Summer Reading 2009
This project applies to all Middle School, incoming 6th graders, 7th graders, and 8th graders.
Students should select two books from the following list which they have not read. Before reading the book, please read the directions for the writing assignments so that you can complete the assignments as you read. Many of the writing assignments should not be completed after the book has already been read. Parents, please discuss the selections with your student to ensure that their interests and age are taken into consideration.
Titles from Which to Choose:
If the first book of a series is listed, then any book from that series may be read.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Twilight
Inkheart
Eragon
The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod: Eighth Grade Bites
A Wrinkle in Time
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Chicks With Sticks
The Host
Hatchet
Dive: The Discovery
The Tale of Desperaux
Book of a Thousand Days
The Book of Lost Things
Skeleton Creek
Wait Til Helen Comes
Elephant Run
The Boy Who Dared
Band of Brothers
Multiple Blessings
The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Hurt Go Happy
Speak
Cut
A student may also choose a biography or autobiography of a famous person of their choice. The person may have died already or may still be alive. The same writing assignments apply whether you choose to read fiction or non-fiction.
The following books are classics which mean that many people all over the world have really enjoyed them and they have been enjoyed for many years. Any of these may also be chosen.
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
Laura Ingalls Wilder Books
Little Women
Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Frankenstein
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
Writing Assignments: Complete these assignments for each book that you read on loose leaf notebook paper if hand-written or typed in black/blue ink. If typed, it should be double-spaced. If hand-written, students should skip lines (write on every other line). For each book record the following facts at the beginning of your reading log:
1. Student’s First and Last Name
2. Book Title
3. Author
4. Number of Pages
5. Date began/Date finished
6. Parent’s Signature
7. Student’s Signature
As you read:
1. Reading Log: You will keep a reading log as you read each book. The reading log must be written as you read, it should not be written after you have finished reading the book. In the reading log, you should include the following items:
- Current date of each entry.
- As you meet each character, you should record their name and a brief description of them.
- Make 3-4 predictions as you read. About ¼ of the way through the story stop and write a paragraph describing what you think will happen next. What will the main character do? What would you do? Half way through the novel, stop and predict again. Do this 3-4 times until you reach the end.
Half-way Through the Reading:
2. Advice Letter. Stop reading half-way through your book and compose a letter to one of the characters in the story. You can address your letter to the main character or to a minor character. Tell the character what you think the character should do. Include details from the story so far and reasons why the character should follow your advice. Finally, tell the character what you think will happen if the character acts on your advice. This letter should be five paragraphs.
After Reading:
3. Include a paragraph for each prediction that you made comparing/contrasting your prediction with what actually happened. Were you right? Were you surprised?
4. Write a paragraph persuading a friend to read this book. How would you convince them to read this story? What was great about it? You should include your friend’s name and write as if you are writing to this friend.