West Florida High School

West Florida Summer Reading

2025-2026

English 4

Of Mice and Men

By John Steinbeck

This novel should be read for the first day of school. Books can be obtained from the library or local bookstores; a PDF link is listed below if you would like to read the novel online.

Plot Synopsis:

“Of Mice and Men, novella by John Steinbeck, published in 1937. The tragic story, given poignancy by its objective narrative, is about the complex bond between two migrant laborers. The book was adapted by Steinbeck into a three-act play (produced 1937). It was adapted for television three times…”

“The plot centers on George Milton and Lennie Small, itinerant ranch hands who dream of one day owning a small farm. George acts as a father figure to the large and mentally challenged Lennie, calming him and helping to rein in his immense physical strength. When Lennie accidentally kills the ranch owner’s flirtatious daughter-in-law, George shoots his friend rather than allowing him to be captured by a vengeful lynch mob.” https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.507266/page/n7/mode/2up

Online Access: https://ia801505.us.archive.org/26/items/in.ernet.dli.2015.507266/2015.507266.Of-Mice.pdf

Contact:  Mr. Whiteside at  ewhiteside@ecsdfl.us

Disclaimer: All summer reading instructional materials were chosen by committee and followed the procedures and guidelines set forth by the Escambia County Public Schools.

AP Literature Summer

Summer Reading

2025-2026

 Pride and Prejudice

 by Jane Austen

This novel should be read for the first day of school. Books can be obtained from the library or local bookstores; a PDF link is below if you prefer to read the novel online.

Plot Synopsis:

“Since its immediate success in 1813, Pride and Prejudice has remained one of the most popular novels in the English language. Jane Austen called this brilliant work "her own darling child" and its vivacious heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, "as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print." The romantic clash between the opinionated Elizabeth and her proud beau, Mr. Darcy, is a splendid performance of civilized sparring. And Jane Austen's radiant wit sparkles as her characters dance a delicate quadrille of flirtation and intrigue, making this book the most superb comedy of manners of Regency England.”

Pride and Prejudice Book Review | Common Sense Media

Online Access: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/1342/old/pandp12p.pdf 

Contact: shurst@ecsdfl.us

Disclaimer: All summer reading instructional materials were chosen by committee and followed the procedures and guidelines set forth by the Escambia County Public Schools.

English Composition I/II

Dual Enrollment

Summer Reading

2025-2026

How to Read Literature Like a Professor: A Lively and Entertaining Guide to Reading Between the Lines

by Thomas C. Foster

 While many books can be enjoyed for their basic stories, there are often deeper literary meanings interwoven in these texts. How to Read Literature Like a Professor helps us to discover those hidden truths by looking at literature with the eyes—and the literary codes—of the ultimate professional reader, the college professor. What does it mean when a literary hero is traveling along a dusty road? When he hands a drink to his companion? When he’s drenched in a sudden rain shower? Ranging from major themes to literary models, narrative devices and form, Thomas C. Foster provides us with a broad overview of literature—a world where a road leads to a quest, a shared meal may signify a communion, and rain, whether cleansing or destructive, is never just a shower-and shows us how to make our reading experience more enriching, satisfying, and fun.

Books may be obtained from the library or local bookstores. A limited number of books may be checked out from the school prior to school’s release at end of May 2025.

Contact: Ms. Stephens at hstephens@ecsdfl.us

Disclaimer: All summer reading instructional materials were chosen by committee and followed the procedures and guidelines set forth by the Escambia County Public Schools.