such a strong memory for
you? Do you have any regrets about this moment? What lesson(s) have you learned?
What have the events that you've been through taught you? How have you changed?
● Choose a value or ideal that is important to you--honesty, courage, faithfulness, and so forth.
Define your value, and explore how it relates to your life (the story’s plot and character
background). Why is this ideal important to you?
● Make sure each entry follows the plot of the story and reflects the theme!
Sample Character Journal
Example from The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Entry #1: Prim, Chapter 3

My head is spinning. The unthinkable has happened. My stomach keeps clenching and unclenching like an angry fist. When
I heard my name over the speaker, I felt a paralyzing numbness. My name, one slip of paper among hundreds, got picked? I
heard a few gasps around me. People were stunned that a twelve year old had been chosen. A child forced to fight to the
death for the cameras. Those cowards in the Capitol will do anything to keep their control over us. Within seconds of the
announcement, I heard my sister’s voice. Katniss was pushing her way through the throng, volunteering her life to save
mine. She didn’t even hesitate. It was not her job to save me. It’s strange that she was willing to sacrifice herself for me,
yet I’m angry with her. I cannot bear to watch my sister die, but then neither could she. I know she’d do anything to
protect me. I’m hoping that will get her through the Games because I still need her here in District 12. I keep hoping I’ll
wake up from this nightmare, but she’s really gone.
They took her away so quickly. She’s on her way to the Capitol now, and within days, she’ll be in the arena fighting for her
life. Katniss must win. Deep down, I feel that she really will. I don’t know anybody as strong and brave as my sister. I
don’t care if the District 1 & 2 Tributes have been training their whole lives for this. Katniss will beat them. She has to. I
don’t know what I would do without her.

Rubric

100-90: Annotations are detailed, meaningful, thoughtful, and avoid clichés. Summaries cover
text thoroughly and are neat and organized. Main character can not be chosen and must be a
viewpoint of a supporting character.

89 -70: Annotations are less detailed and there is no explanation of how it contributes to the
novel. Summaries cover important parts thoroughly; are neat and readable. Main character can
not be chosen and must be a viewpoint of a supporting character.

69-26: Annotations are poor and have no detail. Summaries are vaguely explained; are neat but
hard to read and understand. Main character can not be chosen and must be a viewpoint of a
supporting character.

25-0: Annotations are incomplete or incorrect. Summaries are difficult to understand. It is

evident the student did not read the novel. Main character can not be chosen and must be a
viewpoint of a supporting character.

Campus Contacts for questions

To connect with an English teacher, see examples, and ask questions email:
Ms. Valle - [email protected]
Mr. Buchanek - [email protected]
Mrs. Douglas - [email protected]