Glen Ridge High School

200 Ridgewood Avenue

Glen Ridge, NJ 07028

June 2009

Dear Tenth Grade English Student,

The English Department at Glen Ridge High School believes that summer reading is the best way for a student to continue the learning process, make transitions to new classes and improve standardized test scores. Therefore, we are requiring that you read The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson. The story deals with the idea of American identity. While you are reading, take note of the author’s perceptions of the American Experience and what it means to be American. You will be tested on the book when you return in September.

Additionally, we encourage you to complete as much outside reading as possible, not only during the summer, but also throughout the school year. We are attaching a list of recommended reading, and we would like you to read and be responsible for at least one book from this list.

Enjoy your summer!

Very Truly yours,

The English Department

Glen Ridge High School

Encl.

English 10 – Recommended Summer Reading List

Franny and Zooey J.D. Salinger

Annie John Jamaica Kincaid

Slaughterhouse Five Kurt Vonnegut

Yellow Raft in Blue Water Michael Dorris

Catch 22 Joseph Heller

The Color Purple Alice Walker

The Bean Trees Barbara Kingsolver

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close Jonathan Safran Foer

When I Was Puerto Rican Esmerelda Santiago