Eighth Grade
Mrs. Barbara Shetty
8th Grade Summer Reading List
Please select TWO of the following books. For each book you select you must answer one of the questions in at least 5 full paragraphs. Your answers must be strongly supported with details from the novel.
Hiroshima by John Hersey
1. John Hersey admits to having felt both "despair and relief" when he heard that the bomb had dropped on Hiroshima, but we do not know how he felt after he researched and wrote the book. Based on information in Hiroshima, make a case for Hersey's either being for or against the decision to drop the bomb.
2. In addition to his own narration, Hersey occasionally reprints letters, essays, or memos written by or about the main characters in Hiroshima. In what ways do these writings contribute to our understanding of the story and our understanding of history?
3. Discuss the role of family in Hiroshima. What role do family and community ties play in the aftermath of the bomb?
Kira Kira by Cynthia Kadohata
1. The word "kira-kira" means, "glittering in Japanese. What kind of things did Lynn and Katie describe as being "kira-kira"? What do you think Lynn and Katie meant when they used this word? Can you think of anything you would describe as "kira-kira"?
2. In what ways did Katie have mixed feelings towards Lynn when Lynn was ill? Has there ever been a time in your own life when you've had mixed feelings about someone or about a situation? Explain.
3. What do you believe to be the most valuable message found in this novel? Write an alternate ending that emphasizes this value.
Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech
1. The title of the book comes from one of the mysterious messages Phoebe finds: "Never judge a man until you've walked two moons in his moccasins." In your own words, what does that message mean? Who in the book learns this lesson and how?
2. In chapter 41, Sal remembers the time her dog Moody Blue had puppies. How does she compare Moody Blue's behavior to her own mother's? What do we learn about Sal's mother from this comparison?
3. Sal claims her story is hidden behind Phoebe's. What do you think she means by this? How does Sal's story emerge through the book?
My Dear Young Friends: Pope John Paul II Speaks to Teens on Life, Love, Courage by Pope John Paul II
1. Reflect on at least five of the "Think About That" passages and write a full paragraph response for each one.
2. Write a letter to a friend explaining how this book can be applied to everyday life.
Warriors Don't Cry: Searing Memoir of Battle to Integrate Little Rock by Melba Pattillo Beals
1. Melba's father argues that sacrificing Melba's life and the safety of those around her have nothing to do with freedom. Then he tells Melba, "You're too young to be in this kind of mess." Do you agree or disagree with Melba's father? Explain your answers!
2. Melba was shocked when she read past diary entries and saw how much she had changed. Explain her growth throughout the novel. What people and events shaped these changes?
3. At the end of the novel, Melba reflects that "we are not separate. The effort to separate whether by race, creed, color, religion, or status is as costly to the separator as to those who would be separated." Reflect on this statement; do you agree? How is it "costly to the separator"?
War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells
1. Criticize or defend H.G. Wells' conclusion to the Martians' invasion. Was the Martians' defeat appropriate or should the novel have ended differently? What does the ending say about the control humans have over life?2. In Well's novel, after the Martians have died, the protagonist reflects upon how similar the Martian's attack was to the destruction that people have wrought upon one another. Discuss some examples from history in which one group of people has attempted to destroy another group of people. What, if anything, could be done to try to prevent such acts from happening in the future?
3. Wells attended the Normal School of Science where he became a biologist. His prime passions, however, remained reading and writing. What effect did this combination of interests have on H.G. Wells' style as a writer?
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
1. In literature Romanticism refers to writing in which form is less important than content, that emphasizes imagination, emotion, and introspection. It often celebrates nature, the average person and freedom of spirit. Tell why Treasure Island is considered a Romantic novel.
2. Select any scene in the novel that represents a moment of high tension and excitement. Write about this event from the point of view of three different characters. Try to capture the personality of the narrator as you write.
3. In this novel, characters are either good or bad, no one has both characteristics, and no one truly changes during the course of the novel. Explain who was good and who was bad. Why might the author have choosen to create such characters?
Supply List 2010-2011
Supplies needed for the first day of class:
Zippered pouch for holding pens and pencils
#2 pencils (required for math class)
Blue or black pens
Red pens for corrections
Colored pencils and markers to keep in locker
Sturdy tote-bag or reusable grocery shopping bag for carrying books from room to room.
Scissors
12" ruler (customary and metric markings)
Glue stick(s)
Highlighter(s)
Math notebook* (at least 70-100 pages - replace when full)
Science notebook* (70-100 pages adequate)
Social Studies notebook* (at least 200 pages)
Religion notebook* (at least 200 pages)
4 marble composition notebooks* (labeled "Spelling," "Language Arts," "Vocabulary," and "Reading")
Spanish notebook* (70 pages adequate)
An accordion-pleated poly folder (labeled "Language Arts," "Reading," "Social Studies," "Religion," "Spanish," and "Science," and "Home") OR 7 separate folders with labels. (first option seems to work best)
Loose leaf paper (for Mrs. Basler's class)
Binder 3-hole punch (portable punch that fits in 3-ring binder)
Optional, white-out tape (no liquid allowed)
5 twin-pocket portfolios with fasteners (for Mrs. Basler's class)
1 pack of index cards in zip-lock bag or index card holder
Sticky notes
"Book Socks" or brown-bag covering for textbooks (all hard-cover textbooks must be covered)
3 boxes of facial tissue (brought to homeroom first day)
2 boxes or refill packages of wet wipes (brought to homeroom first day)
Combination lock for locker.(no keys) Please memorize combination prior to the first day of school.
*Please make certain student's name is in all textbooks, workbooks, notebooks, and personal items.