Carrollwood Day School - Middle School 1 Summer Reading 2011

At CDS we hope that everyone will find joy and pleasure in reading!In order to jump start your love of reading, the Language A teachers have provided you with some great reading selections this summer. This packet will explain the books and assignments for each grade level, as well as some excellent suggestions for your books of choice. All students will read a minimum of three books, two assigned books and one book of choice.

6TH GRADE STUDENTS will read these two required* books this summer:

El Lector by William Durbin This book is set in Ybor City during the 1930ʼs. Bella must help preserve her peopleʼs culture during tumultuous times.

The Westing Game by Ellen RaskinThe mysterious death of an eccentric millionaire brings together an unlikely assortment of heirs who must uncover the circumstances of his death before they can claim their inheritance.

7TH GRADE STUDENTS will read these two required* books this summer:

Donʼt Look Behind You by Lois DuncanAprilʼs life is changed forever when she and her family are forced to enter the Witness Protection Program.

A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue ParkBased on a true story, this book tells two stories set in Sudan. One story takes place in 2008, the other in 1985. Both stories give you a first hand look at life in this region.

8TH GRADE STUDENTS are required* to read two books this summer. All students are required to read Unwind plus a second book from the two choices listed below:

Unwind by Neal ShustermanSet in the not so distant future, three teenagers are literally running for their lives as they attempt to escape being “unwound.”

Choose one:

My Brother Sam is Dead by James and Christopher Collier recounts the tragedy that strikes the Meeker family during the Revolution when one son joins the rebel forces while the rest of the family tries to stay neutral. "

Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson takes place during the Yellow Fever outbreak of 1793 in Philadelphia. Fourteen year old Mattie Cook must grow up fast to save herself, her family, and her home.

*After finishing the required reading all students must choose to read at least one book of choice.

Summer Reading List 2011

Carrollwood Day School - Middle School 2 Summer Reading 2011

Summer Reading Assignments All assignments are due the first day of school.

Teachers will be assessing assignments based on Criterion A: Content. (See next page)

6th Grade ! !Once you have finished reading you will write two reaction papers for your required texts. These papers must be one page, typed, double-spaced, and a legible 12 point font. Each paper must explain your personal connection to the novel, as well as highlight your favorite parts of the novels. This should not be just a summary of the book, but rather your ideas and thoughts on the authorʼs purpose. You will complete a project for your book of choice in class, so no paper is necessary for your book of choice.

7th GradeOnce you have finished reading, you will complete two papers in response to each guiding question, below. You must use at least three examples from each text to support your answer. Papers should be approximately one page, typed, double-spaced, and a legible 12 point font. You will complete an assignment for your book of choice in class.

Donʼt Look Behind You: Why is it important to be open minded and flexible in a difficult situation?

A Long Walk to Water : How does a person's environment " " " " " impact his/her life?  In your answer, reference the struggle of " " " " " the main characters in the book. 

8th Grade!! ! ! Once you have finished reading, reflect upon what similarities the two novels share. Then write one essay that discusses one major similarity between both novels. You can choose to write about character traits, conflict, writing style, genre, etc. Your paper should be approximately 2-3 pages, typed, double-spaced, and a legible 12 point font. Please do not forget your thesis statement, and include quotes from the novels to support your answer. This is not your reaction, so please do not use “I.” For your book of choice, you will complete an alternative book report due the first day of school. Please see the attached list for options.

Carrollwood Day School - Middle School 3 Summer Reading 2011

Criterion A: ContentAchievement level

Level descriptor

0 The student does not reach a standard described by any of the descriptors below.

1-2 The student demonstrates very limited understanding of the text and topic, and little or no awareness of the authorʼs choices. There is little or no detail, development or support.

The use of terminology is missing, inconsistent and/or incorrect.

3-4 The student demonstrates limited understanding of the text and topic, and sometimes shows an awareness of the authorʼs choices, although detail, development and/or support are insufficient.

The use of terminology is sometimes accurate and appropriate.

5-6 The student demonstrates a sufficient understanding of the text and topic, and an awareness of the authorʼs choices, using adequate detail, development and support.

Terminology is usually accurate and appropriate.

7-8 The student demonstrates a good understanding of the text, topic and the authorʼs choices, using substantial detail, development and support.

Relevant terminology is used accurately and appropriately.

9-10 The student demonstrates a perceptive understanding of the text, topic and the authorʼs choices, consistently using illustrative detail, development and support.

