INCOMING 7TH GRADE SUMMER READING ASSIGNMENT

Students should select one novel from the list below to read over the summer and answer the worksheet questions based on the novel. The below books are classic pieces of literature that are timeless and teach valuable life lessons! When students return from summer, they should bring a copy of the book they read over the summer. Students should be able to discuss the novel’s plot, setting, characterization, and theme. We will be discussing, writing, and completing activities based on the novel they read.

1.The Call of the Wild by Jack London

This classic wilderness adventure explores the thin line that separates tame from wild — within animals and humans alike. Buck is an unusual dog, part St. Bernard, and part Scotch shepherd, with wolf blood in his ancestry. He is enjoying his comfortable life as a family pet in California when dog traffickers, who are meeting the demand for sled dogs in the Alaskan gold rush, steal him.

2.A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

A Wrinkle in Time is a science fantasy novel by American writer Madeleine L'Engle, first published in 1963. A Wrinkle in Time is the story of Meg Murry, a high-school-aged girl who is transported on an adventure through time and space with her younger brother Charles Wallace and her friend Calvin O'Keefe.

3.Dragonwings by Laurence Yep

Inspired by the account of a Chinese immigrant who made a flying machine in 1909, Laurence Yep's historical novel beautifully portrays the rich traditions of the Chinese community as it made its way in a hostile new world.

4.The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

In Ponyboy's world there are two types of people. There are the Socs, the rich society kids who get away with anything. Then there are the greasers, like Ponyboy, who aren't so lucky. Ponyboy has a few things he can count on: his older brothers, his friends, and trouble with the Socs, whose idea of a good time is beating up greasers. At least he knows what to expect — until the night someone takes things go too far.

5.Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

Billy Colman roams the Ozarks of northeastern Oklahoma with his bluetick hound and his precious coonhound pup trying to "tree" the elusive raccoon.

6.Old Yeller by Fred Gipson

Widely acclaimed, this Newbery Honor-winning story of the love shared between a boy and his dog secured Fred Gipson's place as one of America's most renowned authors. Gipson himself grew up in the Texas Hill country and died in 1973. His book will likely remain a standard among children's classics.Old Yellerremains one of America's most loved classics.

7.The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

This is the first installment of C.S. Lewis' renowned series, "The Chronicles of Narnia."The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, firstpublished in 1950, has been enchanting the hearts and imaginations of millions for generations, with its story of four siblings who, with the help of a Lion named Aslan, must overcome their own failings to become heroes of a better world.

8.Watership Down by Richard Adams

A phenomenal worldwide bestseller for over thirty years, Richard Adams'sWatership Downis a timeless classic and one of the most beloved novels of all time. Set in England's Downs, a once idyllic rural landscape, this stirring tale of adventure, courage and survival follows a band of very special creatures on their flight from the intrusion of man and the certain destruction of their home. Led by a stouthearted pair of brothers, they journey forth from their native Sandleford Warren through the harrowing trials posed by predators and adversaries, to a mysterious promised land and a more perfect society.

9.Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech

On a long car trip from Ohio to Idaho, 13-year-old Salamanca Tree Hiddle tells her grandparents about her friend Phoebe, who is coping with the disappearance of her mother. Beneath Phoebe's story is Sal's search for her own mother, who left one sunny morning and never returned.

10.The Giver by Lois Lowry

Jonas's world is perfect. Everything is under control. There is no war or fear of pain. There are no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the community. December is the time of the annual Ceremony at which each twelve-year-old receives a life assignment determined by the Elders. Jonas has been chosen for something special. When his selection leads him to an unnamed man — the man called only the Giver — he begins to sense the dark secrets that underlie the fragile perfection of his world.

11.The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Ten-year-old Mary comes to live in a lonely house on the Yorkshire moors and discovers an invalid cousin and the mysteries of a locked garden.

12.The Pigman by Paul Zindel

Meet Mr. Pignati, a lonely old man with a beer belly and an awful secret. He's the Pigman, and he's got a great big twinkling smile. When John and Lorraine, two high school sophomores, meet Mr. Pignati, they learn his whole sad, zany story.

NAME:______

SUMMER READING ASSIGNMENT WORKSHEET

Title of the Book: ______

Author: ______

When did you read this book? (Example: beginning of summer, throughout the summer, at the end of summer) ______

What is the setting of the novel? (Explain the place, time, atmosphere, and importance of the setting)

______

In twenty words or less, provide a one sentence summary of each of the below elements:

Exposition: ______

Rising Action:

______

Climax:

______

Falling Action:

______

Resolution:

______

Explain the protagonist’s personality, fears, and goals.

______

What is the theme of the novel? Explain three examples from the novel that illustrate this theme.

______

What is your personal response to the novel? How did you connect with the novel? Did you enjoy reading this novel? Explain your reasoning clearly. ______