2010 Summer Reading Program
While the reasons to read a particular book may vary from one reader to another, the benefits of independent leisure reading cannot be overstated. You may read for pleasure, to learn about other people or different ways of life, another era, a different perspective, to inform an opinion, to maintain and develop skills in a foreign language, to enhance your vocabulary, to foster critical thinking skills. By reading actively and thoughtfully, you can participate in the exchange that takes place among readers and writers across the centuries.
Summer vacation provides the time for this endeavor, and we hope you anticipate making reading part of your break from the rigors of the school year. The books required for your summer reading are listed below. Please purchase the books so you can mark them as you read. You can purchase them online at Varsity Books(after June 15). If you purchase your book elsewhere, make sure it is the same edition being sold through Varsity. Note that each department has indicated expectations for how you should approach this assignment and what you will be expected to bring with you in September. To preserve the integrity of the assignment, remember you are responsible for the reading of the books as listed—not someone else’s review, summary, or guide. Let these books be the beginning of what you will read this summer.
Note: If a student is enrolled in an Advanced Placement Course which requires summer reading, the student will receive the reading assignment from the teacher.
Incoming Freshman
Incoming Sophmores
Incoming Juniors
Incoming Seniors
Tips for Reading Comprehension
Recognize the setting and time period of the story, and monitor changes in location(s) and chronology (order of occurrence of events).
Organize a list of characters in the work and categorize them as major or minor characters. Also, create associations for each character to understand his/her connection to other characters, i.e. friend, family member, enemy, co-worker, etc.
Develop questions about the plot, characters, and main ideas of the story in order to predict what might happen next in the work.
Be willing to spend time with more challenging or confusing parts of the text by re-reading and/or note-taking.
Focus on vocabulary development by utilizing contextual hints to understand difficult words in the text and by referring to a dictionary when the contextual hints do not help.
General Guidelines
Students are expected to read all books they are assigned prior to beginning classes in September.
Students are required to meet the guidelines set by each academic department: English, Modern Language, Freshman Human Geography and Social Studies. Click on link to download PDF guidelines. Any written work required by an academic department is outlined in the information below. Students should complete this work prior to beginning classes.
Advanced Placement students may have different reading and assignments given by their instructor. The instructor will make those students aware of their requirements for summer work.
Questions about the program should be directed to:
For incoming freshmen and sophomores . . .
Brother Raymond Hoyt, CFX
Assistant Principal for Academics, Grades 9 & 10
For incoming juniors and seniors . . .
Dr. Keith Crowley
Assistant Principal for Academics, Grades 11 & 12
Brother Raymond and Dr. Crowley can be reached at Xaverian (781)326-6392.