Please read these guidelines for summer reading.

The English Department prefers that students purchase new copies of all paperback books, both those used for summer reading and those used in the syllabus. A book that has been heavily marked up by a sibling or another student creates a disadvantage for a student; if “the answer” is written in the margins, it may prevent the student from learning the material on his or her own. Also, it is important for students to use the edition specified by teachers. A student with a different edition (and thus, different page numbers) will have a difficult time following what the teacher and other students are discussing. All books on the summer list have an ISBN number that identifies the correct edition. Books may be purchased at area bookstores or ordered online. Students waiting to hear about AP placement will be notified by mid-June; they should wait until then before purchasing summer reading.

In addition to completing summer reading assignments, all students in all grades should continue to read for pleasure throughout the summer. By the time a student is a junior or senior, time spent reading proves to be far more valuable than time spent frantically cramming SAT vocabulary lists. This reading does not have to be “great” literature; mysteries or bestsellers are fine. The NYA web site also has some excellent book lists, as well as links to others. Reluctant readers might also try getting into the habit of regularly reading a daily newspaper or a magazine like Time, Newsweek, or Sports Illustrated.

Here are the 2010 English summer reading assignments listed beneath the grade a student will be entering in September 2010. Students should complete these books in the weeks BEFORE classes begin, as they form the basis of discussion and writing assignments in the first few weeks of class.

Have a great summer!

The NYA English Department