In eighth grade you are expected to read a minimum of six books over the summer.

Everyone is expected to read:

The Diary of Anne Frank, Ann Frank

All Quiet on the Western Front, Erich Maria Remarque

Out of the Dust, Karen Hesse

and also one of the following:

Beloved, Toni Morrison

Black Boy, Richard Wright

We Have Always Lived in the Castle, Shirley Jackson

Robinson Crusoe, Daniel Defoe

Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury

Ironman, Chris Crutcher

Slaughterhouse 5, Kurt Vonnegut

Nine Stories, J.D. Salinger

Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson

The Watcher, James Howe

Be prepared to comment on these books in a class discussion when you return to school in the fall.

You will need to have a copy of all required books to use in class.

Select the two remaining books from the reading list below.

2. Write a well developed essay of at least five paragraphs (two pages minimum, douible spaced in

12 point font) that addresses the following:

Some have described both The Diary of Anne Frank and All Quiet on the Western Front as "anti-war" books. In a

well constructed expository essay, discuss whether you believe this to be true or not. Your essay should present evidence from the texts to support your general points--use quotations and specific details.

3. Keep a record of your summer reading on the attached Summer Reading Log.

4. Bring your essay and your Summer Reading Log to your first English class in the fall.

Enjoy your summer reading!

List in PDF format:

8th Grade Reading List