May 11, 2017

Dear Parents and Incoming Fifth Graders,

We are excited about our active and engaging reading curriculum at Greenhill and regard summer as a great opportunity for our students to read every chance they get. The attached list of titles offers exciting journeys into worlds like and very unlike our own and will, we feel sure, enrich your children’s imagination and broaden their social and cultural awareness.

This summer, students are expected to read two required book. The first required book is The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies, an entertaining read about a brother and sister struggling to communicate and understand each other. They wage a "war" to see who can make the most money running a lemonade stand, and both kids learn what it means to have a successful business and successful relationships. The business-related concepts in The Lemonade War will provide the fifth graders with a fun, thoughtful way to refresh and review their math skills and concepts at the start of the year as we will use the book as the base of application-based learning.

The other required reading book allows for your child to make a choice! One title is Extra Credit by Andrew Clements. This book follows a young schoolgirl who is given the option of receiving extra credit by writing to an overseas pen pal in a small Afghanistan village. The problem: her overseas pen pal is a boy, and he is not allowed to correspond with a girl. How will they make it work? Extra Credit won a Christopher Award for Books for Young People in 2010. This book brings together two very different cultures and characters and culminates in an inclusive, respectful way. The other title is Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli, which is a winner (1991) that follows the journey of a young homeless boy through a segregated town. Through his journey he is a hero, an athlete, and positively changes the lives of those around him. Both of these books will touch on cultural differences, and the 5th grade teachers are excited to “unpack” these themes with the students in a manner that is educational and promotes cultural awareness. Please note that Greenhill will provide both the choice book and The Lemonade War for your student.

In addition to Extra Credit or Maniac Magee and The Lemonade War, each student needs to read a minimum of two more books not previously read from the attached list. The other two selections will be the spur for activities and assignments in the fall.

All of us hope that you and your child will have a relaxing summer full of good books and the time to read them.

Sincerely,

Susan Palmer Head of Middle School

Katie Peterson Department Chair, Middle School English

Melanie Girard, Natalie Nihill Ruberto, and Monica Bullock Fifth Grade English

Summer Reading List for Incoming Fifth Graders

For their English classes, all students must choose either Extra Credit by Andrew Clements or Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli. For their math summer reading, students are to read The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davis. These books will be provided for all returning students by their current teachers.

In addition, students must read a minimum of two additional books from the list below that they have not read before. The two books should come from two different categories: fiction, nonfiction, mystery, fantasy, or historical fiction. The titles are organized by genre and alphabetically by author. Most authors on this list have won one or more awards; therefore, other titles by the same authors on this list may be substituted for credit. The objective is for students to experience three different authors and different genres. In addition to the list of books below, students may choose to read books that have won the Newbery Award, except the following books: Good Masters, Sweet Ladies; ; ; Joyful Noise; Whipping Boy; Sarah, Plain and Tall; Dear Mr. Henshaw; and A Visit to William Blake’s Inn.

**********************************************Fiction********************************************** Red Zone, Barber The Eagles junior-high team struggles through the playoffs as the players battle their community’s expectations as well as chicken pox. This book emphasizes good values and teamwork on and off the field and play-by-play football action.

Science Fair, Barry & Pearson A hilarious adventure filled with suspense and levitating frogs as Toby, a regular kid, attempts to win the science fair prize and stop a plot to take over the American government by infiltrating the science fair at Hubble Middle School.

Basketball or Something Like It, Baskin Told in alternating chapters, 3 boys and 1 girl share how basketball affects their lives. Their success is hindered by super- competitive or uninterested parents who undermine the athletes and coaches. The players' friendship focuses on the drama and fun of playing ball and explores what it takes to be a winner, both on the court and off.

The Name of This Book Is Secret, Bosch (Secret series) When adventurous detective Cass and a boy driven by logic discover a box filled with smelly vials of colorful ingredients, they accidentally stumble upon a mystery surrounding a dead magician's diary and the hunt for immortality.

Cosmic, Boyce Liam feels like he's stuck between two worlds because he is 12 and looks 30. Sometimes it's not so bad, but mostly it's just frustrating. So he cons his way onto the 1st spaceship taking kids into space as the adult chaperone. Trouble and fun ensue.

Extra Credit, Clements Letters for extra credit flow between the prairies of Illinois and the mountains of Afghanistan, across cultural and religious divides. Abby, 6th grade, Amira, 10, and Sadeed, 11, become pen pals. Friendship flourishes and trouble ensues.

