Summer can be a season full of good times and fun memories, but it is also a time to make sure students do not lose the literacy skills they have gained throughout the year. Studies show that children who read over the summer maintain or gain in proficiency.
The Middle School has summer reading requirements for all students. For 6th – 8th, those requirements include an assigned book which must be read prior to the start of the school year. Additionally, we ask that students read approximately three books of their choice (or more!). Encourage your children to read, but do not force your children to read. We want them to enjoy reading and not feel that it is a chore.
See below for a recommended reading list in case you are looking for additional ideas.
Please bring a copy of your required book to school in September.
Find your class (the one you’ll be entering) and check out your specific listing. When you get back to school in the fall, you will be discussing, working with, and writing about this text. Therefore, it would be a good idea to save your required book until August so that you remember it when school starts in September.
Entering Fifth Grade
Three books of your choice
Entering Sixth Grade
The Bridge to Terabithia, Katherine Paterson (PLUS three books of your choice)
Entering Seventh Grade
The Outsiders, S.E. Hinton (PLUS three books of your choice)
Entering Eighth Grade
The Chosen, Chaim Potok and complete this 8th Grade Summer Homework assignment. (PLUS three books of your choice)
In addition to your specific class book, if you have one, every middle school student should read at least THREE books over the summer. Take a look at the general middle school listings, web links, etc. for some great suggestions.
Go to the library—it’s free! Don’t be shy: ask librarians for advice. The Brooklyn Public Library has some nice lists of books for middle schoolers; check them out.
Be adventurous! Try a category (or genre) of literature that you don’t usually read. Consider reading a biography or other type of nonfiction. Try some science fiction, fantasy, or horror. Get a few books of poetry and read them out loud! Go to your local bookstore and browse. Chat with people and collect recommendations. Talk to your friends and see what they’re reading. Peruse a newspaper. Pick up some magazines. There’s always the back of the cereal box… JUST READ! And don’t forget to have fun.