Dear Potential Advanced Placement Student and Parent,
Welcome to the Advanced Placement program. Reading over the summer is an essential component to keep up with the pace and level of challenge expected of you next year. The books listed on the back side were selected as those which will best prepare you for success in both your AP class and the AP tests. Please choose one of the following books from the list on the back to read and write about over the summer. You can expect to turn in your assignment the first day of school.

For the book, complete the following assignment:

Step One: Choose 10-15 significant quotes from the beginning, middle, and end of the novel which contributes to your understanding of the work as a whole.
Step Two: Respond to each quote by focusing on analysis of the elements of literature. Make sure you focus on analysis and not simply plot descriptions.
*Character Description—identify character’s motivation and how the character changes throughout the novel.
*Point of View—describe which point of view is used in the quote and suggest why the author uses that point of view.
*Conflict—describe the main conflict present in this quote. How is the conflict resolved?
*Theme—State the universal lesson about life apparent in this quote
*Stylistic Devices—such as, but not limited to, simile, metaphor, personification, imagery, symbolism, and allusion
Remember to copy the quote correctly and identify the page number as well as the literary element.
Sample Step Two: “It was a close place. I took . . . up [the letter I’d written to Miss Watson], and held it in my hand. I was a-trembling, because I’d got to decide, forever, betwixt two things, and I knowed it. I studied a minute, sort of holding my breath, and then says to myself: “All right then, I’ll go to hell”—and tore it up. It was awful thoughts and awful words, but they was said. And I let them stay said; and never thought no more about reforming.” (18)
Huck's conscience comes to a revelation here as he decides, firmly and finally, to help free Jim from slavery. Although he doesn't consciously think that slavery is wrong, he realizes that his friendship with Jim is more important than any trouble he might get into for freeing a slave, even the ultimate punishment of going to hell. In a way, he is saying, "If freeing Jim is wrong, then I don't want to be right." This is really the turning point of the novel, as Huck comes to grips with the moral dilemma he has been wrestling with throughout the story. I probably would have done the same thing...

Step Three: Select some type of theme or claim that you personally find the most interesting within the text. Write a fully developed analytical essay including a clear thesis, supporting evidence (textual support), and a conclusion to support your choice.

Have a fun summer! Enjoy your books and I look forward to seeing you in the fall.