The student shows a sophisticated command of relevant terminology, and uses it appropriately.

Carrollwood Day School - Middle School 4 Summer Reading 2011

Alternative Book Reports: 8th Grade Only

1. Advertising CampaignDesign an advertising campaign to promote the sale of your book. Include a book trailer and a poster or magazine ad.

2. Board GameCreate a board game based on the events and characters in the book you read. By playing your game members of the class should learn what happened in the book. Your game must include the following: a game board, rule sheet, and clear directions, events and characters from the story.

3. DioramaMake a 3-D model of an important scene for the book you read. Include a detailed description and explanation of the scene.

4. CollageCreate a collage of images and words that represent major themes, characters, tone or mood of the book. Include a brief summary of the book on the back. Collage should be larger than 8 1/2 x11 and cover the paper completely.

5. Words of WisdomSelect wise or insightful quotations from a character of characters from the book you read. Compile the quotations into a booklet and include your response to the quotes. Be sure to be neat and include pictures.

6. NewspaperCreate a newspaper that includes events and characters in the story. You can write news stories based on happenings in the story, interviews with characters, relevant ads, comics, or editorials on issues in the book, etc. Authenticity and presentation count. (Must be at least 2 pages)

7. CartoonCreate a series of cartoons using the characters or scenes from the book. Or sequence the main points of the book with cartoons.

8. SongwritingWrite and record a song with lyrics that represent the book, its characters, or the setting.

9. Social Networking SiteIllustrate your in-depth understanding of at least four characters in your book by imagining what their Facebook page might look like. Create a model of the site that includes as much of the following information as possible: Name, Occupation, Activities, Interests, Likes, Wall Posts, Groups, News Feed updates, friends etc. Be thorough.

10.Create your own projectMust be approved ahead of time, must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the book and its characters as well as showcase creative effort.

Carrollwood Day School - Middle School 5 Summer Reading 2011

The Graveyard Book by Neil GaimanThe Devilʼs Arithmetic by Jane YolenCity of Ember by Jeanne DuPrauKira-Kira by Cynthia KadohataHoles by Louis SacharHoot by Carl HiaasenWhen You Reach Me by Rebecca SteadThe Lightning Thief by Rick RiordanGregor the Overlander by Suzanne CollinsRedwall by Brian JacquesHarry Potter Series by J.K. RowlingThe Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George SpeareHeat by Mike LupicaCoraline by Neil GaimanIsland of the Blue Dolphins by Scott OʼDellElla Enchanted by Gail Carsen LevineRed Kayak by Priscilla CummingsPostcards from No Manʼs Land by Aiden ChambersJacob Have I Loved by Katherine PatersonPhoenix Rising by Karen HesseSummer of My German Soldier by Bette GreeneRed Scarf Girl by Ji-Li JiangCheaper by the Dozen by Frank B. Gilbreth, Jr.A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Newton PeckCall of the Wild by Jack LondonWhere the Lilies Bloom by Vera and Bill CleaverThe Pigman by Paul ZindelThe Rangerʼs Apprentice (series) Book 1: The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan The Angel Experiment (Maximum Ride 1) by James PattersonPrincess Academy by Shannon Hale

City of Bones by Cassandra ClareFound by Margaret Peterson HaddixSpeak by Laurie Halse AndersonEnderʼs Game by Orson Scott CardThe Schwa Was Here by Neal ShustermanAnd Then There Were None by Agatha ChristieEragon by Christopher PaoliniStargirl by Jerry SpinelliTwilight by Stephenie MeyerHost by Stephenie MeyerThe Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie RyanHush, Hush by Becca FitzpatrickMockingbird by Kathryn ErskineGraceling by Kristin CashoreThe Hunger Games by Suzanne CollinsShiver by Maggie StiefvaterBeastly by Alex FlinnThe Chocolate War by Robert CormierPeeled by Joan BauerProm and Prejudice by Elizabeth EulbergRansom by Lois DuncanJust Listen by Sarah DessenThe Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark TwainThe Hobbit by J.R.R. TolkienNightshade by Andrea CremerInkheart by Cornelia FunkeLooking for Alaska by John GreenPaper Towns by John GreenWhale Talk by Chris CrutcherThe Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch AlbomMy Sisterʼs Keeper by Jodi PicoultPride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Suggested Reading List for Choice BooksThe books on this list vary in genre, length, and reading level. They are suggestions, not mandatory. Please use your best judgement when picking a book that is appropriate for your child.