Al Capone Does My Homework, Choldenko Newbery author Moose, who lives on Alcatraz in the 1930’s with his family and those of other prison guards, must track down a possible arsonist and protect his dad is from the prisoners. He gets a cryptic note from the notorious Al Capone, but if he can't figure out what Capone's note means, it may be too late. Is Capone trying to protect Moose's dad?

Powerless, Cody Daniel discovers that his new town is protected by six kid superheroes. The only problem is that they lose their powers the moment that they turn 13. Can Daniel help his new friends save their powers from a super villain?

Replay, Creech Newbery author While preparing for a role in the school play, Leo, 12, finds an autobiography that his father wrote as a teen and ponders the ways people change as they grow up.

Wildlife, DeFelice A gripping adventure and survival story about Erik and a rescued dog living in rural North Dakota with grandparents he hardly knows, while his parents have been deployed to Iraq.

Akeelah and the Bee, Ellison Akeelah, 11, enters a spelling bee, and despite objections from her mom, is tutored by her principal and proud relatives of her neighborhood. Will she win in the California state meet where she represents her school?

The Gollywhopper Games, Feldman Gil, 12, competes against thousands in games and stunts sponsored by a toy company that awards scholarships and enough money for his family to start over since his father was accused of embezzlement. There are lots of codes and puzzles to crack.

Her Stories: African-American folktales, fairy tales, and true tales, Hamilton Newbery author Nineteen stories collected from African American history from slavery to the present

Cracker: The Best Dog in Vietnam, Kadohata Newbery author A German shepherd destined for greatness until a broken leg is accepted into a military canine unit, bonds with a young soldier, and helps soldiers sniff out booby traps in Vietnam.

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, Kelly Newbery Honor book. In Texas in 1899, Callie Tate, 11, is instructed to be a lady by her mother, learns about love from her older three brothers, and studies the beauty of the natural world with her grandfather, which leads to an important discovery.

Kimchi & Calamari, Kent Joseph feels like he’s a quirky food fusion of Korean and Italian cuisine. Why wouldn't an adopted Korean drummer and comic book junkie feel like that? But his social studies essay on his ancestry leads to a catastrophe messier than a table of shattered dishes and self-discovery that Joseph never could have imagined.

Trial by Journal, Klise A light-hearted, illustrated story told through journal entries, news clippings, and letters, Lily, 12, finds herself on the jury of a murder trial while conducting her own undercover investigation of the case.

Swindle, Korman (Swindle series) After being conned out of a valuable baseball card, 6th grader Griffin and his friends try to get it back. Standing in their way are a menacing guard dog, a high-tech security system, a secret hiding place, and their inability to drive.

When the Mountain Meets the Moon, Lin Newbery Honor An enchanting adventure story of quick-thinking MinLi’s magical search to find the Old Man of the Moon who she believes holds the secret to good fortune.

The Willoughbys, Lowry Newbery author The four Willoughby children make a plan to become orphans, unaware that their despicable parents have an evil plan to lose them. They have no idea what will happen as they try to get rid of their ghastly parents and live happily ever after.

The Batboy, Lupica Brian is a majors’ batboy without a father. Hank is a disgraced batter for the majors. Can baseball bring them together? It’s a summer neither expects and neither will ever forget.

Wonder, Palacio Auggie, 10, born with extreme facial abnormalities, goes from being home-schooled to entering 5th grade. This transition entails the taunting and fear of his classmates as he struggles to be seen as just another student.

Archer’s Quest, Park Newbery author Kevin, 12, a Korean American math whiz, is shocked when a man, complete with bow and arrows, crashes in his room. Kevin uses Korean history, folktales, math, and the Chinese Zodiac to help him travel back in time before the year ends.

Project Mulberry, Park Newbery author While working on a project for school, Korean-American Julie and her friend Patrick learn not just about silkworms, but also about tolerance, prejudice, friendship, and patience. Each chapter starts with text between author and main character!

Summer of Gypsy Moths, Pennypacker Stella loves living with her great-aunt because her mom is kind of unreliable. Then her aunt takes in a foster child, Angel. Angel is tough and prickly, but when tragedy strikes, Stella and Angel must rely on each other to survive.

Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg, Philbrick Newbery Honor A funny, rip-roaring tale of young mistreated orphan Homer who runs away from his cruel uncle to rescue his beloved older brother who was illegally sold into the Union army during the Civil War.

The Neddiad: How Neddie Took the Train, Went to Hollywood, and Saved Civilization, Pinkwater When shoelace heir Neddie and his family take the train in the 1940’s, he winds up with a valuable Indian turtle artifact whose owner is supposed to be able to prevent the destruction of the world, but he is not sure how. Unexpected twists.

Slam Dunk, Robinson (Jackie Robinson’s daughter) Elijah settles into a new home and school after his father dies. He looks forward to hitting the books and the basketball court. He runs for student council and suddenly life gets a lot more complicated! He wants to win but not lose his friends.

Night of the Howling Dogs, Salisbury Dylans’s scout troop is camping near a volcano in Hawaii. Dylan and Louie can't get along. An earthquake occurs causing waves to rush in, sweeping everyone and everything away. Dylan and Louie must team up on a survival rescue mission.

Wonderstruck, Selznik Caldecott Medal author Ben in 1997 and Rose in 1927 both run away. Set 50 years apart, their stories converge in an amazing way linked by the Museum of Natural History. One story is narrated in text, the other through stunning graphic art.

Storm Runners, Smith (Storm Runners series) Fast-paced action as Chase, 12, travels the country with his dad, a “storm runner,” and he is tested in ways he never imagined when he and a new friend are caught in a hurricane near St. Petersburg, Florida.

The White Giraffe, St. John When Martine’s parents died in a fire, she lives with a grandma she’s never met on a wildlife preserve in Africa where she hears about a mystical white giraffe. Once she sees a tall silvery animal. Is it her imagination or is it real? Thrilling story.

That Girl Lucy Moon, Timberlake Lucy champions animal rights, supports workers around the world, spots injustice, and isn't afraid to fight it. Now in junior high, her latest cause lands her with a detention, a “bad influence” reputation, and a vandalized locker. Can she stand up for her beliefs and survive junior high?

Pie, Weeks Alice’s Aunt Polly passes away and leaves her world-famous pie crust recipe to her cat, which she leaves in Alice’s care. As everyone tries to discover the secret ingredients, Alice learns important lessons about faith, love, and family.

President of the Whole Fifth Grade, Winston Brianna decides to follow her heroes’ footsteps by running for president as a first step to being rich and famous and having her own cupcake baking empire. But she has more competition than she expects. How far will she go?

So Totally Emily Ebers, Yee (other titles Millicent Min, Girl Genius and Stanford Wong Flunks Big-Time) After her parents' divorce, Emily moves. Now she writes letters to her rock-star dad about travel, her new friends, and how much she misses him. Emily may be starting over, but she's going to come out on top. Funny and touching.

********************************************Nonfiction******************************************** Mission Control, This Is Apollo: The Story of the First Voyages to the Moon, Chaikin Traces America’s space voyages from Mercury through Apoolo17. Full of little known facts, photos, and illustrations.

Phineas Gage, Fleischman (available as an ebook on Follett Shelf) Fleischman reveals an extraordinary account of how mid-nineteenth century railroad worker Phineas Gage survived a horrible head injury and how his slow recovery advanced modern scientists’ understanding of the human brain.

Hurricanes, Tsunamis, and Other Natural Disasters, Langley (Kingfisher Knowledge series) Illustrated facts about the biggest disasters ever, from monster waves to terrifying tornados.

Phobiapedia, Levy Phobiapedia is an encyclopedia of all the things we fear the most, from common fears like spiders, heights, confined spaces, to the strange and unusual like dust and the color yellow. Packed with amazing, eerie images and filled with facts.

The Kid Who Named Pluto and the Stories of Other Extraordinary Young People in Science, McCutcheon A collection of profiles of children and young adults whose scientific inventions made an impact on the world.

We Are the Ship: the story of Negro League Baseball, Nelson Coretta Scott King Award/ Sibert Award This illustrated book explores the history of Negro League baseball teams, owners, players, hardships, wins, and losses.

Guts, Paulsen Newbery Honor author Paulsen was kind to Brian in Hatchet. Guts tells the real stories behind the Brian books and of the adventures that inspired him to write Brian's story. He shares special memories of his own wilderness survival eating eyeballs and guts!

