Statesville High School

Enrichment Reading Requirements

To:   Rising Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior Honors* English Students and Parents

From: SHS English Department

Prerequisites for Honors English:

            1.  Honors English course in the previous grade level (preferred)

            2.  Enrichment reading

The enrichment reading is most important.  By choosing to enroll in Honors English, you have indicated a commitment to complete your enrichment reading by the beginning of school in August. Even though we are on block schedule, do not assume that you may have until second semester to have this completed.   It is recommended that second semester students read over the summer as well.      During the first week of the semester (and perhaps as early as the opening day), you must be prepared to take a test or write an essay on your reading.

We highly recommend that you purchase your own copy of the book.  Copies are readily available at book stores and at used paperback bookstores.  If you have trouble, please see an English teacher before leaving on summer break.  Not being able to secure a copy of the book will NOT be justification for not having completed the assigned reading.  The public library has several copies but, needless to say, will not have enough copies for each of you to check out.  Locate and secure your copy early to ensure that you will have one.

            Freshman Honors (English 10215H):

            To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

            Sophomore Honors (English 10225H):

            The Year of Impossible Goodbyes by Sook Nyul Choi

            Junior Honors (English 10235H):

            The Narrative of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass

            Senior Honors (English 10245H):

            Chapters 1-10 of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

 (Frankenstein is a frame story, constructed much like a bull’s eye.  The outer frame consists of letters written by Robert Walton. The center of the novel contains the stories of Victor Frankenstein and of his creature. For the enrichment reading, students are required only to read Victor Frankenstein’s story as presented in chapters 1-10.  Students will then read and study the entire novel in class.)             

Note:  Reading Cliffs Notes (or other study guides), watching a movie, relying on other students’ work, etc., are inappropriate and unacceptable substitutions for reading the literature. 

*  Jr. and Sr. AP students need to pick up their reading lists from the appropriate AP English teacher.