“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” Sir Richard Steele TCHS Summer Reading Requirements 2017 Dear TCHS parents and students: In order to promote both reading skills and pleasure in reading, the Timothy Christian Schools Summer Reading Program requires each student to read at least two books during the summer. Requirements concerning these books vary from class to class and grade to grade, so read the information below that pertains to the grade and class the student will be entering to learn that level’s requirements. Students must turn in a parental or guardian signature form to receive credit for reading each free choice book. After July 1, study helps and information related to the required books will be posted on the website. We believe that reading is an important life skill that supports the overall mission of Timothy Christian Schools to graduate “academically prepared Christian disciples.” We want our students to read well and to be well-read. The more students read, the better able they will be to choose and enjoy literature throughout their lives. Summer Reading Guidelines 1. English 9 and 9Honors - ALL incoming freshmen and freshmen honors must read two books: The Call of the Wild, by Jack London (ISBN: 9781507814987) and a book of their choice. A description of the book from amazon.com: The Call of the Wild, considered by many London's greatest novel, is a gripping tale of a heroic dog that, thrust into the brutal life of the Alaska Gold Rush, ultimately faces a choice between living in man’s world and returning to nature. Adventure and dog-story enthusiasts as well as students and devotees of American literature will find this classic work a thrilling, memorable reading experience.

The book of choice must be of an appropriate age and reading level for the student; the book should not have been read before. 2. English 10 and 10Honors - ALL incoming sophomores in world literature and honors world literature must read two books: The Hobbit, by J.R.R.Tolkien (ISBN: 978-0547928227, 75th Anniversary Edition) and a book of their choice. A description of the book from amazon.com: Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely traveling any farther than his pantry or cellar. But his contentment is disturbed when Bilbo reluctantly joins a quest to raid the treasure hoard guarded by Smaug, the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon. “A glorious account of a magnificent adventure, filled with suspense and seasoned with a quiet humor that is irresistible . . . All those, young or old, who love a fine adventurous tale, beautifully told, will take The Hobbit to their hearts.” – New York Times Book Review

The book of choice must be of an appropriate age and reading level for the student; the book should not have been read before. 3. English 11 - Incoming juniors/students in English 11 must read two books of their choice: The books of choice must be of an appropriate age and reading level for the student; the books should not have been read before. English 11 Honors - Incoming juniors/students in English 11 honors must read: My Ántonia by Willa Cather (ISBN: 9780395755143) and a book of their choice and a book of their choice. A description of the book from amazon.com: Willa Cather’s heartfelt novel is the unforgettable story of an immigrant woman’s life on the hardscrabble Nebraska plains. Through Jim Burden’s affectionate reminiscence of his childhood friend, the free-spirited Ántonia Shimerda, a larger, uniquely American portrait emerges, both of a community struggling with unforgiving terrain and of a woman who, amid great hardship, stands as a timeless inspiration.

“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” Sir Richard Steele The book of choice must be of an appropriate age and reading level for the student; the book should not have been read before.

4. English 11/12 - Incoming juniors and seniors/students in English 11/12 must two books of their choice: The books of choice must be of an appropriate age and reading level for the student; the books should not have been read before.

5. English 12 - Incoming seniors/students in English 12 must read two books of their choice. The books of choice must be of an appropriate age and reading level for the student; the books should not have been read before.

Students will be assessed on required books during the first week of school. The assessment will comprise 2.5 percent of the student’s 1st semester English grade. The book of choice will comprise another 2.5 percent. We plan to post further details and requirements about summer reading on the TC website in late July. Please check the website for this information. 6. Incoming seniors in AP English Literature: you have received a letter from your AP English teacher outlining your summer reading requirements. (Parents, check your Timothy email.)

Parent/guardian/student signature Forms 1. There are three guidelines for the second book choice. The book must be: 1) parent-approved, 2) grade-level appropriate, and 3) a book that the student has not read before. 2. The evidence of completion for books of choice is the verification form found at the end of this letter. This form is due on the first day of school: Wednesday, August 16.* Students should turn this form in to their English teachers on the first day of school. Verification forms will not be accepted after Friday, August 18st. Credit will not be given for books previously recorded as books of choice, for books from the middle school curriculum, or for books that are obviously too simple for high school readers. 3. Each book of choice will count as 2.5 percent of each student’s first semester English grade. THUS, COUNTING BOTH BOOKS, SUMMER READING COMPRISES 5 PERCENT OF EACH STUDENT’S 1st semester GRADE IN ENGLISH. *

Thank you for your support of our Summer Reading Program. Sincerely, The Timothy Christian High School English Department ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” Sir Richard Steele

TCHS Summer Reading Verification 2017 Fill out the following form for each student’s book or books of choice. (It is NOT necessary to fill this out for the required book.) Dear Students and Parents, Please fill out the following form to indicate the free choice book or books of your choosing, has/have been read over the summer. Please do not fill this form out for a required book. Student name: (print first and last) _________________________________________________________ Student’s year of graduation: (please circle) 2017 (sr)

2018 (jr)

2019 (soph)

2020 (fr)

Title of book read: ________________________________________________________ Author of book read: _______________________________________________________

Title of book read: ________________________________________________________ Author of book read: _______________________________________________________

I certify that I, __________________________________, have read the above book and that it meets (student signature) the summer reading guidelines.

I certify that my son/daughter has read the book listed above as part of Timothy’s summer reading program. __________________________________ (parent signature)

____________________ (date)

Thank you for supporting Timothy’s summer reading program.

Please NOTE: This verification form is due on Wednesday, August 16th. These reading selections are counted as an assignment in English and will be weighted at 5% total of the first semester grade. Turn this in to your English teacher on the first day of class. Forms will not be accepted/credit will not be given for forms turned in after Friday, August 18th.