English II Gifted
Summer Reading Assignment
Mrs. Vasquez
Your books:
1. The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver
2. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Your assignment:
1) Choose either Lennie, George, or Taylor Greer. Write a journal from this
character’s perspective detailing at least 5 specific events that occur in the
novel. How would this character view the event in question? You should have a
minimum of 5 entries that are each at least one paragraph long.
2) Write a 2 page essay on the following topic: Compare and contrast how the
themes of friendship and care for others are addressed in both novels. In
each novel, what does it mean to be a true friend and/or to truly care for
someone?
Both assignments need to be typed in 12 font and double-spaced.
Both assignments are due on the first day of school!
Keep the books on hand because you will need them to complete an assignment in
the first few weeks of school. Happy reading! :)