Summer Reading Challenge
Parents and students, the 3 months of summer is one of the best times in the world to have fun and
improve academic skills that will help prepare for high school and increase student literacy. One of the
best ways to do so is by reading challenging quality literature. Research shows that one of the few ways
we can actually increase our intelligence quotient (IQ) is by reading regularly. So, this summer I’m
challenging you to read at least 2 quality books. If you do, you will be invited to a Summer Reading
Celebration party on Sept 4th.
To qualify, you need to complete two tasks – Pick one from Task A, and one from Task B. Both tasks
need to be completed and turned in to your homeroom teacher by Friday, August 21st. Please choose
books you have not read yet.
TASK A: Read one of the fiction books below and complete one of the tasks for the book that you
read.
Homesick by Jean Fritz
Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse
The Last Sin Eater by Francine Rivers
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
The Hobbit by J.R. Tolkien
Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur
Conan Doyle
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Write a 2 page book review. Make sure to include the following: Summary of the plot,
description of the protagonist (main character), what you think the author’s main theme or
central idea is in the book, your reaction/connection to the book
Design a new cover for you’re the book. Use 8 1/2” x 14” piece of paper. Make sure to include
the Title, author, publisher on the front cover, with an illustration or design/symbol that is
representative of the book. On the back cover, include a brief summary of the story, but don’t
spoil the ending…
Write an alternative ending for your novel. This can be between 1-5 pages long. Re-write the
ending, bringing an alternate resolution to the story. Write it as if you are the author, picking up
the story but creating your own ending. Try to mimic the writing style or the author.
TASK B: Read one of the non-fiction books and do the task below.
You Have a Brain: a Teen’s Guide to Think Big by Ben Carson
Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion against Low Expectations by Alex and Brett
Radical by David Platt
Serve God, Save the Planet by J. Matthew Sleeth
The Wright Brothers by David McCullough
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand (Please note there is some graphic language and torture scenes in this
and parents need to approve this first)
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Steven Covey
1776 by David McCullough
The Blizzard by Jim Murphy
The Great Fire by Jim Murphy
Stonewall by Jean Fritz
The Hiding Place by Corrie Tin Boom
Do one of the following tasks:
Make a list of quotes from the book that were impactful to you. Write the page number by the
quote, and then briefly describe why you like the quote. You should include at least 20 quotes.
Read a 1 ½ page reflection about the book. Include key ideas that impacted you, and how this
book has caused you to think differently or has inspired you to take action in some way. Use
specific examples from the book in your reflection.
Make a chapter by chapter study guide. Include the main idea/ideas from each chapter and key
points that can be summarized.
Write a 2-page letter to the author describing how the book impacted you. Include specific
references to the text, quotes, and how the book caused you to think differently.
Happy Reading!