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Summer Reading Requirements
11th-grade College Prep English
2015
11th-grade college prep students have three reading assignments this summer: 1) one
work of speculative fiction chosen from a list, 2) a selection of 10 short Native American
myths, and 3) a work chosen from the One School, Many Books list.
1. Choose one book from this list:
(Each of these books represents a dark vision of the future and will serve to begin a yearlong conversation about the American dream as reflected in American literature and
American lives. We strive to choose books that challenge our students appropriately at
each grade level, but not all book choices are appropriate for all families, and one in
particular (Neuromancer) may be more graphic than some are comfortable with. It is a
book that has intrigued and engaged many young readers (and gave rise the The Matrix
movies), so rather than deprive all of the option, we would like parents to involve
themselves in their students’ choices to be sure they are comfortable with their
selections.)
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I, Robot by Isaac Asimov (NOT anything like the movie)
Neuromancer by William Gibson (very influential, source of the Matrix movies;
some adult content, parents cautioned)
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline (may be a good choice for those who don’t
love science fiction)
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler (features a female protagonist, may also
be a good choice for those who don’t love science fiction)
The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein
The Ship Who Sang by Anne McCaffrey
You will be tested on the book you read on the first full day of class. You may find it
helpful to take margin notes as you read.
Pay attention to the author’s style and purpose, characterization, symbols, themes, setting,
and tone. Think about whether or not these books remind you of other books you have
read and about the ways they remind you of those other works. Think about how the main
character’s conflict or dilemma may be a commentary on a larger issue by the author.
2. Read 10 Native American myths:
Using the on-line resources listed below, find and read 10 different Native American
myths. For each myth, write a short précis (How to Write a Précis) and create an
illustration for each of the 10 myths. These short summaries and illustrations will be due
on the first full day of school.
***This collection of stories from the Southeastern Native American region covers
mythology and folklore from the Creek, Hitchiti, Alabama, Kosati, and Natchez. The
Creek (including the Alabama, Hitichi and Kosati) originally lived in northern
Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. The Natchez resided in Louisiana.
http://www.sacred-texts.com/nam/se/mtsi/
***This is a traditional collection of the retellings of animal myths from Native
American lore across America.
http://americanfolklore.net/folklore/native-american-myths/
***This is a collection of Native American folktales and traditional stories indexed tribe
by tribe. (If you are of Native American descent, it would be interesting to find the
stories of your tribe.)
http://www.native-languages.org/legends.htm
***If you prefer, you may purchase this books and select 10 myths to read: American
Indian Myths and Legends (The Pantheon Fairy Tale and Folklore Library)
by Richard Erdoes (Compiler, Editor), Alfonso Ortiz (Compiler, Editor)
3. One School, Many Books: Finally, students will read one (1) of the books on the list
compiled for faculty and students. Please read carefully the explanation at the top of the
list. You will be asked to choose a book using the online form early in the summer. You
will take part in a discussion group that includes other students, faculty members, and
possibly even a member of Prep’s board of trustees tentatively scheduled for September
1. The list is varied, and we hope that you will find something that appeals to you and
will enjoy discussing the book with other readers.
***It is important that you read the novels thoroughly and independently because much
of the composition during the first term will be based on these works. Obviously, you
will be at a disadvantage if you have not understood or completed the reading. Moreover,
you deprive yourself of the possibility of being surprised an even delighted by a book—
one of life’s great pleasures.
Have a great summer, and enjoy the books!