Summer Reading 2020-2021

Summer is the time to go to the beach, have fun with friends, and go on vacations, but while you are having fun in the sun, don’t forget to keep reading! Reading, just like sports, music, art, or other fun hobbies, requires practice to stay on top. Plus, a book has the ability to take you to faraway lands, to meet new people, and travel in time – there’s no limit to the imagination in books. There are tons of places to find new books – book stores, libraries, from a friend…so choose a book, a quiet place to read, and enjoy!

Each grade has specific books to read.  Below are the requirements for each grade.  Instructions for the project due the first day of school follows. 

6th Grade

For our summer reading, we are going to dive into the 2020-2021 California Young Reader Medal nominees. You must read at least two of the nominees – but feel free to read all three if you want! If you read all three books, you will be able to participate in voting for your favorite and help choose the winner out of these three nominees.

For one book, you are to complete a project to showcase the book. Project options and directions are at the bottom of this page. This project is due the first day of school.

The other book will have a writing assignment that we will complete when we return to school. We’ll discuss this assignment the first week we get back.

It is your choice which book is turned into a project and which you will save for your in-class assignment.

And your nominees are…

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karena Yan Glaser

Hope in the Holler by Lisa Lewis Tyre

Refugee by Alan Gratz

Again, you MUST read at least two of these books. It’s up to you to decide which book to base your project on and which to save for your essay. 

7th Grade

For our summer reading, we are going to read three novels. Two of these novels are required, but you have a choice for the third book.

For one book, you are to complete a project to showcase the book. Project options and directions are at the bottom of this page. This project is due the first day of school.

The other books will have a writing assignment that we will complete when we return to school. We’ll discuss this assignment the first week we get back.

Required books are…

Chasing Lincoln’s Killer by James Swanson

Elijah of Buxton by Christoper Paul Curtis

Choice book are…

Fever 1793  by Laurie Halse Anderson

City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

A Strong Right Arm  by Michelle Y. Green

8th Grade

For our summer reading, we are going to read four novels.  Three of these novels are required, but you have a choice for the fourth book.

For one book, you are to complete a project to showcase the book. Project options and directions are at the bottom of this page. This project is due the first day of school.

The other books will have a writing assignment that we will complete when we return to school. We’ll discuss this assignment the first week we get back.

Required books are…

Out of the Dust  by Karen Hesse

Miracle Worker      by William Gibson                           

Yellow Star  by Jennifer Roy                            

Choice books are…

Code Talker  by Joseph Bruchac                                         

The Watson’s Go to Birmingham  by Christopher Paul Curtis   

Project Options all Grades 

For one book, you are to complete a project to showcase the book. Project options and directions are at the bottom of this page. This project is due the first day of school.

PROJECT 1 – Freeze Frame: Construct a 3-dimensional scene of one of the main events of the book (old shoe boxes are great to use to hold your project). Your diorama must include models of people, buildings, plants, and animals important to the scene you have chosen to depict.

Your written portion must include:

  • the setting (where and when the scene takes place)
  • characters present and why they are relevant
  • what is happening in the scene
  • how the scene is important to the book.

OR

PROJECT 2 – Timeline: Make an illustrated timeline showing the important events of the story from the beginning of the book to the end.  Each event on the timeline should have a picture and a 2-3 sentence caption explaining what the event is. Remember, timelines are always in chronological order. (10-20 main events should be described on your timeline)

OR

PROJECT 3 – Extra! Extra!: Create a newspaper for your book. Remember to format your newspaper so that it looks like a newspaper. Newspaper can be formatted by hand or completed on a computer (there are good templates online or use Microsoft Publisher). Your newspaper should feature the following sections/articles:

    • Article one: Summarize the plot
    • Article two: Cover the setting/weather
    • Article three: feature story on or interview with one of the more interesting characters
    • At least two ads related to the story (you can make up products)