Summer Reading Assignments
Language Arts – Mrs. Swiss
for students entering grades 6-8
Entering Grade 6 1. Hatchet by Gary Paulsen  You must keep a double entry journal (see below) for this book. 2. Free Choice novel – must be at least 150 pages. See reverse for recommendations, but you may also choose a book that is not on this list. See reverse for the free choice assignment (choose one). Entering Grade 7 1. The Pigman by Paul Zindel  You must keep a double entry journal (see below) for this book. 2. Free Choice novel – must be at least 150 pages. See reverse for recommendations, but you may also choose a book that is not on this list. See reverse for the free choice assignment (choose one). Entering Grade 8 1. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes  You must keep a double entry journal (see below) for this book. 2. Free Choice novel – must be at least 150 pages. See reverse for recommendations, but you may also choose a book that is not on this list. See reverse for the free choice assignment (choose one). Double Entry Journals due the first day of school in September The purpose of double‐entry journal is to give you an opportunity to become more involved with the book and to decide what you feel is important in the book. You will divide your pages into two with a vertical line down the center. On the left side, you will copy down short quotes from the book that you find interesting in some way. In the right column, you will write your personal responses to the quotes on the left. These reactions should include but do not have to be limited to: 1. Text‐to‐Self  Comments about whether you agree or disagree with a character’s actions  Connections to events in your life  Your reaction to a character’s actions, words, or thoughts  Predictions about what the quote means for the story  Reactions about the author’s writing style  Comments about grammar and guesses about the meaning of new words 2. Text‐to‐Text  Connections to another book you have read 3. Text‐to‐World  Connections to a historical/current event The following are the minimum number of quotes you must have:  6th grade – 10  7th grade – 15  8th grade ‐ 20 Summer Reading Free Choice Project Choices
due the first day of class in September
Sixth grade responses must be a minimum of two paragraphs. Seventh grade responses must be a minimum of three paragraphs. Eighth grade responses must be a minimum of four paragraphs. 1. Explain the main conflict in the book. Evaluate the way the character or characters responded to the conflict and the resolution. If you were the main character, how would you have responded (this part may be written in first person)? Explain. 2. Write a diary entry that one of the stories main characters might have kept before, during, or after the book's events. Remember that the character’s thoughts and feelings are very important in a diary. 3. Rewrite a chapter of the book from another character's point of view (not the narrator). Then, in 3‐4 sentences, briefly explain how and why this differed from the actual narrator. 4. Write a letter to the author. Share your reading experience with the author. Share the thoughts and questions you had while your read the book. Then, explain to the author what you liked and disliked about the text. Use textual details to back up what you say. This may be written in first person. 5. Write a letter to the main character of your book asking questions, protesting a situation, and/or making a complaint or suggestion. This may be done in first person. 6. Describe a character you would add to the book. Explain how this person would affect each part of the plot in the book (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution). How would the story change with this addition? 7. Compare and contrast this book to another book you have read. In what ways are they similar? In what ways are they different? 8. Write an alternate ending to the book. First, explain what actually happens at the end of your story. Then write the alternate ending. Free Choice Novels Recommended by Middle School Students
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Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper Divergent by Veronica Roth The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins The Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank Nothing but the Truth by Avi The Maze Runner by James Dashner The Big Field by Mike Lupica No More Dead Dogs by Gordan Korman Hoot by Carl Hiassen 11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass Wonder by R.J. Palacio 
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White Fang by Jack London The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares Dreamer, Wisher, Liar by Charise Mericle Harper And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli Unwind by Neal Shusterman The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin If you have any questions, feel free to email me at [email protected]. Have a great summer, and I will see you in September!