8^th Grade Core

Required Summer Reading

Please Contact either Mrs. Chris Farrell, cfarrell@jbha.org, 610-922-2352, or

Mrs. Cindy Miller, cmiller@jbha.org, 610-922-2434 wtih any questions.

In order to prepare for class discussions, please carefully read the novels listed below. It is important to have your own copy to highlight any relevant passages in these books, particularly those that you think relate to the questions. This required reading will help to introduce you to the major themes that your Core class will be addressing in the coming school year. This required reading also helps both students and teachers to get the new school year’s Core adventure started right away!

 Snow in August by Pete Hamill (a novel)

1. What do you think is the major theme or main point in this story.  Be sure to explain your answer and offer at least three specific examples from the novel to support your opinion.

2. What is the setting of the book?

3. Identify the protagonist and explain your choice.

4. Identify the antagonist and explain your choice.

5. Choose one of the following characters from the novel – Michael Devlin, Rabbi Hirsch, Frankie McCarthy, Kate Devlin.

Write a paragraph on each of the following:

1. Examine how the character changes over the course of the story.

2. Choose two turning points in this character’s development.

3. Reflect on how these turning points made a difference in the life of the character.

The Color of Water by James McBride (a memoir)

1. What was James McBride’s purpose in writing this book? Why do you think his mother decided to participate? Were their goals in telling their stories the same or different? Explain your answer using at least three specific examples from the memoir to support your response.

2. If you could talk to James McBride or his mother, write a paragraph about the advice you would offer and list at least five questions you would like James and his mother to answer if you had the chance to ask.  

3. Choose one of the relationships listed below.

                                    James and his mother

                                    Ruth and her father

                                    Ruth and Francine

                                    James and one of his siblings (your choice)

Write a paragraph for each of the following:

1. Examine how this relationship grows and develops over the course of the memoir.

2. What changes came about that influenced the relationship?  How did this relationship change the two people involved?

4. What did each person learn from the relationship?

Your responses must be word processed and written in complete sentences. Please be sure to carefully proofread and edit  your final effort. James Mc Bride once said “Writing is all about rewriting.” Be prepared to hand in your responses on the first day of class.

Happy reading!

Enjoy your summer!