MHS 9th Grade Summer Reading

The MHS Language Arts Department welcomes you to your freshman year! This summer’s reading requirement is that you choose one of the contemporary novels from the book list below. Along with reading the book, you will also be required to complete an assignment that is explained in this packet. Once we return to school, these books will be central to the lessons for the first 3 to 4 weeks of school and will be used to assess standards during that time period. It is essential that you complete the book you select prior to the start of school. Summer reading is meant to be engaging and keep you actively reading through the summer months. All books have been chosen because of their interest level for students of your age group and were suggested by your peers. We require you to read at least one of the books, but encourage you to read them all. Parents: We want to encourage you to be a part of summer reading – these subjects are relevant to our students and may open great dialogue between you and your child. While all books listed are age appropriate, some may have some mature subject matter, so please look over the book with your student and make sure you are comfortable with the selection.

“The Boy Billionaire: Mark Zuckerberg In His Own Words” Mark Zuckerberg, the youngest Person of the Year named by Time magazine since Charles Lindbergh in 1927, has grown in prominence as rapidly as the company he founded in a Harvard dorm room in 2004. The public's appetite for insight into Facebook and its founder seems nearly insatiable. Curiosity abounds regarding Zuckerberg's personality and management style, since fictional Hollywood portrayals and Wall Street whispers have painted a broad-strokes portrait of the young CEO that is at best only a fraction of

the truth.

Note: This Summer Reading Assignment is not meant for MAPPS students.

“The Body of Christopher Creed” by Carol Plum-Ucci Christopher Creed was a freak, a weirdo-the kind of kid who makes other people feel uncomfortable. But even more disconcerting was his disappearance. Was it murder? Suicide? Abduction? Or did Chris Creed just run away? He’s simply gone without a trace, and nobody in his small hometown of Steepleton knows what to think. The only apparent clue-a cryptic e-mail message written 24 hours before Chris turned up missing-draws 16 year old Torey Adams into the mystery and sets him on a path filled with terror and pain. Soon vicious accusations are flying around Steepleton, pitting friends against one another. And the truth just keeps getting more twisted. Will Torey ever find out what really happened to Chris Creed?(Note: Some mature content is discussed – topic is bullying.)

“Breathing Underwater” by Alex Flinn To his friends, popular and handsome 16 year old Nick Andreas has led a charmed life. But the guys in Nick’s anger management class know differently. So does his ex-girlfriend Caitlin. Now it looks like the only person who doesn’t realize how far from perfect Nick’s life has become is Nick himself. (Note: Some mature content is discussed –topic is domestic violence.)

“Pinned” by Sharon G. Flake Autumn & Adonis have nothing in common and everything in common. Autumn is outgoing and has lots of friends. Adonis is shy and not so eager to connect with people. But even with their differences, the two are each dealing with a handicap. For Autumn, who has a learning disability, reading is a painful struggle that makes it hard to focus in class. But as her school’s most aggressive team wrestler, Autumn can take down any problem. Adonis is confined to a wheelchair. He has no legs. He can’t walk or dance. But he’s a strong reader who loves books. Even so, Adonis has a secret he knows someone like Autumn can heal. In time, Autumn and Adonis are forced to see that our greatest weaknesses can turn into the assets that forever change us and those we love.

Reading Assignment

(1) Each of the novels has different methods of titling chapters. As you read, write the chapter name or title of the chapter in the left hand column.

(2) In the right column, you must summarize the chapter in 2-3 sentences ONLY. This will truly test your ability to summarize and evaluate the information you’ve read. Titles and summaries can be hand written on this form or typed separately, but are due on the first day of school.

Chapter Number and Title 2-3 Sentence Summary

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Chapter Number and Title 2-3 Sentence Summary

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Note: The plagiarizing of material for summer reading is strictly prohibited!