SUMMER READING LIST 2008
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INSTRUCTIONS | MIDDLE SCHOOL | UPPER SCHOOL

The Stony Brook School is a community of men and women committed to daily stimulation of the mind through the reading of outstanding literature. Well-written books enable the escape from our own narrowly-bounded lives in order to share in the experiences of other peoples, cultures, and times. Some books have the power to raise us to heights of ecstasy, others to uncover deeper sorrows than we ever knew existed, and the best ones leave us as changed people.

Requirements
All students must read the required course books and one choice book in order to complete the summer reading assignment.

General Instructions
It is important to follow these general instructions in order to avoid some common mistakes. First, do not select a choice book that you have read before. Second, do not watch the movie until after you have read the book. Third, avoid using study aids such as Cliff's Notes, since they are pale shadows that cannot replicate the real thing. Lastly, read for your own enjoyment, looking forward to the discussion with your peers and faculty.

Middle School :: Grades 7- 8

Every Middle School student must read the appropriate required books before the school year begins: two mandatory books and one choice book. The two mandatory books are integrated into the English curriculum. The choice book provides an opportunity for students to read about a subject of interest not covered in the regular curriculum.

Required Books:

Seventh Grade: English

• Be prepared for a test on both required books the first day of school.
  The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemmingway AND The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

Eighth Grade: Regular English

• Be prepared for a test on both required books the first day of school.
  The Pearl by John Steinbeck AND Lost Horizon by James Hilton

Eighth Grade: Honors English

• Be prepared for a test on both required books the first day of school.
• The Pearl by John Steinbeck AND Lost Horizon by James Hilton
• For the book The Pearl, a required paper is due on the first day of school. Write a two-page paper that explains how your favorite quote from the book relates to the main theme.

Choice Books
You must choose one book from the appropriate list below and be prepared to write an in-class essay during the first week of school.

Seventh Grade

• The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis
• Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham
• In My Father's House by Ann Rinaldi
• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
• Rifles for Waitie by Harold Keith

Eighth Grade

• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
• A Separate Peace by John Knowles
• Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
• Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
• Holes by Louis Sachar

Upper School :: Grades 9 - 12

Every Upper School student is required to read the appropriate mandatory course books and one faculty choice book. The mandatory books are integrated into the curricula of the various classes. To compile the choice book list, faculty members selected books they have enjoyed and want to share with you.

Required Books
Be prepared to discuss and be tested on the books during the first week of school.

Faculty Choice Books
Select a book from the following page and write a two-page paper that explains how your favorite quote from the book relates to the main theme. Be prepared to participate in a small group discussion and to take a brief quiz during the first week of school.