Regular & Honors English
Summer 2022
Grades 9-12
One School, One Theme
Beginning in summer 2020, Southern Guilford High School English Department has expanded summer reading to include all students in a "One School, One Theme" project. Students in all grade levels will select reading materials from the same list organized around a common theme. A new theme will be selected each year.
During the summer, read your book. As you read, jot down some notes about the book's main ideas, plot, and characters. This is helpful if you don't have English until the spring semester. If you own the book, you can highlight and mark pages in it too.
During the first weeks of school, class activities will incorporate the materials from the summer reading list. Students will be asked to represent how their reading contributes to their understanding of the chosen theme and collaborate with classmates to synthesize multiple sources.
Note: Students taking AP English courses have a different assignment. Please see the 11th Grade AP or 12th Grade AP pages for the AP requirements.
2022: Past, Present, and Future
This year's summer reading selections focus on the concept of the past, present, future, and how they are connected. Students will be able to choose one of two pathways: Coming to Terms with the Past--an exploration of history and how it has affected our lives today--or Envisioning the Future--discussions and imaginings of what might be someday. Through these selections, we hope for students to understand the importance of history, the cause-and-effect relationships that rule our lives, and the need to build a foundation for a better future today.
Book Lists
Select one or more of the following books to read.
Students must choose a book they have not read before. Books may be borrowed from a public library or purchased.
Audiobook versions are acceptable; in fact, we encourage students who struggle with reading independently to use audiobooks paired with the print copy to maintain focus.
Some books on the list may contain strong language or content that may not be suitable for very young or sensitive readers. However, each book on this list has been included because we believe that it has educational value and can help students connect with our theme through a variety of perspectives. Students and parents with concerns about content are encouraged to preview the books using websites like Common Sense Media or Storygraph to choose a book that is suitable for them, and students may switch books at any time. Students and parents may request inclusion of a book not already on this list by contacting Ms. Barnes (barnesa3@gcsnc.com) for approval.
