Saint Patrick Catholic School
Middle School Summer Reading Program
2013 Grade 5
The Saint Patrick Catholic School Middle School Summer Reading Program is designed to motivate our students
to continue developing their love for reading throughout the summer months. Students can build their
vocabulary, develop their reading skills, enjoy new stories and learn new information through summer reading
that will build background knowledge in their content area classes. Middle School students are required to read
three books over the summer as part of this program. The first book listed is required of the entire class; the
second and third books are to be selected by the parents and students from the suggestions below. Reader’s response activities are required for each of the three books.
Book One: The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
Students are asked to bring a copy of this text to class with them in the fall. It is recommended that this novel be
read toward the end of summer, so that details and knowledge of the text will be fresh for support during class
discussions.
Assignment for Book 1: Please answer one of the following questions in 5 or more well-written sentences:
Describe a time when you have been in “the doldrums.” Under what circumstances did you feel this way?
What can you do to reduce “the doldrums” that arise from time to time?
Which is more important – numbers or words? Why?
Re-read the first and last sentences of the book. What do you think is the most important lesson in this
book?
Book Two: Fiction – Reader’s Choice
PICK ONE:
Students may choose age/grade level appropriate books from any past year of Virginia Reader's Choice (Middle
School) List, found here: https://www.vsra.org/virginia-readers-choice/nominate-vote/. Additionally, other novels
that students may choose to explore—such as Newbery, Printz, Scott O’Dell, and Coretta Scott King Award
Winners and Honors—may be found at http://www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists/bbya. The following are a few
suggested titles:
Fever 1793 by Anderson
The Shakespeare Stealer by Blackwood
Yang the Third and Her Impossible Family by Namioka
A Journey to the New World: The Diary of Remember Patience Whipple by Lasky
Hatchet by Paulsen
Assignment for Book 2: Prepare a two to three minute “book talk” that covers the basic elements of the book’s plot to include: exposition (introduce the characters, setting, and background information), rising action (various
problems that arise), and climax (highest point of action)…but please do not give away the ending!
Include the book title, author, genre, why you chose the book and a recommendation. Neatly write the book talk
on a note card and be prepared to share during the first week of class.
Book 3: Non-fiction - Reader's Choice
Students may choose age/grade level appropriate non-fiction books that explain one of the following topics that
will be covered in fifth grade - Ancient Civilizations (to include but not limited to: Mesopotamia, Egypt, India,
China, Greece, Rome and Mesoamerica) – Earth Science (to include but not limited to: Geographical Features,
Space, Galaxies, The Planets, Astronomy and Space Exploration).
Assignment for Book 3: On a note card, include the book title, author, subject, reading level, and why you chose
the book. Include five facts you learned from the book.