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Incoming Pre-AP English I (9th Grade) Summer Reading

To prepare students for the rigor of Pre-AP English I, all students enrolled in this course for the 2026–2027 school year are required to complete a summer reading assignment before the first week of school. Pre-AP English I provides an important foundation for future success in Advanced Placement (AP) English courses. This assignment is designed to help students begin the year ready to engage in advanced reading, critical thinking, and analytical writing. 

Summer Reading Assignment

Students will choose one of the following books to read:

  • Farewell to Manzanar by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston
  • All Over but the Shoutin’ by Rick Bragg

Students are encouraged to purchase their own copy so they can annotate while reading. A limited number of copies may be available to borrow from the Lee Freshman High School or Midland Freshman High School front offices. 

Required Assignments, Due Date: Friday, August 21

While reading, students must complete the attached Novel Frame and annotate their book.

  • While completing the Novel Frame, students should:

    • Follow the directions provided for each section of the Novel Frame.
    • Respond thoroughly using complete sentences.
    • Use specific evidence from the text to support their responses.

The Novel Frame will guide students in analyzing the text using Depth and Complexity, a set of thinking tools used in Honors, Pre-AP, and AP courses to promote deeper analysis and critical thinking. These tools encourage students to examine themes, perspectives, patterns, and deeper meanings within a text.

  • Annotations:

    • Students are required to annotate their novel while reading. An Annotation Guide is attached to provide specific directions for how to annotate the text.
    • Students will bring their annotated book to class on the first day of school.

In-Class Writing Assessment, Timed Write Dates: August 24–25

Students will complete a timed writing assessment (40-50  minutes) based on the novel they read. Because the writing requires a strong understanding of the text, students must read the entire book in order to be successful.

The annotations, Novel Frame, and timed write will ALL be graded assignments.