12th Grade Summer Reading
12th Grade Summer Reading
12th Grade Summer Reading Assignment
Welcome to 12th Grade English! Welcome to 12th Grade English!
This summer, you're invited to read one novel from the list below and come prepared to discuss and analyze your reading during the first weeks of school. These texts have been selected to challenge your thinking, expand your worldview, and prepare you for the types of literature and discussion you'll encounter in senior English and beyond.
Reading over the summer helps maintain and build your reading stamina, promotes critical thinking, and ensures you're ready to start the year strong!
Your Task:
1. Choose one novel from the list below to read over the summer.
2. Complete the Reading Reflection assignment (instructions below).
3. Be prepared for an in-class essay and discussion during the first week of school.
Novel Choices (Choose One) Modern Classics & Literary Fiction
- The Road by Cormac McCarthy - Beloved by Toni Morrison
- The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien
- Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
- The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
12th Grade Summer Reading Assignment
Social Justice & Identity
- Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
- The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
- Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
- There There by Tommy Orange
- American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
Dystopian & Speculative Fiction
- Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
- Kindred by Octavia Butler
- The Power by Naomi Alderman
- The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
- Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler
Contemporary Voices
- Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
- Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
- Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner (memoir)
- The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
- On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
Reading Reflection Assignment
Write a 1-2 page typed response that includes the following:
12th Grade Summer Reading Assignment
1. Brief Summary (1 paragraph): Summarize the plot and major themes of the novel without giving away the entire ending.
2. Personal Response:
- What did you enjoy or dislike about the book?
- What challenged or surprised you?
- Did the book connect to any personal experiences or current issues?
3. Literary Analysis (Choose one):
- Theme: What central message or insight does the author convey?
- Character Development: How does a character change or reveal something meaningful?
- Symbolism: Identify and explain a symbol and its significance in the story.
- Author's Purpose/Style: What techniques does the author use to make an impact?
Be sure to support your analysis with specific examples or quotes from the novel.
Reminder
You'll be using this novel as a springboard for early writing assignments and discussions. Choose a book that genuinely interests you, and take notes as you read. Avoid online summaries-your ideas matter most!
If you have questions or want help choosing a book, feel free to email your teacher over the summer.
Happy Reading!