Sumner Academy Middle School
2016 Summer Reading Program
Reading should be part of every student’s summer! At Sumner Academy, we
expect all incoming 5th through 8th grade students to spend some of their vacation
time reading.
You will find a reading list for 5th through 8th grades attached. Each student must
choose one of the recommended books to read over summer vacation. Since these
are summer reading books, you will need to get your own book. You may purchase
a hard copy, order the book for an e-reader, or check out the book from your local
library. Books for 5th-8th graders should be at 4th grade level and above.
After completing the book, the student will choose an option using the attached
instructions. The assignment should be typed in a font size that is clear and easy to
read. Students should use correct spelling, capitalization, and grammar usage.
Students should use well-developed sentences and paragraphs for their grade level.
If completing a visual component, neatness and organization will be taken into
consideration.
The summer reading book assignment will be turned in to each student’s literature
teacher on the first Tuesday of the school year. The book assignment will be
entered as the student’s first test grade in literature. AR Tests may be completed
during the summer on Tuesdays and Thursdays between the time of 11:3012:30pm in June and July with the exception of the weeks of June 27 and July18.
Students may also take AR tests once school begins in the fall.
While encouragement from parents and family members is appreciated, please
limit your involvement. Each student must read his or her own book and complete
his or her own report.
We encourage Sumner Academy students to continue exploring other genres and
book titles over the summer and anticipate hearing about some great new finds!
Reading requirements for the 2016-2017 school year will be discussed when
students return in July.
Enjoy your summer, get some rest, have some fun, and read!
Summer Reading List 2016-2017
5th Grade:
Bud, Not Buddy – Christopher Paul Curtis
Freak the Mighty – Rodman Philbrick
Thunder Rolling in the Mountains – Scott O’Dell
Fablehaven (book 1) – Brandon Mull
Maniac Magee – Jerry Spinelli
6th Grade:
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH – Robert O’Brien
Summer of the Monkeys – Wilson Rawls
Hatchet – Gary Paulsen
Touching Spirit Bear – Ben Mikaelsen
The Secret Garden – Frances Hodgson Burnett
7th Grade:
Esperanza Rising – Pam Munoz Ryan
The Giver – Lois Lowry
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe – C.S. Lewis
Hidden Like Anne Frank: 14 True Stories of Survival- Prins and Steenhuis
Saving Wonder- Mary Knight
8th Grade:
Little Women – Louisa May Alcott
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate– Jaqueline Kelly
The Land of Stories (book 1)- Chris Colfer
Wonder- Raquel Palacio
Voyage of Slaves – Brian Jacques
Summer Reading 2016 - Assignment Guidelines:
Pick one option and complete it for you summer reading book.
Option 1
Type a book report using the following guidelines.
Paragraph One: Introduction
In complete sentences, state the title, author, type of book, setting, and main characters. 25 pts
Paragraph Two: Main Characters
Describe the main character in detail (appearance/personality). Tell how he or she changes from
the start to the end of the story.
Choose at least two other characters and describe their relationship with the main character.
35 pts
Paragraph Three: Plot
State the story’s main conflict* or problem. Tell how it is solved. What did you think about the
ending? Explain. 25 pts
Paragraph Four: Conclusion
What is a life lesson or moral of this story? Explain. Would you recommend this book to
someone else? Why or why not? 15 pts
Total - 100 pts
Option 2
Create a short comic strip to summarize your summer reading assignment. It must include 3 separate
comic strips each containing 4 boxes (total of 12 boxes).
Comic strip 1- Introduce the characters and setting of the book. Include 4 boxes and at least one
direct quote from the book (with page number). 30 pts
Comic strip 2- Describe the plot and climax* of the story. Include 4 boxes and one direct quote
from the book (with page number). 30 pts
Comic strip 3- Describe the falling action and ending. Include 4 boxes and one direct quote from
the book (with page number). 30 pts
Include a typed paragraph to explain the theme (moral or lesson learned). State the story’s main
problem and how it was solved. Describe how the lesson is learned in the story. 10 pts
Total - 100pts
Option 3
Pick two characters from the book and create a character traits poster. Your poster must include the
following with pictures:
1. Physical appearance and personality – Typed paragraph describing
the main character: what he/she looks like, personality traits, and importance
to the overall story. Include a picture.
40 pts
2. List character’s likes, dislikes, worries, hopes/dreams. Include pictures.
20 pts
3. Describe relationships with other characters. Include pictures.
20pts
4. An example of conflict* for the character (internal or external).
Written in paragraph format
20 pts
Total - 100pts
Option 4
Create a shoebox diorama depicting the climax*,setting* or scene in the book. Include two typed
paragraphs attached to the box.
Diorama:
Accuracy – 25 pts
Neatness – 10 pts
Creativity – 15 pts
Color – 10 pts
Total – 60pts
Paragraphs:
#1 Describe the scene you chose. Who are the characters involved? Where does it take place?
What is happening in that scene? 20pts
#2 Why is the scene important to the story? How does it affect the rest of the story? 20 pts
Total- 100 pts
Literary Terms Definitions:
*Climax - The high point in the action of the story’s plot. It is a moment of great tension, also called the turning point.
*Setting - This is the time and location of a literary work. In most stories, the setting serves as a backdrop for where characters
interact. It can also help create a feeling or atmosphere.
*Internal Conflict - A struggle that takes place within the mind of the character, such as a decision that must be made.
*External Conflict - A struggle that takes place against some outside force, such as another person or group.