When you pick a quote or passage from the book that best
represents your grade’s theme of perseverance, write this quote/
passage, word for word, in the space provided.
Torrington Middle School
Summer Reading Pamphlet
2012-2013
Why is this quote or passage a good example of perseverance? Be
sure to explain how perseverance is seen in this example from the
story.
Grade 8
Summer Reading Goal
The goal of the Torrington Middle School Summer Reading Program
is to encourage success for all students by maintaining reading
growth achieved during the school year and further developing
independent reading skills. While students are encouraged to read
multiple books over the summer, they are required to select one
book from their grade-level list included in this pamphlet.
Requirements
When you return to school in September, you will be
completing an activity related to the book.
 Read at least one book from the grade-level list
List of other books you have read this summer:
Title
Author
 On the back of the pamphlet, write a quote or passage
from your book, word for word, which you feel reflects the
theme of Responsibility.
 Explain how the quote or passage you have chosen
addresses the theme of perseverance.
Torrington Middle School
Steven M. Gottlieb, Principal
860.496.4050
Summer Reading Theme ~
Perseverance
I Have Lived a Thousand Years by Livia Bitton-Jackson
This is the memoir of Elli Friedmann who was thirteen years old in
March 1944 when the Nazis invaded Hungary. It describes, in
intimate and excruciating detail, how her world was shattered by
their arrival.
What does perseverance mean?
Perseverance is sticking with a course of action in spite of
difficulties. It gives you the determination to persist even when it
would be easier to quit.
All of the Above by Sherrey Pearsall
Five urban middle school students, their teacher, and other
community members relate how a school project to build the world's
largest tetrahedron affects the lives of everyone involved.
Book List
Travel Team by Mike Lupica
A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park
Based on a true story, Salva and Nya recount their stories of the
horrors of war in Sudan as they search for safety and clean water. This
is based on a true story.
Rot and Ruin by Jonathan Maberry
Benny Imura goes to work with his older brother who is a zombie
bounty hunter. When zombies attack his home, he and his brother
unite on a mission that tackles good and evil, human vs. zombie.
After he is cut from his travel basketball team--the same team that
his father once led to national prominence--twelve-year-old Danny
Walker forms his own team of cast-offs that might have a shot at
victory.
Within Reach: My Everest Story by Mark Pfetzer & Jack Galvin
The author describes how he spent his teenage years climbing
mountains in the United States, South America, Africa, and Asia, with
an emphasis on his two expeditions up Mount Everest.
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Thomas wakes up in an elevator without a memory except for his first
name. He arrives in a glade where sixty other boys already live. They all
pool their talents and skills to search for an escape route.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Trying to make sense of the horrors of World War II, Death, the
narrator of this story, relates the story of Liesel--a young German girl
whose book-stealing and story-telling talents help sustain her family,
neighbors and the Jewish man they are hiding, as well as their
neighbors.
Suggestions on ways to support your child’s reading
during the summer:
 Set time aside every day for reading.
 Read together as a family.
 Allow your child to choose what he/she is interested in
reading.
 Plan regular visits to the library.
 Listen to books on tape during long car trips.
 Participate in summer reading programs.