June, 2015
Dear Students and Parents,
As summer draws near, we are already preparing for the opening of school in September.
While the summer is a time for reflection and intellectual renewal for our students--a time for
recreation and relaxation, we are hopeful that it is also a time of preparation for the academic year
ahead. People who read regularly open themselves to an expansive world of ideas, magic, wonder,
and information that enhances every day. Because of the value we place on reading, the English
Department has implemented a summer reading requirement for all students. One of these is
assigned to all students in each grade level, 6 through 8 as indicated in the list below. The reading
list and the activity sheets are available on the Marymount website.
The assigned reading for each incoming grade level is:
English 6
Butterfly Lion
By Micheal Morpurgo
English 7
Where the Red Fern Grows
By Wilson Rawls
English 8
River Boy
By Tim Bowler
In addition to their summer reading books, students will also be required to complete one
reading activity on the assigned novel. This should be completed by the first day of school in
September. Once the school year begins, your English teacher will be discussing and completing
various activities based on the novel.
We are encouraging all of our students to pursue readings of their choice and to read at least
two novels during the summer vacation.
The following websites offer a range of books recommended for middle schoolers:
Award Winning Books for Middle Schoolers
Children’s Book Award Finalists
ALA Notable Books for Children
Good Reads
Terrific Titles for Boys
Marymount Students’ Recommendations 1
Marymount Students’ Recommendations 2
With your cooperation and encouragement, we believe that these reading assignments will
help our students grow intellectually as they enjoy the many benefits of summer vacation. Have a
wonderful summer and happy reading!
Sincerely,
!
The English Department
!
Please read the activities on the following page and choose ONE to complete for
the first week of school. Read through them carefully and select the best activity
for you.
Remember to please include the title of the required novel, the author and the
name of the activity.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The
more that you learn , the more places you will go”
Dr. Seuss
Draw the protagonist and write a description.
Write a poem about the novel.
Create a movie poster for the novel.
What was the author showing about life in the story? Did
you learn anything from the novel?
What are the similarities and differences between you the
main character?
Cast your favorite scene with actors and actresses seen on TV and/or
movies. Why did you choose these particular actors & actresses?
Connect the qualities of a particular character with someone you have
studied in history.
If you could change the ending of the book, how would you change it?
Compare and contrast two of the main characters.
Create a comic strip of your favorite part of the story. If you choose to do
this online, please remember to use the sites on your Edline page.
Choose a song to represent the story and state your reasons why.
Paint your favorite scene from the novel, please give it a title and write a
paragraph stating your reasons for choosing this particular scene.
If you were to meet the author of this book, what would you ask him/her?
If you could change something that happened in the story, what would it
be?
How would you solve one of the conflicts in the book?
Write a new ending for the book.
Write the first chapter of the sequel of the book. Remember to give the
book a title.
Is the setting crucial to the development of the story? How might changing
the setting of the story affect the events in the story?
Design a new cover page for the novel.
When and where did you read most of this book? Is this always your
favorite place to read? If not, please write about your favorite place to read.