7th Grade Summer Reading
2016
Dear Seventh-Graders,
I am really looking forward to our year together in English class! Although I hope you will make reading a
regular part of your summer activities, you will be required to read two books for your summer reading
assignment. First, you will need to choose one book from the two choices given and complete both
assignments listed for the book of your choice. For your second book, you may choose any book you like as
long as it is appropriate for your grade level and our school. You will find the assignments for your reading
below. All assignments will be due on Thursday, August 11, which is our first full day of class. Please feel free
to email me at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Happy reading!!
Mrs. Kelley
Choice 1
The Giver by Lois Lowry
After reading the book, complete the following two assignments.
Assignment 1 – Although The Giver is a wonderful book, many people are frustrated by the story’s abrupt
ending. Write a sequel to the book in which you describe what happens in Jonas’ future. Your sequel should
use the same tone and point of view as the original book, and the plot should logically follow the original
story. (For example, you cannot change Jonas’ childhood, job assignment, etc.) Your story can be hand-written
or typed and should be at least ¾ of a page in length.
Assignment 2 -- In The Giver, everyone is assigned a specific job. In this assignment, you will discover what
your job might be. First, make a list of at least ten skills that you have and/or things that you enjoy doing.
Based on this list, choose a career listed in The Giver for which you might be chosen. Write a paragraph
describing why you would be good for this job. Next, choose a career in our society today that you think you
might enjoy. Write a paragraph explaining why you chose this career. Remember, a well-developed paragraph
should be a minimum of five sentences.
Choice 2
Hatchet by Gary Paulson*
After reading the book, complete the following two assignments.
Assignment 1 -- “Survival Kit”: create a survival kit for Brian of at least 5 items that would be important to
have in his situation. Write a brief description (2 to 3 sentences) for each item explaining why you have
chosen the item and how it would help Brian. Include examples and experiences from the novel. Include a
drawing or photograph of each item.
Assignment 2 – Pretend that you are a news journalist who is interviewing Brian about his experience in the
wilderness. Come up with 10 interview questions that you would like to ask him. Then write answers for
those questions from Brian’s point of view. Each answer should be a minimum of 3 complete sentences and
should be supported by evidence from the book (specific events, quotes, etc.) Interview questions and
answers can be written neatly on notebook paper or typed.
Your Choice (required in addition to choice 1 or 2)
This is your chance to choose what you read, so pick something that you find interesting! You can choose a
fictional novel, a nonfiction book, or a biography. Please choose something that is appropriate for your
reading level and our school. Do NOT choose a book that you have already read. After completing the book,
create a mini-poster advertising your book to the class. Your poster should include the book title and author,
a brief paragraph describing your book, and a hand-drawn illustration. There is no need to purchase poster
board for this assignment; plain copy or construction paper will be fine.
* Note: Parents, I have included Hatchet as a summer reading option because I believe it is a wonderful book
that includes meaningful themes and an exciting plot that will hold the students’ attention; however, please
be advised that there is one curse word in the novel. When helping your child to choose the novel of his or her
choice, please use your own discretion. Thanks!