Covington High School
Honors English II Summer Reading Requirement
Class of 2029
Introduction
This summer, you will read Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. Through personal narratives, legal cases, and reflections on the American justice system, Stevenson challenges readers to examine issues of justice, mercy, race, poverty, and human dignity.
As you read, consider how individual stories can reveal larger truths about society. Pay close attention to Stevenson's arguments, his use of evidence and storytelling, and the ethical questions raised throughout the text.
Reading Expectations
Students are expected to:
Read the entire book independently.
Annotate thoughtfully throughout the text.
Complete the annotation requirements listed below.
Bring the annotated text to class on the first day.
Annotation Requirements
Your annotations should demonstrate active engagement with the text.
Complete a minimum of 50 substantive annotations distributed throughout the book.
Required Annotation Categories
You must include at least:
- Key Quotations
Identify passages that reveal important themes, ideas, or arguments.
For each quotation:
Highlight the passage.
Explain its significance.
Connect it to a larger idea in the text.
- Questions and Reactions
Record genuine questions or reactions as you read.
Examples:
What does Stevenson want readers to understand here?
Why might this case have been handled differently?
How does this challenge my assumptions?
- Themes and Patterns
Track recurring themes such as:
Justice
Mercy
Prejudice
Human dignity
Poverty
Power
Redemption
Hope
Explain how each passage develops a theme.
- Rhetorical Strategies
Identify examples of:
Anecdotes
Appeals to emotion (pathos)
Appeals to credibility (ethos)
Appeals to logic (logos)
Repetition
Contrast
Imagery
Explain how the strategy strengthens Stevenson's message.
- Personal Connections and Modern Relevance
Connect the text to:
Current events
Historical events
Other literature
Personal experiences
Social issues
Explain the significance of the connection.
Annotation Sample
Quotation:
"We are all more than the worst thing we've ever done."
Annotation Example:
This statement captures one of the central themes of the book: human dignity and redemption. Stevenson argues that people should not be permanently defined by a single mistake. This idea challenges punitive approaches to justice and supports his broader argument for mercy.
Summer Reading Guidelines
- Read and annotate Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. This does mean that you need to purchase your own copy of the book, and this will be graded the first week of school.
- Summer work is not optional. It is recommended that you start early and finish before the school year begins. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
- You will also have additional assignments in the classroom when school begins.