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Junior (11th Grade)
All incoming students will choose books from the categories below. If you are going into ACC English, you will read one book from each category (two books total). If you are not going into ACC English, you will choose a book from category 1 and a book from category 3 (2 total). A brief summary and content considerations are listed below for each book.
Category 1 - Classics
- The Jungle by Upton Sinclair
- Summary: This novel follows Jurgis Rudkus, a Lithuanian immigrant, and his family as they navigate the harsh realities of life in Chicago's meatpacking industry in the early 20th century. The story exposes the exploitation of workers and unsanitary conditions in the industry.
- Content Considerations: Depicts graphic scenes of animal slaughter, worker exploitation, and the struggles of immigrant life.
- Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
- Summary: Set on the Yorkshire moors, this tale chronicles the intense and tumultuous relationship between Catherine and Heathcliff, exploring themes of love, revenge, and the supernatural.
- Content Considerations: Includes themes of intense emotional conflict, revenge, and some instances of violence.
- Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
- Summary: The novel tells the story of Okonkwo, a respected leader in the Igbo community, and the impact of British colonialism and Christian missionaries on his traditional African society.
- Content Considerations: Addresses themes of cultural clash, colonialism, and personal tragedy.
Category 2 - Non-Fiction
- The Pact by Sampson Davis, George Jenkins, and Rameck Hunt
- Summary: Three young men from Newark, New Jersey, make a pact to support each other through medical school, overcoming numerous obstacles to achieve their dreams.
- Content Considerations: Discusses challenges such as poverty, crime, and systemic barriers.
- Having Our Say by Sarah and Elizabeth Delaney
- Summary: The Delaney sisters, both over 100 years old, share their experiences growing up as African American women in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, providing insights into a century of American history.
- Content Considerations: Touches on issues of racism, sexism, and historical events.
- Finding Kansas: Living and Decoding Asperger’s Syndrome by Aaron Likens
- Summary: Aaron Likens offers a personal account of living with Asperger's Syndrome, providing insights into the challenges and unique perspectives associated with the condition.
- Content Considerations: Explores themes of mental health, personal growth, and societal understanding.
- Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore
- Summary: The true story of an unlikely friendship between a wealthy art dealer and a homeless man, highlighting themes of redemption, compassion, and the transformative power of relationships.
- Content Considerations: Addresses homelessness, racial tensions, and personal transformation.
Category 3 - Contemporary Fiction
- Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
- Summary: Lina, a Lithuanian teenager, is deported to a Siberian labor camp during Stalin's reign. She uses her art to maintain hope and document her experiences.
- Content Considerations: Depicts harsh conditions, political oppression, and survival.
- A House Without Windows by Nadia Hashimi
- Summary: Zeba is imprisoned for the murder of her husband in Afghanistan. As her case unfolds, the novel explores themes of women's rights and societal norms.
- Content Considerations: Includes discussions of domestic violence, gender inequality, and justice.
- The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
- Summary: Christopher, a teenager with behavioral difficulties, investigates the death of a neighbor's dog, leading to personal discoveries.
- Content Considerations: Explores themes of neurodiversity, family dynamics, and truth.
Junior Summer Reading Activities
Category 1: After reading one book in this category, be prepared to take a 25 question, multiple-choice test on the first day of class. You should read the book, recognize characters, understand the plot, and be able to recall details.
Category 2 (ACC Students Only): Read one of the true stories in this category. As you read, keep a personal journal of your thoughts. You might answer the following questions in your journal:
- What obstacles did this person face? What obstacles do I face?
- What did this person do to overcome the obstacle? What can I do to overcome my obstacles?
- What story do I want to write about myself one day? How can I begin to make that story happen?
You may write as little as 4 notebook pages or as much as 40 notebook pages. Use this book as a springboard to inspire you to dream and achieve your goals. Your English teacher will check for completion of this journal. This can be handwritten or typewritten, but it should be legible.
Category 3: Read one of these novels. As you read, consider the author’s themes and strategies for writing this story. What is unique about this book? Who are its characters? What happens to them? How do they change? Think about this book and prepare to write an essay in class on the first day of school.
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