Student smiling while reading a book

Summer Reading: Grades 9-12

Welcome to our Albany High Summer Reading page!

In this space, you will be able to view an book recommendation videos starring our wonderful librarians, and find directions for the writing assignment that is due in September upon return to school. 

Summer reading is here!

Check out the top 10 recommendation videos below from Ms. Abdul and Ms. Majkut! You can also view the welcome letter from Jen Houlihan, Secondary Instructional Supervisor for English Language Arts, Reading, and Library Media.

Our recommendations

Grades 9-11

Journal assignment

Your summer reading journal is a place where you can reflect upon and draw meaning from what you read over the summer. Your summer reading journal will also serve as a place for you to demonstrate your willingness to read and thoughtfulness as a reader. This journal will be the first assignment you submit in the beginning of the school year in September and will be a portion of your first quarter grade. Use the button below to access the journal assigment.

Suggested titles

For ENL students

A modified version of the written assignment for ENL students is also available. ENL students can choose either the modified or the original assignment.  ENL students can also seek additional support by contacting Wan Oliviere at woliviere@albany.k12.ny.us or Jennifer Poli at jpoli@albany.k12.ny.us.

Download the modified ENL assignment

(Classroom code is erk7hyq; students must use their @albany.k12.ny.us credentials to join)

Grade 12

Common app assignment

Choose from the seven prompts in the document below to create two 600-word minimum essays. These will be used in your Senior Symposium classes for the first quarter.

Download prompts and rubric


Article and video response assignment

After reading each article below, you will respond to three questions via the Google Form (also linked below): 

  1. What argument is the author making in this article?
  2. Where in the text is this supported?
  3. What is your position on the topic? Provide reasonable support for your opinion.

You will also be asked to respond to three questions based on the video below:

  1. Who is the Speaker? How does he establish ethos? Who is the audience?
  2. What is the occasion for this speech? How does he utilize logos?
  3. What is the tone developed by the speaker? How does he develop pathos?

(Classroom code is dqo4qkq; students must use their @albany.k12.ny.us credentials to join)

For ENL students

A modified version of the written assignment for ENL students is also available. ENL students can choose either the modified or the original assignment.  ENL students can also seek additional support by contacting Wan Oliviere at woliviere@albany.k12.ny.us or Jennifer Poli at jpoli@albany.k12.ny.us.

Download the modified ENL assignment

(Classroom code is erk7hyq; students must use their @albany.k12.ny.us credentials to join)

AP

E-books and audio books

In addition to the e-book and audio resources below, which may be particularly useful during summer reading, the full Albany High Library online resource catalog is available as well.

Have questions?

If you have any questions about summer reading and the related assignments, please contact any of the individuals below.