SUMMER READING 2009

These books are required for all students, and a book report form must be turned in for each book read (notebook paper may be used if you follow the format on the form). Each book report form will count as a quiz grade and is due the first day of English class in September. All of these books are available at local libraries or bookstores, as well as Amazon.com.  Happy reading!!!!

- Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah. 224 pages. The author’s true story about growing up in China under difficult family circumstances as well as during a treacherous time nationally. Read how Adeline Yen Mah overcame the odds in her life and went on to become a medical doctor.

- The Land by Mildred Taylor. 400 pages. Amazon.com Review: The Land is Mildred D. Taylor's wonderful prequel to her Newbery Medal winner, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. In the stories Taylor has to tell, life is not fair, hard work doesn't always pay off, and the good guy doesn't always win. That's because this extraordinary author tells the stories of her African American family in the Deep South during and after the Civil War: a time of ugly, painful racism.... [We will be reading Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry during the school year.]

- Puddinhead Wilson by Mark Twain. About 160 pages. Amazon.com review: At the beginning of Pudd'nhead Wilson, a young slave woman, fearing for her infant's son's life, exchanges her light-skinned child with her master's.  From this rather simple premise, Mark Twain fashioned one of his most entertaining, funny, yet biting novels.... {Read the rest to find out what happens!!}

- Kon Tiki by Thor Heyerdahl. 230 pages. Amazon.com review: Kon-Tiki is the record of an astonishing adventure--a journey of 4,300 nautical miles across the Pacific Ocean by raft. Intrigued by Polynesian folklore, biologist Thor Heyerdahl suspected that the South Sea Islands had been settled by an ancient race from thousands of miles to the east, led by a mythical hero, Kon-Tiki. He decided to prove his theory by duplicating the legendary voyage.

- READ A BIOGRAPHY OF YOUR CHOICE.  PLEASE CHECK WITH ME BEFORE READING.  MUST BE AT LEAST 250 PAGES LONG.  A BIOGRAPHY IS A LIFE STORY.... PLEASE DO NOT ASK ME IF YOU CAN READ SOMETHING ELSE. EMAIL ME AT This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Or call me at home: 978-670-0760 for book approval.  Thank you.

- Kon Tiki by Thor Heyerdahl. 230 pages. Amazon.com review: Kon-Tiki is the record of an astonishing adventure--a journey of 4,300 nautical miles across the Pacific Ocean by raft. Intrigued by Polynesian folklore, biologist Thor Heyerdahl suspected that the South Sea Islands had been settled by an ancient race from thousands of miles to the east, led by a mythical hero, Kon-Tiki. He decided to prove his theory by duplicating the legendary voyage.   *** Yes, this is the same as the 11th grade book.... It is not a misprint.***