Incoming Freshmen Summer Reading Assignment

Select one book from the following options:

  • The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)
  • A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith)
  • The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime (Mark Haddon)
  • When I Was Puerto Rican (Esmeralda Santiago)
Theme: Growing Up

Essential Questions:

  • What does the main character learn about his/her world?
  • What does the main character learn about himself/herself?
  • What significant experiences help shape the main character?
  • Who influences (hurts or helps) the character?

Assignment: Take notes on the aforementioned questions regarding the main character’s journey throughout the novel and be prepared to discuss and write about the idea of growing up with support from the novel.