This year’s summer reading includes two uplifting selections. Both books are true stories that read as compelling works of fiction. They explore the value of education, the importance of family, the problems of race, and the search for a better life.
In order to have a common experience, the entire school will read both of the following selections:
The Color of Water by James McBride
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer
In the fall, we will continue with the summer reading essay contest, with each student writing an essay to begin the academic year. For your consideration while reading, we have prepared the following questions to help you prepare for your essay.
Essay Preparation Questions: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is a story of perseverance and redemption, familial bonds and friendship, inspiration and superstition. As you read, consider which of these made the greatest impact on the trajectory of William Kamkwamba's life.
The Color of Water is a story of race and religion, familial bonds and friendship, education and economics. As you read, consider which of these made the greatest impact on the trajectory of James McBride's life.
Essay Format: Each student will write an essay on the summer reading selections during the first week of classes. Your English teacher will provide you with further guidelines regarding the use of notes and other materials. The actual essay question will be given to you when you begin the fall term in September.
Essay Contest: From each grade level (9-12), the faculty will select one essay as the winner in its class. The students who write the winning compositions will be awarded a cash prize and letter of commendation during a school-wide event.
In early December, we will welcome James McBride to Mercersburg for the Jacobs Residency and we are optimistic that William Kamkwamba will visit Mercersburg in early 2011. We hope that you will enjoy the summer reading selections. As a school, we value the importance of reading and we hope that you will read widely this summer.
Sincerely,
Julia Maurer
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Matthew Caretti |
Associate Academic Dean
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Writing Center Director
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**The books listed will be readily available at
MBS Direct and at most major bookstore chains.