Rising Grade 10

Summer Reading 2025 Interactive Journal

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Interactive Reading Journal

Choose either Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

or Slay by Britney Morris

Read the novel and complete related questions.

Frederick Douglass High School

Summer Reading 2025

Grade 10

This assignment is due to your English teacher on the first day of school SY25-26. Students, make a copy and then be ready to share it with your teacher!

Fahrenheit 451 - Synopsis

In a future society where books are banned and firemen burn them, Guy Montag begins to question his world after meeting a curious young girl. His path leads to rebellion and rediscovery of truth.

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Audiobook

Fahrenheit 451 PDF

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📍 Fahrenheit 451 - Before You Read

1. What do you already know about censorship or book banning?
2. In your life, when have you seen information controlled or questioned?
3. What’s a book, song, or movie that changed how you see the world?

📖 Part 1: The Hearth and the Salamander

1. What draws Montag to Clarisse?
2. What role does fire play in this society?
3. What does fire symbolize for Montag in this section? -
4. What does Clarisse represent in his life?

Activity- Create a playlist of 3 songs that would fit Montag’s emotional journey.

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📖 Part 2: The Sieve and the Sand

1. Why does reading feel chaotic to Montag?
2. What does Faber teach him about courage?

3. Why is reading seen as dangerous?

4. If you could save one book, what would it be and why?

Activity -Draw a visual metaphor for the phrase “the sieve and the sand.”

📖 Part 3: Burning Bright

1. What does Montag lose—and what does he gain?
2. Why is the Phoenix a powerful image?
3. What transformation does Montag go through? What does the Phoenix symbolize?

Activity- Write a short poem from Montag’s perspective at the end of the book.

🎨 Fahrenheit 451 - Creative Choices (Pick One)

Design a secret book cover Montag might save.

OR

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Create a “Freedom Through Knowledge” poster inspired by the novel.

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🧠 Final Reflection

• What character or moment stuck with you most? Why?
• What did this book teach you about power, freedom, or identity?
• If you could share one message from this book with the world, what would it be?
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🎮 Slay - Synopsis

• Kiera Johnson, honors student by day and game developer by night, created SLAY—a game celebrating Black culture. When controversy hits after a tragedy, Kiera must decide what she’s willing to risk to protect her creation.

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Audio Book on Audible

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📍 Slay - Before You Read

• What role do online communities play in your life?
• Have you ever hidden part of your identity? Why?

📖 Slay - Beginning (Ch. 1–8)

1. Why does Kiera keep SLAY a secret?
2. What does the game mean to her and its players?

3. Why does Kiera keep her identity a secret?

4. What does SLAY mean to the Black community in the novel?

Activity- Design a SLAY avatar for yourself and explain your choices.

📖 Slay - Middle (Ch. 9–12)

1. How does Kiera respond to criticism?
2. Who supports and challenges her?

3. Is SLAY inclusive or exclusive? Justify your position.

4. How does Kiera balance power and responsibility?

Activity- Find a real-world parallel to the SLAY debate (e.g., safe spaces, online communities) and explain the parallels.

📖 Slay - End (Ch. 13–End)

1. What does Kiera learn about her own power?
2. What does Kiera realize about her own power?
3. What message does the ending send about safe spaces and identity?

Activity- Write a letter from Kiera to someone afraid to be themselves.

🎨 Slay - Creative Choices

(Pick One)

Design a SLAY duel card inspired by your culture or experience.

OR

Design a cover for a “SLAY” sequel.

OR

Write a slam poem about being seen or unseen.

🧠 Final Reflection

• What character or moment stuck with you most? Why?
• What did this book teach you about power, freedom, or identity?
• If you could share one message from this book with the world, what would it be?