Mrs. Alway 2007 – 2008

A.P. U.S. History Summer

Reading Assignment

Purpose

The purpose of this reading list and assignment is to help you prepare for the rigors and

challenges of A.P. U.S. History. Successful completion of this assignment will better

prepare you for the upcoming school year.

“The rain falls on all the fields,

But crops grow in those

That have been tilled and sown.”

- Chinese Proverb

Summer Reading List

Choose a book from the list below and read the selection.

The American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson

By Joseph J. Ellis

· Paperback: 464 pages

· Publisher: Vintage; Reprint edition (April 7, 1998)

Alexander Hamilton

By Ron Chernow

· Paperback: 832 pages

· Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics); Reprint edition (March 29, 2005)

His Excellency: George Washington

By Joseph Ellis

· Hardcover: 352 pages

· Publisher: Knopf; Rough-cut edition (October 26, 2004)

John Adams

By David McCullough

· Paperback: 752 pages

· Publisher: Simon & Schuster; 1st Touchstone Ed edition (Sept. 3, 2002)

Ben Franklin: An American Life

By Walter Isaacson

· Paperback: 608 pages

· Publisher: Simon & Schuster; Reprint edition (May 4, 2004)

1776

By David McCullough

· Paperback: 400 pages

· Publisher: Simon & Schuster; Reprint edition (June 27, 2006)

Patriots

By A.J. Langguth

· Paperback: 640 pages

· Publisher: Simon & Schuster; Reprint edition (March 15, 1989)

Assignment:

Write a 4 page (minimum) critical review of your chosen selection.

The critical review must include:

1. An outline of your paper. (Not counted as part of your 4 page minimum.)

2. An introductory paragraph introducing the book and its author.

3. Supporting paragraphs explaining the main characters, time period and what the book was about. (1-2 pages).

4. A review of the book including what you thought of the story/information. Was the book informative? Did it give you new insights into topics? Whether or not you agree with the opinions expressed in the book. Be sure to support your opinions with evidence from the reading. (2-4 pages).

5. A concluding paragraph.

6. You must also include a bibliography if you used any sources other than the selection. (Not counted as part of your 4 page minimum.)

Pages must have 1 inch margins, double spaced and be typed. You must type your paper using 12 pt. in New Times Roman font. All sources must be cited according to the guidelines of MLA formatting. (You will want to purchase an MLA book.)

Due:

This assignment is due the first day of school/class. If you are unable to attend class the first day you will need to email me your paper before class begins on the first day to the email address listed in my contact information below.

This will be your first grade of the marking period. You must complete this assignment by the first day of class or it will not be accepted.

Contact Information:

If you have any questions please email me, Mrs. Alway, at alway.patty@bgsd.k12.wa.us

Have a great summer and I will see you in September.