9th Grade History - Summer Reading

The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck

This book will be discussed at the beginning of the school year in History class.  Use active reading skills, then answer questions 1 and 2.  This will be collected on the first day of class. The answers may be in bullet points.

1. Describe the complexities of Chinese society

     - Categorize your descriptions under the following topics:

       1. Moral Codes – what is wrong / right, good / bad              

       2. Social and family rituals                 

       3. Marriage customs              

       4. Food production and preparation              

       5. Leadership roles              

       6. Religious beliefs and practices              

       7. Opportunities for success          

1. Describe 5 cultural differences between traditional Chinese society and your experiences.

         Optional, but recommended:

                  Life and Death in Shanghai by Nien Chen

                  Iron and Silk by Mark Salzman

                  Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

                  Kitchen God’s Wife by Amy Tan

                  Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan

                  Exodus by Leon Uris

                  The Woman Warrior by Maxine Hong Kingston

                  The Celebrated Case of Judge Dee by Robert H. Van Gulik