Peekskill Middle School
Summer Reading Assignment
Incoming PKMS Students
Summer is here again! Congratulations on reaching the end of another school year and, hopefully, gaining
more knowledge about the world, your community, and even yourself. Although summer is undoubtedly a time
to rest, relax and recuperate, it’s also a great time to enjoy a good book. After all, learning never stops and our
ability to read and enjoy literature is a skill that we constantly need to nurture. How does that happen? Quite
simply, by reading!
With that in mind, over the summer you are required to read as many books as you can and get a
parent/guardian’s signature on your list; for extra credit you can also create one “Alternative Activity
Project”. All assignments are described in detail in this packet. Additional information can also be found
linked to Peekskill Middle School’s website. Also, in September students will write an in-class essay based on
a prompt at the top of the appropriate grade listing.
We have prepared a list of suggested texts, at a variety of ability levels, to help you choose books. When
choosing what to read, keep in mind your current reading and interest levels. Ultimately, your task is to design
your own summer reading adventure, based on your individual interests and ability level; the lists provided are
highly recommended resources in mapping out the journey.
We’re looking forward to getting to know you for another exciting year of reading, writing and learning in the
fall!
-Mrs. A. Aucar and Mr. F. Cancro, 6th grade teachers
- Ms. N. Bolden and Ms. S. Wallach, 7th grade teachers
- Mr. B. Bloom and Ms. L. Viola, 8th grade teachers
Your task:
 Read AS MANY books as you can during the summer (recommended reading lists attached).
 Complete a double-sided book analysis sheet for EACH novel read.
 Write a 5-paragraph essay based on your assigned grade-level:
o 6th Grade: Describe one conflict (problem) the main character faces in the book.
Discuss how the conflict (problem) was or was not solved. Explain what the main
character or you, the reader, learned from the character’s conflict (problem). Use
specific details from the book to support your answers.
o 7th Grade: Describe, in detail, the protagonist (main character) of one of the novels you
read this summer. Discuss how the character changed from the beginning to the end of
the book. The change could be emotional, physical, or in personality. Be sure to explain
how the change occurred. Did the change bring about a life lesson for the character?
Use specific details from the book to support your answers.
o 8th Grade: Describe, in detail, the main conflict of a novel you read this summer.
Discuss whether the conflict was internal (a struggle within a character), external (a
struggle or problem between characters or with an outside force), or a combination of
both. Be sure to explain how the conflict was or was not resolved. Use specific details
from the book to support your answers.
 Extra Credit: Complete ONE (1) Alternative Activity Project in response to one book (your
choice).
o Create a Comic Strip: Create a 4-panel comic strip, being sure to depict a major scene
from the novel read.
o Create a Video: The video can be a trailer advertising the novel, designed as an
interview, or a re-enactment of the novel read.
o Be the Lyricist!: Create a rap, song, or poem about the novel read.
o Create a Diary/Journal: Create a diary/journal for a character in the novel. Include the
following: several entries explaining your character’s feelings about the events and other
characters in the book. Create a cover for the diary/journal.
o Letter to the Author: Write a letter to the author of the book asking why the main
character acted like she/he did or why the author developed a particular idea and thought
it was important.
o You’re the Author!: You are the author. You have decided to write an additional
chapter to the book you just read.
Due Dates:

Double-sided book analysis sheets for EACH novel read must be handed in during second week
of the school year.
SUGGESTED READING LIST
Author
Title
Genre
Reading Level
Card, Orson Scott
Ender’s Game
Science Fiction
Haddix, Margaret
Among the Hidden series
Science Fiction
Peterson
Clements, Andrew
Things Not Seen
Science Fiction
Ryan, Pam Munoz
Becoming Naomi Leon
Realistic Fiction
Giff, Patricia Reilly
The Pictures of Hollis Woords
Realistic Fiction
Hiaasen, Carl
Hoot, Chomp, Flush, OR Scat
Realistic Fiction
Naylor, Phyllis
Shiloh series
Realistic Fiction
Reynolds
Sachar, Louis
There’s a Boy in the Girl’s Bathroom
Realistic Fiction
Federle, Tim
Better Nate Than Ever
Realistic Fiction
Flake, Sharon G.
The Skin I’m In or Money Hungry
Realistic Fiction
Speare, Elizabeth
The Sign of the Beaver
Historical Fiction
George
Paulsen, Gary
Nightjohn
Historical Fiction
Zusak, Markus
The Book Thief
Historical Fiction
Lowry, Lois
Number the Stars
Historical Fiction
Paulsen, Gary
Hatchet
Adventure
DiCamillo, Kate
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane Adventure
Dahl, Roald
Matilda
Fantasy
DiCamillo, Kate
Tales of Despereaux
Fantasy
Babbitt, Natalie
Tuck Everlasting
Fantasy
Paterson, Katherine
Bridge to Terebithia
Fantasy
Lewis, C.S.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Fantasy
Sachar, Louis
Albom, Mitch
Sender, Ruth Minsky
Sideways Stories from Wayside School
Tuesdays with Morrie
The Cage
Humor
Nonfiction
Nonfiction
Peekskill Middle School, 212 Ringgold Street, Peekskill, New York 10566
ELA Department
Student’s Name ___________________________
Book Analysis Activity Sheet
Book Title & Author: _______________________________________________________
A. Describe the book’s setting (time & place):
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B. In the graphic organizer below, identify the main characters and describe them. You must
use details from the text to prove the character traits (evidence and page number is
required).
Character’s Name
Character Traits
Evidence from the book (include page
numbers)
On pg ____, the character shows this trait by…
On pg ____, the character shows this trait by…
On pg ____, the character shows this trait by…
On pg ____, the character shows this trait by…
C. Describe the conflict (problem) that exists in the novel:
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D. What happens in the end? How is the conflict resolved?
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E. What is the theme (message) of the story? What did the character (or you) learn from
what happened? How do you know?
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