Kindergarten Summer Reading List 2020-2021

These are some suggested books to read with your child before starting K:

ABC books Nursery Rhymes Books about numbers, colors, or shapes Books about school Books about seasons Rhyming books Picture books with few words on a page Fairy Tales Books with repetition

Specific Titles​: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom! The Day You Begin You Matter The Night Before Kindergarten

*First Grade Summer Reading* ​ ​

2020 – 2021 First grade readers have varied interests and abilities. Feel free to explore the library or bookstore to find additional authors and books that your child might enjoy.

Suggested Authors Suggested Series/Chapter Books *Eric Carle *Ready-to-Read Books (such as Henry *Dr. Seuss and Mudge or Pete the Cat) *Kevin Henkes *I Can Read! (such as the Biscuit books) *Marc Brown *National Geographic Kids Leveled *Laura Numeroff Readers *Lois Ehlert *Young Cam Jansen by David Adler *Gail Gibbons *Iris and Walter by Elissa Haden Guest *Mo Willems *Nate the Great by Marjorie Weinman *Eric Litwin Sharmat *Arnold Lobel *Froggy by Jonathan London *Cynthia Rylant

Suggested Titles *I am Enough by Grace Byers *All Are Welcome Here by Alexandra Penfold *Black is a Rainbow Color by Angela Joy *The Night Before First Grade by Natasha Wing *I Walk With Vanessa: A Story About a Simple Act of Kindness by Kerascoet

2nd Grade Reading List 2020 -2021

If your child likes funny books, try: If your child likes series books, try: ● What is Chasing Duck? by Jan Thomas ● Aggie the Brave by Lori Ries – ● We Are in a Book by Mo Willems (all FRIENDSHIP Elephant and Piggie books are ● Caterpillar to Butterfly by Laura Marsh – fantastic!) NONFICTION ● The Big Fat Cow That Goes Kapow by ● Mr. Putter and Tabby Walk the Dog by Andy Griffiths Cynthia Rylant – FRIENDSHIP ● Mercy Watson by Kate DiCamillo ● Penny and Her Marble by Kevin Henkes – ● Wedgie & Gizmo by Suzanne Selfors REALISTIC ● Rabbit & Bear: Rabbit’s Bad Habits by ● Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea by Ben Julian Gough & Jim Field Clanton – FRIENDSHIP

If your child likes adventure stories, they’ll If your child loves realistic stories, try: love: ● Bink & Gollie Best Friends Forever by ● Bo’s Magical New Friend (Unicorn Diaries) Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee\ by Rebecca Elliott ● Meet Yasmin! by Saadia Faruqui ● The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale ● Pug Blasts Off (Diary of a Pug) by Kyla and Dean Hale (find more books like May Princess in Black) ● Sadiq and the Desert Star by Siman ● Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot #1 by Dav Nuurali Pilkey ● Sofia Martinez My Vida Loca by Jacquline ● Notebook of Doom #1 by Troy Cummings Jules ● Rise of the Earth Dragon #1 by Tracey ● A New Friend for Sophie Mouse by Poppy West Green ● Haggis & Tank: All Paws on Deck by ● Owl Diaries by Rebecca Elliott Jessica Young ● The Party and Other Stories (Fox and ● Dig to Disaster: A Miss Mallard Mystery Chick) by Sergio Ruzzier by Robert Quackenbush

Online Book Lists Links: Multicultural and Social Justice books Best of Children's Literature 2019 NPR Kid's Literature pick of 2019 Best Children's Books of the Year (Bank Street College of Education)

Do you want to know if a book is at your child’s reading level? Since these books are on Amazon, search to preview the book. Ask your child to read ONE random full page of text. If he/she misses between 1 – 5 words, the book is JUST RIGHT, meaning it’s at his/her comprehension level. 0 is too easy, which is fine, but not all the time. Over 5 words means the book is too challenging!

