6th, 7th and 8th Grade Summer Reading 2016
Summer Reading Assignment = your first major grade for English. Failure to complete the Summer Reading
Assignment will result in a low grade the first nine weeks in ELA and will negatively influence your average and
overall GPA.
ALL students, regardless of Pre AP or Regular will be required to read 2 books from the Lone Star List and complete
both projects listed below. Both project assignments SHOULD be completed at home and ready by due date.
Project 1: Due by 2nd week of school.
Project 2: Due by 3rd week of school.
Character Project Piece (Project # 1, required by all students):
Character Chart: (make a 3 column chart) – MUST be typed or NEATLY handwritten
Ways Character is Revealed
Example
What you learned about the character from this
example
 Character’s Speech
 Character’s Appearance
 Character’s Private Thoughts
 How other characters within the story feel about the character and react to him/her
 Character’s Actions
 Identify the protagonist, antagonist, and their foils (a character in the story that contrast with the other
characters, usually the protagonist) used in this story and explain why you have identified these characters as
you have
MENU of PROJECT CHOICES (Project # 2, required by all students):
Memory Box
Choose a character from the book and create a memory box containing 7-9 items that represent significant events in
the character’s experience. Attach a card to each item that explains the memory that the character associates with that
item. Write the memory in first person as if the character were writing it.
Counting Book
Make a Counting Book containing 10 significant numbers from the novel. Each page should have the number
prominently displayed, an explanation of why that number is important, and picture to illustrate the explanation.
Create a Vlog
Create a video journal/diary in which you record yourself reacting to the events which occur in the chapters. Impress
your teacher by including comments on the author’s use of literary devices and techniques. (For example, you could
comment on the author’s use of figurative language and its effect on the story, allusions used and how they made
things clearer for you as a reader, tone, theme, etc.).
Create a Character Vlog
Choose a character (other than the main character) to portray in a series of vlogs in which you react to chapters in the
book. You must stay in character throughout each vlog, responding to events and making comments which your
chosen character would make and in the appropriate voice. To make your character vlog more interesting and
creative, portray your character in appropriate clothing, hair, and makeup. (You could even consider dressing
appropriately for each entry depending on what happened in the chapter your character is responding to--think The
Martian.).
Make a Board Game
Using your creativity and critical thinking skills, use the book to create a board game. (See directions/requirements
below)
Illustrated Quotes
Choose 10-15 meaningful quotes from your book, and explain why the quote interests you. Then write the quote on a
blank sheet of paper and draw/paint/design/sew/craft related images to that quote.
Cereal Box
Display your knowledge of your reading on a cereal box (make sure make it looks like a real cereal box). You must
cover the following: Symbolism, Character Traits, Point of View, Theme, Tone, Imagery, and Conflict and provide
quotes/page numbers to support these.
Character Doll (Paper Doll Drawing)
Identifying the Elements: Symbol – a symbol is both a literal and abstract object. Character – protagonist (individual, round,
developing, etc.). Setting – main setting, described in detail.
Point of View – quote a line that demonstrates the POV. Conflict – what type and kind of conflict is displayed? Theme – theme
must be stated in a complete sentences. Tone – what attitude does the author take toward the subject? Imagery- samples of
imagery (at least 3). Quotes required with page numbers.
Board Game Project Instructions
So, you have decided to embark upon the game-master’s journey and create your own board game! Before you begin,
here are some instructions to help you along your way. Please follow these instructions to earn the best possible
grade. There are also suggestions that you may use to make the best game you can.
1. You can model your game after Monopoly, Chutes and Ladders, Candy Land, Trivial Pursuit, or any board game
that you are familiar with.
2. You must create the rules and directions for your game. Make sure that your rules and directions are well expressed
and easy to follow.
3. You need to incorporate 10 question cards into your game
4. The game must be colorful with bright clearly defined illustrations.
SUPPLIES
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A homemade spinner or a pair of dice
Game Cards - Use color index cards
Game Pieces - At least 6 people should be able to play your game. Use bottle caps or other small objects.
A container to hold the game - An unused pizza box should be sufficient size. You can ask for one at your
local pizza shop! You may also use poster board and glue your game on top of it. (Decorating an unused pizza
box may score you creativity points!)
Instructions
You are also responsible for creating the instructions. Your instructions must include: The objective of the game, how
to win, a list of obstacles they might face, how to answer a question and draw cards, and how to move. I have added a
sample set of instructions that you may draw inspiration from but not copy.
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Objective
o To win the game you must face obstacles and answer questions based on Ready Player One.
Winning
o In order to win the game, you must be the first player to solve the riddle.
Obstacles
o While playing the game you will face obstacles. If you land on the stairs you get to climb them.
Landing on an elevator will force you to go down to the next elevator. If you come across a locked
door, or the villain finds you, then you will be forced to skip a turn.
Drawing Cards
o Throughout the game, you may land on a square with an icon. If you land on one, then you will have to
answer a question by drawing a card. If you land on a square with an icon, you must draw a card
corresponding with the icon on the square. If you manage to answer the question correctly, you get to
move up the number of spaces on the card. However, if you answer incorrectly, you lose a turn.
How to move
o To decide who goes first, spin the spinner. The player with the highest number goes first while the
person with the second highest number goes second, and so on. If there is a tie between two or more
people, then they have to respin. To move, spin the spinner and move up the number of spaces you
landed on.
Keys to making a good impression on your middle school English teacher:
1. Do your own work. Don’t plagiarize. If you violate the academic honesty policy by submitting someone
else’s work as your own, you will receive a referral to the assistant principal; you will have to redo your entire
assignment for a lower grade; you will lose the trust and respect of your teacher.
2. Do your best work. Check your spelling, capitalization, and punctuation. Make sure that you write in
complete sentences. Do not hand in a sloppy, rushed assignment. You cannot redo your first impression with
your teacher.
3. Be creative! We love interesting projects!
2016 TEXAS LONE STAR ANNOTATED READING LIST
Altebrando, Tara. The Battle of Darcy Lane. Running Press Kids, 2014.
ISBN: 9780762449484
Twelve-year-old Julia learns about standing her ground and the true meaning of friendship during summer vacation. Deals with
bullying and the meanness that comes with middle school girls.
Brown, Jennifer. How Lunchbox Jones Saved Me from Robots, Traitors, and Missy the Cruel.
Bloomsbury U.S.A. Children's Books, 2015. ISBN: 9781619634541
When Luke's dad forces him to join the robotics team at Forest Shade MS (famous for never having won anything EVER), Luke
has to wonder: could they reverse the trend? Maybe…but only if Luke can figure out how to take charge of his life and keep out
of the clutches of Missy the Cruel--and the giant known as Lunchbox Jones may be just the guy to help him do it. Stranger
things have happened.
Buckley, Michael. Undertow. Harcourt Brace and Company, 2015.
ISBN: 9780544348257
Three years ago, the Alpha walked out of the sea and set up camp at Coney Island. Lyric Walker has been hiding a secret for
years--but now the secret has surfaced, just as Lyric is assigned to tutor Fathom, the Alphas' flaming-hot prince. There's no way
this is going to end well.
Caine, Rachel. Ink and Bone. New American Library, 2015.
ISBN: 9780451472397
The Great Library controls all knowledge and prosperity in 2025. Jess is a book smuggler by family trade, an illegal and
dangerous operation, though he loves books for what they represent. Jess is sent to study with the elite potential future
librarians where mystery, intrigue, and deceit are revealed.
Gonzalez, Christina Diaz. Moving Target. Scholastic Press, 2015.
ISBN: 9780545773188
Cassie Arroyo lives in Rome, the latest place she has traveled with her father, an art history professor. One day he arrives at her
school in a panic; they are being chased and Cassie is the target!
Graff, Lisa. Lost in the Sun. Philomel Books, 2015.
ISBN: 9780399164064
In 5th grade Trent was involved in a freak sporting accident that resulted in the death of another child. Riddled with guilt Trent
must come to terms with what happened. A moving story about forgiveness and redemption.
Hoose, Phillip. The Boys Who Challenged Hitler: Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club.
Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2015.
ISBN: 9780374300227
Germany invades Denmark with no resistance from the government or armed forces. A group of teens feels they must do
something to hinder the German invaders. Through sabotage and theft, the group is able to cause disruptions to the German
forces in their town.
Larson, M. A. Pennyroyal Academy. Putnam Publishing Group, 2014.
ISBN: 9780399163241
A girl from the forest enlists at Pennyroyal Academy, where princesses and knights are trained to battle the two great menaces
of the day: witches and dragons.
Laurie, Victoria. When. Disney-Hyperion, 2015.
ISBN: 9781484700082
Maddie can see the date someone will die on his/her forehead. When accused of killing kids who have disappeared, the FBI is
determined to find Maddie and her best friend responsible because they knew at least one would die. They must solve the
mystery first or possibly be victims themselves.
