Northside Christian Academy
Summer Reading Requirements
At Northside Christian Academy, we strive to teach students to think, learn and live from a Biblical
worldview. Part of shaping a student’s worldview is teaching them how to read quality literature and
critically consider it. As you know, the essential work of helping students define their worldview does not
stop during the summer months. Therefore, NCA has designed a Summer Reading Program to engage our
students in meaningful and enjoyable reading that strengthens their reading skills and broadens their
base of knowledge.
Like any other skill, reading requires practice, and such practice is necessary if students are to
increase fluency, expand vocabulary and deepen comprehension. The books on the Summer Reading list
have been chosen because they are time-tested works of literature that have something of lasting
significance to offer to those who read them. A love of great books will only be cultivated by exposure to
great books.
Our Summer Reading Program represents a required reading assignment, and a parent's role in
supporting the program is invaluable.
Please note the following guidelines of the program:

Students will read the required books for the grade level they are entering.

All assignments are due the first day of school and will be counted as a grade for the first grading
period.

Books are not to be "read" via Spark Notes, Wikipedia, or any other alternative to the real thing.

Rising 1st grade students will read the Bible selection and read 10 books from the literature list.
Please use the first grade reading log to document selections.

Rising 2nd grade students will read the required book* and complete the summer book report
form. They will also read the Bible selection, plus 10 additional books from the literature list. (If
your child has not completed the Abeka First Grade Readers, they must read these as part of the
10 additional books). Please use the second grade reading log to document selections.

Rising 3rd – 5th grade students will read the required two books from the list attached plus the
Bible selection. The books are assigned reading selections that the entire class will read. When
purchasing your books, please choose the unabridged version if it is available. Students will use
the 3rd – 5th Grade Summer Reading Book Report form for each selection read.

Rising 6th – 12th grade students will read the required two books from the list attached plus
the Bible selection. The books are assigned reading selections that the entire class will read.
When purchasing your books, please choose the unabridged version if it is available.
*Students will be required to complete the assignment below for each selection read.
*6th – 12th grade Assignment: Students will be required to submit, for each of the two
required summer reading selections, the following: (If the book is not a novel, please give a
summary of the book in lieu of the bullet points listed below).








Title and Author
Date of Original Publication
Setting: Time and Place
Plot synopsis, including the ending: ten to eighteen sentences
Characters: Give a brief description of each (identify the main antagonist and
protagonist)
Personal response to the content and style of the book: two to three sentences
Biblical Application
Bible Selection - Rising 3rd -12th grade students will read the selection listed and create a 5
minute devotion/activity to share with the class the first week of school.
Most assigned book selections are available for purchase through Amazon.com,
Christianbook.com or from other booksellers. Some of the books will be available in the public
library. Report forms and logs are attached; literature lists can be located on the Northside
Christian Academy website.
Northside Christian Academy
Summer Reading Requirements
First Grade
10 books from list
Bible Selection: I Corinthians 13:4-7, Psalm 23
Second Grade
* The Courage of Sarah Noble by Alice Dagliesh
10 books from list/Complete First Grade Readers
Bible Selection: Ephesians 6:13-18
Third Grade
Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls
Wilder
Swamp Fox by Idella Bodie
Bible Selection: 1 Corinthians Ch. 13
Fourth Grade
Treasures of the Snow by Patricia St. John
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
Bible Selection: Genesis Ch. 1
Fifth Grade
Joan of Arc by Nancy Wilson Ross
Huguenot Garden by Douglas M. Jones III
Bible Selection: The book of Colossians
Sixth Grade
Crispin Vol. 2 – At the Edge of the World by Avi
The Case for Christ For Kids by Lee Strobel
Bible Selection: The book of Philippians
Seventh Grade
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
More than a Carpenter by Josh McDowell
Bible Selection: The book of I John
Eighth Grade
The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
Do Hard Things by Alex Harris
Bible Selection: The book of Proverbs
Ninth Grade
All Creatures Great & Small by James Herriott
Crazy Love by Francis Chan
Bible Selection: Psalm 119
Tenth Grade
The Best Question Ever by Andy Stanley
Peace Child by John Richardson
Bible Selection: The book of Proverbs
Eleventh Grade
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Radical by David Platt
Bible Selection: The book of Romans
Twelfth Grade
Counter Culture by David Platt
Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis
Bible Selection: Book of Ephesians
Extra Credit: I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai