Ascension School

Dear Parents/Guardians,

In order to prepare your child for the new school year, he/she will be required to read the following two(2) books during the summer:

6^th going into 7^th

1. The Cay by Theodore Taylor

2. The Summer of the Swans by Betsy Byars

7^th going into 8^th

1. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupery

2. Savvy by Ingrid Law

In order to simplify your lives and to ensure that your child receives the needed books, I ordered them for each grade and all you have to do is send in the payment. Not only will you save time, you will also save money because I can order them at a discount price. Each set of books cost $10. This presents you with a small savings over the prices you would have paid in any bookstore. The due date for the $10 is Friday, June 18^th. Please send in the money on or before this date.

The following assignments are due the first day of school.

Part I

For each novel read, you will write a book review. Be sure to include the following information:

I Title:

II Author:

III Main Character(s): give a brief description of each character.

IV Setting: the time and place of the story

V Theme: describe the main idea or lesson of the story

VI Point of View: explain the point of view in which the story was written(who told the story)

VII Plot: Pick only the most important events. Here are some hints on how to do that. First, explain the situation of the main character as the story opens. Next, identify the basic plot element of the story--is the main character trying to achieve something or overcome a particular problem? Thirdly, describe a few of the more important things that happen to the main character as he/she works toward that goal or solution. Finally, you might hint at the story's conclusion without completely giving away the ending. (Do not retell the complete story)

VIII Conclusion: Give your overall opinion of the book and the most important thing you want other people to know about it.

* Did you like the story? Why or why not?

* What was the best part of the book? Why?

* How did the story make you feel? Did you feel different things at different points in the

story?

* Would you recommend it to friends?

******** The book review must be typed using a font no larger than 14. Include a cover page stating the title, author, your name and grade.

Part 2

Write a comparison between both novels. (to be typed)

6^th to 7^th grades:

The main characters in both novels are faced with difficult situations that they must overcome. Describe these difficult problems and how each character dealt with it. Compare the growth of each character as they face their responsibilities. Which character can you relate best with?

7^th to 8^th grades:

The main characters in both novels learn to interact with others and mature as their relationship develops. Compare the growth of each main character as they interact with another. How has their views changed? How have they become more aware of themselves?

Which character can you relate best with?