Laybourne, Emmy. Sweet. Feiwel & Friends, 2015.
ISBN: 9781250055194
The rich and marginally famous get to try out a new weight loss drug called Solu on a "Lose Cruise" before it is released to the
general public. However, Solu seems to have some extreme side effects. Lots of insight in to the artificialness of celebrity
culture and promotes positive body image in a relatable way. Romance pared with horror makes this a hit for all audiences.
Maetani, Valynne E. Ink and Ashes. Tu Books, 2015.
ISBN: 9781620142110
Claire discovers that her family has secrets that can put her and her brothers in mortal danger.
Nielsen, Jennifer A. A Night Divided. Scholastic Press, 2015.
ISBN: 9780545682428
The Berlin Wall goes up in one night literally dividing Greta’s family in half. Years later there is hope of her family reuniting if
they are willing to take a huge risk.
Nielsen, Susin. We Are All Made of Molecules. Wendy Lamb Books, 2015.
ISBN: 9780553496864
What happens when the parents of a socially awkward boy and the most popular girl in school decide for them all to move in
together?
Priest, Cherie. I Am Princess X. Arthur A. Levine Books, 2015.
ISBN: 9780545620857
May & Libby created Princess X, a comic character, who should have died when Libby drowned. But now May is seeing Princess
X everywhere she goes--and she knows Libby must be alive. Together with hacker extraordinaire Patrick, she starts tracking
Princess X online, little knowing that someone from the dark net is now tracking HER...
Reynolds, Jason. The Boy in the Black Suit. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2015.
ISBN: 9781442459502
Matt's mother just died. His father begins spending his days drunk on the corner. He knows that he needs a job to take his mind
off of everything, and when he is offered a position at the funeral home, he accepts. He begins to find himself through watching
the grief of others.
Schreiber, Joe. Con Academy. Harcourt Brace and Company, 2015.
ISBN: 9780544320208
Two con artists, one school: Will and Andrea figure out right away the place just isn't big enough for both of them. So they
make a bargain--the first one to get $50,000 out of super-rich jerk Brandt Rush gets to stay, and the other one has to pack it
up. May the best con win.
Shine, Joe. I Become Shadow. Soho Teen, 2014.
ISBN: 9781616953584
When Ren Sharpe was fourteen, she was kidnapped by a shadowy organization called FATE and trained to be a human weapon.
Now, four years later, she receives her assignment: protect Texas A & M student Gareth Young (a "FIP"--future important
person) at all costs. But when disaster strikes, Ren will have to turn on her maker. Together with Junie, a fellow abductee and
the one person she trusts, Ren takes Gareth on the run. Because whatever else happens, failure is not an option.
Swendson, Shanna. Rebel Mechanics: All is Fair in Love and Revolution.
Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2015.
ISBN: 9780374300098
When Verity Newton set out for New York City in 1888, she never expected to witness a train robbery, see the first ride of a
mostly-illegal steam car, or get hired as a governess by one of the most powerful magical families in the British American
colonies. But then again, nothing's quite what you'd expect in this dashing alternative history featuring steampunk and
swashbucklers!
Toten, Teresa. The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B. Delacorte Press, 2015.
ISBN: 9780553507867
The two teens meet in a group for those struggling with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Each group member takes on a
superhero persona for sessions at the urging of their psychologist. Adam chooses Batman, and is floored when his crush Robyn
chooses Robin in order to be his sidekick. Adam has a knack for helping others who struggle with their own issues but is so
overwhelmed by his compulsions to realize his gifts. Interesting exploration of the trials and tribulations of OCD as well as
everyday teen issues such as love, friendships, school, and divorce.
Yeh, Kat. The Truth About Twinkie Pie. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2015.
ISBN: 9780316236621
Twelve-year-old GiGi and her big sister DiDi move to NY from SC for GiGi to attend a fancy private school. GiGi has a new recipe
for success and makes friends, but discovers a family secret that turns her life upside-down.
The Texas Lone Star list is a recommended reading list developed by public and school librarians from the Young Adult Round Table. The purpose of the list is to encourage students in grades 6, 7, or 8
to explore a variety of current books. The Lone Star list is intended for recreational reading, not to support a specific curriculum. Due to the diversity of this age range, Texas librarians should purchase
titles on this list according to their individual collection policies. The annotated 2016 Lone Star Reading List, past Lone Star Reading selections, and additional resources are available at:
http://www.txla.org/groups/lone-star.