Keene High School English Department
2011-2012 Summer 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 record student names, questions, and 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 a member for a personal viewpoint; and interpretive, which asks for a member 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 2011 - 2012 are listed on the back of this paper. These titles and their corresponding discussion groups are available to the grades (freshmen, sophomore, junior, and senior) listed below each title.
2011 - 2012 Book Choices and Discussion Dates/Times
Check KHS website for final dates and any updates throughout the summer.
Location: Keene High School Drew Library:
1. Hungry Ocean: A Swordboat Captain’s Journey
by Linda Greenlaw- Date/Time: June 23 1:00 p.m.
(Open to all grades)
2. A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines Date/Time: Aug. 31 10:00 a.m.
(Open to all grades)
3. Everlost by Neal Shusterman Date/Time: Aug. 3, 10:00 a.m.
(Open to freshmen and sophomores ONLY)
4. The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and
Madness at the Fair that Changed America
by Eric Larson Date/Time: July 21, 10:00 a.m.
(Open to juniors and seniors ONLY)
**Visit the school’s website (www.keene.k12.nh.us) for any last-minute changes.
** All discussions will take place at the Keene High School Drew Library
** This handout is available on the school’s website as well as from the main office or the guidance office
