Keene High School English Department

Summer 2012 Reading

Optional Book Discussions for Extra Credit 

The Keene High School English Department is committed to encouraging students to make reading an integral part of their lifestyle.  It is our hope that students will not only enjoy reading but will also begin to discuss their reading with others. In order to support that goal, the optional summer reading program is one that promotes reading through extra credit.  At all grades and at all levels, students have the opportunity to focus on one to three books during the summer for extra credit. This includes reading the book(s) and participating in a book discussion group for each. The Keene High School Drew Library will be open for our book discussions. Students at all levels (AP, Honors, Comprehensive, Foundations, and Basics) are invited to participate in the book discussion groups at the Keene High School Drew Library and will receive the following extra credit for reading the book and meeting the criteria below.  

Please Note: one title is available ONLY for freshmen and sophomore students, and one title is available ONLY for junior and senior students.  The other two titles are open to ALL students. 

Grading:

1 Book Discussion - 1 point added to overall 1st quarter/3rd quarter English grade

2 Book Discussions - 1 point added to overall 2nd/ 4th quarter English grade*

3 Book Discussions -1 point added to final exam English grade*

            *In addition to previous point(s) accrued                   

Note:  Extra credit points may not be used to determine the pass/fail status of a student nor to determine summer school eligibility.

Each book talk will

• Be facilitated by an English Department member or other Keene High School staff member who will collect student names and questions, and record participation, for extra credit

• Include students of all levels for the incoming grades listed for each title

• Take place at the Keene High School Drew Library

• Last approximately 60-90 minutes 

For each one point awarded for extra credit students must

• Choose a book (make sure you are available for the date of the book discussion)

• Read the book

• Bring one question or point to discuss with the group. Be prepared to lead a five minute discussion on your question. There are three types of questions: factual, which asks for information and has a specific answer found in the book; personal, which asks for group members for a personal viewpoint; and interpretive, which asks for group members to delve into the book for a deeper understanding. Avoid strictly factual questions because they tend to limit discussion. Your question should be either personal or interpretive.

• Attend the full book discussion - sign in and write out question

• Participate in group discussion

The titles for summer and school year 2012-13 are listed on the back of this paper.  These titles and their corresponding discussion groups are available to the classes (freshmen, sophomore, junior, and senior) listed next to each title.

2012 - 2013 Book Choices and Discussion Dates

Location: Keene High School Drew Library 

The Book Thief     by Markus Zusak                                       Date: June 28,  1:00 pm  
                                          (Open to freshmen and sophomores ONLY) 

            It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .

                Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.

                This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul. 

The River King     by Alice Hoffman                                                  Date: July 17, 10:00 am

                        (Open to all students)

            People tend to stay in their place in the town of Haddan. The students at the prestigious prep school don't mix with locals; even within the school, hierarchy rules, as freshman and faculty members find out where they fit in and what is expected of them. But when a body is found in the river behind the school, a local policeman will walk into this enclosed world and upset it entirely. A story of surface appearances and the truths submerged below, The River King confirms Alice Hoffman as "one of our quirkiest and most interesting novelists" (Jane Smiley, USA Today).                 

A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America                                    Date: Aug. 21, 1:00 pm

 on the Appalachian Trail         by Bill Bryson

              (Open to all students) 

The Appalachian Trail stretches from Georgia to Maine and covers some of the most breathtaking terrain in America–majestic mountains, silent forests, sparking lakes. If you’re going to take a hike, it’s probably the place to go. And Bill Bryson is surely the most entertaining guide you’ll find. He introduces us to the history and ecology of the trail and to some of the other hardy (or just foolhardy) folks he meets along the way–and a couple of bears. Already a classic, A Walk in the Woods will make you long for the great outdoors (or at least a comfortable chair to sit and read in). 

Outliers: The Story of Success         by Malcolm Gladwell                 Date: Aug. 22, 1:00 pm

            (Open to juniors and seniors ONLY)

"In this provocative and inspiring book, Malcolm Gladwell examines everyone from business giants to scientific geniuses, sports stars to musicians, and reveals what they have in common. He looks behind the spectacular results, the myths and the legends to show what really explains exceptionally successful people." Gladwell argues that, when we try to understand success, we normally start with the wrong question. We ask 'what is this person like?' when we should really be asking 'where are they from?' The real secret of success turns out to be surprisingly simple, and it hinges on a few crucial twists in people's life stories - on the culture they grow up in and the way they spend their time.         

**Visit the school’s website (www.keene.k12.nh.us) after May 1 for dates and any changes.

** This handout is available on the school’s website as well as from the main office or the guidance office.

***Due to the discussion format and optional nature of the program, alternative methods of earning extra credit in place of these discussion groups are not available.

Book Commentary from Goodreads.com