Summer reading keeps previous reading skills sharp, the brain agile, and the imagination open to new ideas and endless possibilities. Entering Freshmen are required to read two books over the summer. The first book's title is written in bold print. This book must be read by all and will be used for initial thematic writing projects as we open the year in August and September. The second required book must be chosen from the remaining four titles. A Book Review written on the second selection will be due at the end of the second week of school.
Required: Seedfolks, author, Paul Fleischman
Choose one for Book Review:
Under the Sun, author, Arthur Dorros
House on Mango Street, author, Sandra Cisneros
Copper Sun, author, Sharon Draper
Left to Tell, author, Immaculee IIibagize
Review Guidelines
· What is a book review, anyway?
o A book review is a critical evaluation of the text you’ve just read. More than anything, a review makes an argument…it is not merely a summary.
· Consider the following:
o Review the book you’ve read, not the book you wish you had read. If you think the book has its deficiencies, that’s fine – just don’t criticize it for being something the author did not even intend it to be.
o Be precise with your language. The author said what he/she wanted to say and you should do the same. Having control of your vocabulary allows you to control the tone of your review (no reviews saying, “I dislike this book ‘just because.’” That’s a sign of flabby thinking).
o If you’re going to challenge an assumption, approach, or argument made by the author, be firm and assertive, not wishy-washy. A reviewer must have a strong opinion. PICK A SIDE AND DEFEND IT!!
o Having said that, be fair – provide a balanced argument, acknowledging that other opinions may exist. It is your job, however, to make yours the most important. The factual material must be correct. Check all facts pertaining to the writer and the literature.
· The review should be of about a page length, typewritten (1.5 or 2 spaced), with opinions delivered in a clear, concise manner.
· Again, the reviewer should establish a voice, tone, and personal style that make the review interesting.
A WORD TO THE WISE: While it certainly is true that Internet sites such as SparkNotes can easily provide quick summations to popular stories such as these, the astute, moral, Christian –and self-preserving- student will note that such sites, while easily accessed by students, are also easily accessed by staff members, thereby making it a snap to check and see if blocks of text have been lifted from the Internet. A student found to be lifting text is engaged in plagiarism, and will be greeted with a “0” for the assignment and a report made to the Academic Dean. Not the best way to start off an academic year. So, the wise student will in fact read the books in their entirety, and compose their reviews from their own fertile imaginations, with no outside assistance from the Internet.
