By Courtney Zapp | Staff writer
Last summer, many books were to be read and discussed in several English classes. The school’s English teachers met and decided on the books for many different reasons. For the freshmen, they chose the classic tale, Of Mice and Men. In American Literature, they were assigned to read The Fault in Our Stars, while in World Literature they were to read the non-fictional book A Long Way Gone.
When asked about why the summer reading was assigned in the first place, AP Language and Literature teacher Julia Abt explained that it is regular to have summer reading for AP classes, but a decision was made to extend this program to other English classes.
“We did it so that we could have something to discuss,” said Abt. ”And the students could keep their minds on reading.”
Well, this sudden implementation of reading over the summer does seem to have had a positive effect on the students, who have given plenty of feedback on the subject.
“It’s gotten me more interested in reading,” said Alexander Carcamo, a KMA sophomore. “I never really read before this [year], but now I do.”
Although there are many students who benefit from the summer reading, there are still some who did not bother to read it at all. Teachers noticed this almost immediately and feel concerned for the students’ ability to interact with the rest of the class.
Julie Kerkman, both freshman and honors English teacher, noted this divide between students.
“The students who did the summer reading feel more comfortable with the whole beginning of the year experience,” said Kerkman, expressing her concern for her own and other students.
All the books were intended to portray a message, which the students would discuss in class, and some students took these messages to heart.
Kala Kleid, a senior in the comprehensive side, had only positive things to say about the book she was assigned to read in her Honors English class, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time.
“It gave me insight into the mind of someone with autism,” she explained.
With the hustle and bustle of homework and friends, it seems that a good read is an effective way to introduce students to the new school year and spread a positive message.
“These books have something in common,” said Abt. “All of these books are meant to promote empathy.”