2020-2021 Third Grade Recommended Summer Reading List

Please make sure that all book choices are JUST RIGHT for you as a reader! ​ ​

Suggested Titles:

Horrible Harry, by Suzy Kline The Candy Shop War, by Brandon Mull ​ ​ The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and ​ Her Family's Fight for Desegregation by Chocolate Fever, by Robert Kimmel Smith ​ ​ Duncan Tonatiuh

Shiloh, by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor Magic Tree House series, by Mary Pope ​ ​ Invisible Lines, by Mary Amato Osborne ​ A to Z Mysteries series, by Ron Roy Preaching to the Chickens: The Story of Young ​ John Lewis, by Jabari Asim The Time Warp Trio series, Jon Scieszka ​ ​ ​ Because of Mr. Terupt, by Rob Buyea Ivy & Bean Series by Annie Barrows ​ ​ A Week in the Woods, by Andrew Clements Bad Kitty series by Nick Bruell ​ ​ Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, by Grace Little Leaders series by Vashti Harrison ​ ​ Lin The Biography Book for New Readers series ​ Pavel and the Tree Army by Heidi Smith Hyde ​ ​

Suggested Authors: ● Judy Blume ● Kate DiCamillo ● Patricia Polacco

● Matt Christopher ● Laura Ingalls Wilder ● Jon Scieszka

● Beverly Cleary ● Suzy Kline ● Jerry Spinelli

● Andrew Clements ● Megan McDonald ● Janet Tashjian

● Jean Craigshead ● James Patterson (for ● Raina Telgemeier ​ George kids)

● Roald Dahl

Do you want to know if a book is at your child’s reading level? Since these books are on Amazon, search to preview the book. Ask your child to read ONE random full page of text. If he/she misses between 1 – 5 words, the book is JUST RIGHT, meaning it’s at his/her comprehension level. 0 is too easy, which is fine, but not all the time. Over 5 words means the book is too challenging!

Additional Online Book lists: NPR Kid's Literature pick of 2019 Best Children's Books of the Year (Bank Street College of Education) ​ Social Justice books -> Booklists ​ 4th Grade Summer Reading List 2020-2021 These are recommended summer reading books for students entering 4th grade. Please make sure that any books that you pick from this list are JUST RIGHT​ for you as a reader.

(REALISTIC) FICTION NON FICTION/HISTORICAL FICTION - Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo - The Boy Who Invented TV by Kathleen Krull ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ - Flora and Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo - Can We Save The Tiger? by Martin Jenkins ​ ​ ​ ​ - Restart by Gordon Korman - “Who Is/Was…” Series (various authors) ​ ​ - Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary - “The Story of Exploration” by Anna Claybourne ​ ​ - Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary - “The Story of Inventions” by Anna Claybourne ​ ​ - Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies - “I Survived” Series by Lauren Tarshis ​ ​ FANTASY/ADVENTURE SPORTS - Miss Ellicott’s School for the Magically Minded - Comeback Kids: Hot Hand by Mike Lupica ​ ​ ​ by Sage Blackwood - Two Minute Drill by Mike Lupica ​ ​ - Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate - Who is Derek Jeter? by Gail Herman & Andrew ​ ​ ​ ​ - James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl Thomson ​ ​ - A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle - “Amazing Athletes” Series (various authors) ​ ​ - “Half Upon a Time” Series by James Riley - “Ballpark Mysteries” Series by David A. Kelly - “Magic Tree House” Series by Mary Pope - Any books by Matt Christopher Osbourne - “Survivor Diaries” Series by Terry Lynn Johnson HUMOR CULTURAL AWARENESS/RACIAL EQUITY - Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume - Something Happened in Our Town: A Child’s ​ ​ ​ - Freckle Juice by Judy Blume Story About Racial Injustice by Marianne Celano, ​ ​ ​ ​ - Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman Marietta Collins, and Ann Hazzard ​ ​ ​ ​ - The Croc Ate My Homework by Stephan Pastis - Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History ​ ​ ​ (Graphic Novel Series) by Vashti Harrison - My Fox Ate My Homework by David Blaze ​ ​ - Not My Idea by Anastasia Higginbotham - Sideways Stories From Wayside School by Louis ​ ​ ​ ​ - Going Down Home with Daddy by Kelly Starling Sachar ​ ​ Lyons

- Sulwe by Lupita Nyongo ​ ​ - We March by Shane W. Evans ​ ​ - We Are the Change: Words of Inspiration from ​ ​ Civil Rights Leaders by Harry Belafonte ​ ​ - Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason ​ ​ Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi - Hands up by Breanna J. McDaniel ​ ​ - Enough! 20 Protestors Who Changed America by ​ ​ Emily Easton

-Most People by Michael Leanna ​ ​ -Woke! A Young Poet’s Call to Justice by ​ ​ Reading list continues on page 2... Mahogany L. Browne with Elizabeth Acevedo and Olivia Gatwood -Blended by Sharon M. Draper ​ ​ -King and the Dragonflies by Kacen Callendar ​ -The Lost Tribes series by C. Taylor-Butler ​ ​ ​ -You Don’t Know Everything, Jilly P! by Alex Gino ​ -Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson ​ ​ -Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis ​ ​ -Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks by ​ ​ Jason Reynolds -Dictionary for a Better World: Poems, Quotes, ​ and Anecdotes from A to Z by Irene Latham ​ -The Stars Beneath Our Feet by David Barclay ​ ​ Moore