All of the Above, Pearsall Based on a true story of four 7th grade inner-city kids and their quest to build the world's largest tetrahedron, they attempt to break the Guinness world record. Told in humorous alternating teacher/students chapters in an engaging story.

Duped! True Stories of the World’s Best Swindlers, Schroeder Eight true tales of the most outrageous swindlers. How the Nazis planned to destroy the British economy during WWII, how a radio broadcast had American citizens convinced that Martians were invading the country, etc. Great illustrations.

Candy Bomber: The Story of the Berlin Airlift’s “Chocolate Pilot,” Tunnell Fascinating true story of the WWII pilot who began a nation-wide effort to collect candy and gum and drop it by parachutes for children over war-torn Berlin. Wonderful illustrations and period photos.

Fossil Fish Found Alive: Discovering the Coelacanth, Walker Story of a 1938 South African discovery of the coelacanth, a bizarre fish thought to be extinct for millions of years.

Scientists in the Field, various authors (Scientists in the Field series) (several titles available as an ebook on Follett Shelf) Each of this 30+ book series is beautifully illustrated with photo-essay profiles of scientists as they each work in unique fields of science. Some titles include Tarantula Scientist, Gorilla Doctor: Saving Endangered Great Apes, Swimming with Hammerhead Sharks, Emi and the Rhino Scientist, The Wildlife Detective, etc.

Sports Heroes and Legends series Biographies that trace the lives of sports figures alive and dead in a variety of sports including Mia Hamm, Wilma Rudolph, Eli Manning, Roberto Clemente, etc. (over 20 titles)

*******************************************Fantasy**********************************************

Peter and the Starcatchers, Barry & Pearson (Starcatchers series) A fast-paced story of young orphan, Peter, Molly, and their mates who are sent to an island ruled by an evil King. The journey quickly becomes fraught with treacherous battles with pirates, foreboding thunderstorms at sea, excitement and danger.

Gregor and the Code of Claw, Collins (Underland Chronicles series) When Gregor, 12, finally learns the ancient prophecy which foretells his death, he must gather his courage to defend Regalia from the army of rats, take his mother and sister home safely, and fight his own dark side.

Halt’s Peril, Flanagan (Ranger’s Apprentice series) An outlaw group is conning the innocent out of their valuables. Will and Halt are ambushed by the cult's deadly assassins, Halt is pierced by a poisoned arrow, and Will must search for the one with the power to cure Halt – Malkallam, Sorcerer.

A Tale Dark and Grimm, Gidwitz Hansel and Gretel walk out of their own story and into eight other classic Grimm-inspired tales. Follow them through a forest brimming with menacing foes and learn the true story behind the bread crumbs, edible houses, and outwitted witches.

Among the Hidden, Haddix (The Shadow Children series) As a third child, Luke has never been to school or had a friend. In this future world, having more than two kids is illegal. When he meets a shadow child like himself, does he dare to risk everything to come out of the shadows?

Athena the Wise, Holub & Williams (Goddess Girls series) Principal Zeus asks Athena to help Heracles complete his 12 labors. But when Heracles starts borrowing Athena's friends’ things without asking, will she be able to help him set things straight? Classic Greek myths are given a modern twist.

Redwall, Jacques (Redwall series) Adventurous stories of mice and other creatures that travel to their destiny with the help of Martin-the-Warrior.

Ella Enchanted, Levine Newbery Honor Based on the story of Cinderella, Ella struggles against the childhood curse that forces her to obey any order given to her.

Treasure of Greek Mythology, Napoli The ultimate full-color guide to mythic gods, goddesses, heroes and monsters. Thrilling tales and character profiles.

The Lightning Thief, Riordan (Percy Jackson series) (available as an ebook on Follett Shelf) Percy Jackson discovers that the Greek gods and goddesses still exist, and that he is the son of one of the gods. He goes on a quest to solve a mystery and return peace to Olympus.

Closer, Williams & Gordon (Tunnels series) Will spends time decoding cryptic glyphs, eyeing the wild animals with renegade girl Elliott, and the ruthless Rebeccas have once more cheated death. With a corps of cold-blooded Limiters, they're determined to hunt Will to the bitter end.

********************************************Historical Fiction***************************************

Crispin: The Cross of Lead, Avi Newbery Award A peasant boy wrongly accused of a terrible crime must flee his tiny English village to save his life. Along his journey to freedom, he meets dangerous hidden enemies trying to stop him from discovering the secret of his identity.

