St. Martin’s Episcopal School 2017-2018 MS Summer Reading
The goal of summer reading for all students is maintain some of the skills that have been taught in the past years and to allow students and teachers to begin the next school year with a common book to discuss.
All middle school grades will be assigned one common book per grade level to read, which will be discussed when school resumes, and one optional book, on which students will create thoughtful and creative project that will be presented when the school year resumes.
All students are expected to read the required books. In the fall, students will be held accountable for reading both books through writing, projects, discussions, and activities. Please bring both books with you on the first day of school.
Grade Level Required Books:
Rising 6th Grade: Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
Rising 7th Grade: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Rising 8th Grade: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Required book assignment:
As you read, we would like for you to take notes in the book.
1) Circle any new characters.
2) Mark important moments in the story. Try to avoid marking up too much.
3) Write brief comments that describe important conflicts, make comments, and ask questions.
4) At the end of a chapter, write 2-3 bullet points of important plot points that occurred in that chapter.
Second book:
Students should find a fiction or nonfiction book that they have an interest in reading. This book may be a book in a series that the student is currently reading, a book that they may have heard of before, or something completely new. If you are looking for an idea, we suggest checking out any of the books that have been awarded the Black Eyed Susan Award. Below, is the link to this list. Students may also try going to the library and asking the librarian. The librarian will most likely have several suggestions that can match the student’s interests.
http://maslmd.org/about-bes/winners/past-winners/
Second book assignment:
Make a creative representation of what you feel is an important part of the story. This could be related to the setting, characters, plot, conflict, theme, or mood of the book.
Do not write a report. We will be completing writing assignments in the first week of school. Create something! Here are some ideas: (no posters or dioramas please) board game, movie, painting, mural, artifact, diary/journal – 5 entries minimum, map, timeline, comic strip – 10 cells minimum, flip book, travel brochure – or you can make something up yourself!
We know that reading may not be everyone’s favorite activity for the summer, but try to pick something that you are interested in. Have fun and set yourself up for the school year to come.
Have a great summer!