Summer Reading

Herron Classical Schools’ scholars read engaging, challenging texts corresponding to their 2023-24 grade level, which supports HCS’ mission to prepare students for the rigorous critical thinking consistent with being world-class citizens.

Acquiring Summer Reading Books

Scholars should either purchase a copy of the text or check it out from a local branch of a public library.

In addition, ebook versions of each text are also available from various providers.

Scholars in financial need may pick up a copy of their assigned summer reading text from Student Services at Herron-Riverside High School during the following times during Summer Academy at Herron-Riverside High School: June 13 - June 30 & July 12 - July 28, 8:00am - 2:00pm

Questions or concerns? Email Mr. David Pappas, English Department Chair: dpappas@herronclassical.org

Summer Reading Assignments

Click here to download a PDF of assignment details and instructions

English 9-12 Summer Reading Assignments:

English 9 Courses

English 9 Text: Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, by Edith Hamilton

English 9 Assignment: Read and annotate designated excerpts from Edith Hamilton’s Mythology, and then complete the chart linked here. Excerpts: "The Gods" pages 17-50, Cupid and Psyche, Pyramus and Thisbe, and Orpheus and Eurydice (pages 135-142) and Daedalus, Perseus, and Theseus (193-223).

Download your annotation sheet here.

View full instructions, including tips on annotations here.

10th Grade Courses: English 10 and Pre-AP English 10

English 10

English 10 Text: Fences, by August Wilson

English 10 Assignment: Read and annotate passages that are particularly vivid, meaningful, or align with the central idea of the course (fate vs. free will), additionally, as you annotate and highlight, pay special attention to things like Characterization, Foreshadowing, Symbolism, Imagery, Plot development, and your emotional reaction to passages of the text.

Pre-AP English 10

Pre-AP English 10 Text: Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Pre-AP English 10 Assignment: Read and annotate passages that are particularly vivid, meaningful, or align with the central idea of the course (fate vs. free will), additionally, as you annotate and highlight, pay special attention to things like Characterization, Foreshadowing, Symbolism, Imagery, Plot development, and your emotional reaction to passages of the text.

11th Grade Courses: English 11 and AP Language and Composition

English 11

English 11 Text: The Color of Water, by James McBride

English 11 Assignment: Read and annotate passages that are particularly vivid, meaningful, or align things like Characterization, Foreshadowing, Symbolism, Imagery, Plot development, and your emotional reaction to passages of the text.

AP Language and Composition

AP Language & Composition Text: The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore

AP Language & Composition Assignment: Read and annotate passages from the text that align with the themes of family, friendship, community, and personal choice/responsibility.

12th Grade Courses: English 12 and AP Literature and Composition

English 12

English 12 Text: Just Mercy, by Bryan Stevenson

English 12 Assignment: Read and annotate passages from the text that align with the themes of social justice, vulnerability, and redemption.

AP Literature and Composition

AP Literature & Composition Text: Thomas Foster’s How to Read Literature Like a Professor
In addition to the core text, choose ONE of the following contemporary novels to read and analyze in terms of how they fit the patterns established in Foster’s text:

There There by Tommy Orange
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

(Please be mindful of potentially sensitive topics in the novel you choose to read; Book Trigger Warnings and Trigger Warning Database are helpful resources. The reasoning behind an additional text for Summer Reading is the rigorous nature of the AP Literature exam, as well as the personal and academic benefit to students to be as widely read as possible and have engaged with a wide variety of literary analysis.)

AP Literature and Composition Assignment: Read and annotate passages from your chosen novel that align with the patterns identified in How to Read Literature like a Professor. Additionally, as you annotate and highlight, pay special attention to things like Characterization, Foreshadowing, Symbolism, Imagery, Plot development, and your emotional reaction to passages of the text.

Click here for full reading assignments and tips on annotations