This one-week intensive course is designed to begin to prepare incoming 9th grade students for the rigors of high school English. We will focus on the fundamental writing and reading skills every high school student should have, including close reading and analysis, MLA formatting, and paragraph structure. Through engaging short readings, guided discussions, and daily writing practice, students will not only work on these critical-thinking skills but also get back in touch with the pleasure of reading and the power of expressing their own ideas.