2017 SUMMER READING
Students Entering 8th Grade
Students are to read two (2) books – one required by all, Johnny Tremain, and one
selection from the list below. The reading acknowledgement forms will be collected on
the first day of school, August 16, 2017. The students will continue their study of
Johnny Tremain during the first week(s) of school and will conclude with a major
assignment. Students will need to bring their required book to class starting the first day of
school until the unit ends.
Required by ALL:
Johnny Tremain
(BOOK IS PROVIDED BY SCHOOL, NEW STUDENTS PICK-UP AT SCHOOL OFFICE)
Esther Forbes
Summary: This historical fiction takes place just before the Revolutionary War. Follow Johnny as he
witnesses the Boston Tea Party and the Battle of Lexington. He has personal challenges along the
way.
Recommendation: This story is not only about a historical era that students will study in 8th grade
history, it is also a poignant story of Johnny’s ability to face challenges in his own life.
Choose ONE (1) from the following:
Left Behind, ISBN 0-84232912-9
Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins
Summary: In the midst of global chaos, airline captain Rayford Steele must search for his family, for
answers, for truth in the dark days following the tribulation
Recommendation: This is a powerful fictional description of the events surrounding the second advent
of Christ. This novel contains mature themes.
In His Steps, ISBN 0-916441-237
Charles M. Sheldon
Summary: This is an excellent book. It is the story of WWJD. If our students could get even a small
desire to follow what this book suggests, it would be awesome. It is a very convicting novel.
White Lilacs, ISBN 978-0152958763
Carolyn Meyer
Summary: In 1921 in Dillon, Texas, twelve-year old Rose Lee sees trouble threatening her black
community when the whites decide to take the land there for a park and forcibly relocate the black
families to an ugly stretch of territory outside the town.
Recommendation: Highly recommend this book; however, it does contain some mild/crude language and
racial slurs are used.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, ISBN 978-0061120077
Betty Smith
Summary: Young Francie Nolan experiences the problems of growing up in a Brooklyn, New York slum.
Recommendation: Although there is no profanity in the book, several of the main characters face some
of the more unsavory aspects of life. An aunt is involved with many different men, the parents lie about
their address to get their daughter into a better school, the father has a serious drinking problem that
ultimately contributes to his death, and the mother delivers a baby. The book sends a strong message
about this family's drive to survive and emphasizes especially the mother's desire to help her children get
an education, both through the school system and by reading the Bible daily. Her desire is to provide the
opportunity for them to make a better life.
The Lord of the Rings-The Fellowship of the Ring, ISBN 978-0618002221 (book one of the trilogy)
J.R.R.Tolkien
Summary: This fantasy tale of a fellowship of nine, made up of two men, an elf, a dwarf, a wizard, and
four hobbits, on a quest to destroy a powerfully magical ring sought after by the evil power of middle
earth. It is a classic tale of good versus evil. The trilogy contains numerous epic battles and frightening
encounters with evil creatures.
Recommendation: A classic work of incredible detail—well worth the read.
Journey to the Center of the Earth, ISBN 978-0553213973
Jules Verne
Summary: This is a classic science-fiction tale of Professor Lindenbrock and his young nephew’s search
for a passage to the center of the earth. The beautiful descriptive language describes their struggles and
discoveries along the way. The author uses numerous scientific references that may weary a younger
reader, but the adventures will keep most interested.
Recommendation: There was one questionable word used early in the book, but it certainly does not
overshadow the good clean adventuresome writing.
Hinds Feet on High Places, ISBN 0-8423-1429-6
Hannah Hurnard
Summary: “This allegory dramatizes the journey each of us much take before we can live in the ‘high
places.’” Much-Afraid goes on a spiritual journey with the Shepherd. As she travels, she learns about
detours, challenges, and delays. She travels with her two companions Sorrow and Suffering, but she
discovers that all things work together for good.
Recommendation: There is nothing questionable in this book! It is a beautiful allegory that will challenge
the reader in his or her spiritual walk.
Johnny Tremain
Summer Reading Acknowledgement
Student Name: ______________________________________
I have read the assigned novel, Johnny Tremain. I understand I may be tested over
the information in this novel at the start of the school year.
Student signature: __________________________________________
Parent signature: ___________________________________________
My Selected Summer Reading Book:
I acknowledge that I have read my summer reading novel of choice
________________________________________________________________.
(title of novel)
Student signature: __________________________________________
Parent signature: ___________________________________________
This form is due the first day of school, Wednesday, August 16, 2017.
Vocabulary Exercise for 8th Grade Science
Many of the scientific words we use today have a Latin language origin. These complex words
can be broken down to simple parts, and by knowing the meaning of each part, it can be easier
to identify the meaning of the whole word. For example: Magnetohydrodynamics
Magneto means magnetic force; hydro means fluids; and dynamic means power. Therefore
magnetohydrodynamics is power from magnetic fluids.
Learning the Latin roots is an important step to understanding vocabulary used in all the core
subject areas. The following root words will be used throughout the next school year. To
prepare for your learning experience you will need to complete the following assignment:
Latin Root Flashcards
Make a set of thirty (30) flashcards on blank 3” x 5” index cards using the words and their
definitions listed below. Place the word and its number on one side and the word’s definition on
the other. Punch a hole in the top left-hand corner of each card (at least a ¼” from either side)
and bind the thirty cards together with string or a binder ring. A completion grade will be given
in your science class for this assignment. The flash cards are due the first day of school.
The flash cards will be used throughout the school year. A quiz over the first ten words will
be given the second week of school. Get a jump on this assignment by becoming familiar
with these over the summer.
1. car – having to do with carbon
2. chlor – having to do with chlorine
3. echo – of or pertaining to sound
4. ferro – having to do with iron
5. fract – to break
6. fluoro – having to do with fluorine
7. galva – to cover, to coat
8. dis – away, apart, not
9. infra – below
10. kine – motion or moving
11. magno – of or pertaining to magnets
12. meio – to lessen
13. meta – beyond the usual
14. mito – thread
15. quali – quality of
16. quanti – how much, quantity
17. radio – having to do with sound or radio waves
18. re – again, another time
19. trans – otherside, beyond, over, across
20. techno – art
21. ultra – beyond
22. mal - bad
23. pan – all
24. poly – many
25. gyro – turn
26. meter – measurer
27. son or phon – sound
28. aud – hear
29. iso – equal
30. chroma – color