Atticus of Rome, 30 B.C., Denenberg (Life and Times series) (another title Pandora of Athens, 399 B.C.) In ancient Rome, Atticus, a young slave purchased by a wealthy and powerful lawyer, finds that he is completely invisible to the people from whom he must gather info to help foil a plot against the Emperor.

Satch and Me: A Baseball Card Mystery, Gutman (…. and Me: A Baseball Card Mystery series) With his ability to travel through time, Joe takes Flip to find out whether Satchel Page really was the fastest pitcher ever.

The Trouble with May Amelia, Holm (also Our Only May Amelia) Newbery author May Amelia is a tough, pioneer girl in Washington in a Finnish family with seven brothers. She always seems to be in trouble even though she tries to gain her father’s respect. He thinks girls are useless. Now her mistake might cost them the farm.

Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio, Kehret An honest, moving memoir of the author’s own struggle overcoming childhood polio, a disease which affected thousands of Americans during the late 1940’s.

Number the Stars, Lowry Newbery Award (available as an ebook on Follett Shelf) A daring, ten-year-old girl tries to outsmart Nazi soldiers to help her Jewish best friend escape Denmark.

The King of Mulberry Street, Napoli Beniamino, 9, a Jewish boy from Naples, is smuggled onto a ship in 1892. When he ends up alone in New York, he has to deal with his fear and sadness and figure out how to get food and shelter as he makes his way in the New World.

So Far From the Bamboo Grove, Watkins A fictionalized autobiography in which eight-year-old Yoko escapes with her mother and sister from Korea to Japan at the end of WW II. The violence they encounter reveals the powerful resources of the human spirit.

The Devil’s Arithmetic, Yolen Hannah, 12, thinks tonight's Passover Seder will be the same as always. Little does she know that this year she will be mysteriously transported back to a Polish village in 1940 where only she knows the horrors that await them.

************************************************Mystery****************************************** Hold Fast, Balliett. Early falls into Chicago's shelter system, and from there must solve the mystery of her father's strange disappearance. He's not the kind of father who would disappear. But he's gone . . . and he's left a whole lot of trouble behind.

Shakespeare’s Secret, Broach A missing diamond in her new house, an eccentric, mysterious neighbor who know a lot about it, Danny, the most popular boy in school, and a link to Shakespeare. Can Hero, a 6th grader, uncover the connections and solve the mystery?

Belly Up, Gibbs Teddy, 12, believes that Henry the hippo at the brand-new FunJungle has been murdered. The zoo officials say the hippo went belly up the natural way, but Teddy and his friend Summer disagree. The more they dig, the more danger they’re in.

Football Hero, Green In this football mystery, full of suspense, Ty can’t believe he is on the football team, and begins to suspect the coach has reasons other than his skills to have him on the roster.

Chomp, Hiassen Newbery Honor author (other titles include Flush, Hoot, and Scat) A combination of wild animals and reality TV is mixed with humor, adventure, and mystery when the fame-seeking star of the show disappears in the Everglades during a storm and Wahoo, 12, and his friend Tuna are left to find him.

The Pharaoh’s Secret, Moss When Talibah and Adom accompany their father to Egypt on his research assignment, they become involved with mysterious strangers and intrigue surrounding an ancient lost pharaoh, a rare queen ruler.

The Maze of Bones, Riordan (39 Clues series – various authors; also 39 Clues Cahills and Vespers series) What if you discovered your family was one of the most powerful ever and the source of the family's power was hidden around the world in 39 clues? Take a million dollars or get the first clue to uncover what really happen to your parents.

The Mysterious Benedict Society, Stewart (The Mysterious Benedict Society series) After passing a series of mind-bending tests, four children are selected for a secret mission that requires them to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that there are no rules.

Buried Alive, Skurzynski & Ferguson (Mysteries in Our National Parks series, each book in a different park) Jack and Ashley are in a life-or-death, suspenseful situation in Denali National Park. Nicky has joined them but they don't know is that he is in the Witness Protection Program and has a "hit" out on him. Together they deal with an assassin and more.

Sammy Keyes and the Wild Things, van Draanen -- (Sammy Keyes series) While on her first hiking and camping trip, Sammy, 13, tries to solve a mystery involving an injured endangered condor while avoiding scorpions, ticks, the embarrassment of being lost, and a dangerous armed poacher.