Do you want to know if a book is at your child’s reading level? Since these books are on Amazon, search to preview the book. Ask your child to read ONE random full page of text. If he/she misses between 1 – 5 words, the book is JUST RIGHT, meaning it’s at his/her comprehension level. 0 is too easy, which is fine, but not all the time. Over 5 words means the book is too challenging! (REALISTIC) FICTION NON FICTION/HISTORICAL FICTION - Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo - The Boy Who Invented TV by Kathleen Krull ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ - Flora and Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo - Can We Save The Tiger? by Martin Jenkins ​ ​ ​ ​ - Restart by Gordon Korman - “Who Is/Was…” Series (various authors) ​ ​ - Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary - “The Story of Exploration” by Anna Claybourne ​ ​ - Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary - “The Story of Inventions” by Anna Claybourne ​ ​ - Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies - “I Survived” Series by Lauren Tarshis ​ ​

FANTASY/ADVENTURE SPORTS - Miss Ellicott’s School for the Magically - Comeback Kids: Hot Hand by Mike Lupica ​ ​ ​ Minded by Sage Blackwood - Two Minute Drill by Mike Lupica ​ ​ ​ - Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate - Who is Derek Jeter? by Gail Herman & Andrew ​ ​ ​ ​ - James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl Thomson ​ ​ - A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle - “Amazing Athletes” Series (various authors) ​ ​ - “Half Upon a Time” Series by James Riley - “Ballpark Mysteries” Series by David A. Kelly - “Magic Tree House” Series by Mary Pope - Any books by Matt Christopher Osbourne - “Survivor Diaries” Series by Terry Lynn Johnson CULTURAL AWARENESS/RACIAL EQUITY - Something Happened in Our Town: A Child’s ​ HUMOR Story About Racial Injustice by Marianne ​ ​ - Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Celano, Marietta Collins, and Ann Hazzard ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Blume - Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History ​ - Freckle Juice by Judy Blume ​ ​ by Vashti Harrison - Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman ​ ​ - Not My Idea by Anastasia Higginbotham - The Croc Ate My Homework by Stephan Pastis ​ ​ ​ ​ - Going Down Home with Daddy by Kelly Starling (Graphic Novel Series) ​ ​ Lyons - My Fox Ate My Homework by David Blaze ​ ​ - Sulwe by Lupita Nyongo - Sideways Stories From Wayside School by ​ ​ ​ ​ - We March by Shane W. Evans Louis Sachar ​ ​ - We Are the Change: Words of Inspiration ​ ​ from Civil Rights Leaders by Harry Belafonte ​ ​ - Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by ​ ​ Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi - Hands up by Breanna J. McDaniel ​ ​ - Enough! 20 Protestors Who Changed America ​ by Emily Easton -Most People by Michael Leanna ​ ​ -Woke! A Young Poet’s Call to Justice by ​ ​ Mahogany L. Browne with Elizabeth Acevedo and Olivia Gatwood -Blended by Sharon M. Draper ​ ​ -King and the Dragonflies by Kacen Callendar ​ -The Lost Tribes series by C. Taylor-Butler ​ ​ ​ -You Don’t Know Everything, Jilly P! by Alex Gino ​ *Reading list continues on page 2 -Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson ​ ​ -Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis ​ ​ -Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks by ​ ​ Jason Reynolds -Dictionary for a Better World: Poems, Quotes, ​ and Anecdotes from A to Z by Irene Latham ​ -The Stars Beneath Our Feet by David Barclay ​ ​ Moore

Do you want to know if a book is at your child’s reading level? Since these books are on Amazon, search to preview the book. Ask your child to read ONE random full page of text. If he/she misses between 1 – 5 words, the book is JUST RIGHT, meaning it’s at his/her comprehension level. 0 is too easy, which is fine, but not all the time. Over 5 words means the book is too challenging! Fifth Grade Recommended Summer Reading List

FANTASY ADVENTURE

Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy by Karen Foxlee Masterminds by Gordon Korman ​ ​ The Endling by Katherine Applegate Stranded by Jeff Probst and Chris Tebbetts ​ ​ ​ Five Kingdoms series by Brandon Mull Spy School by Stuart Gibbs ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ In a Glass Grimmly by Adam Gidwitz The Cloak Society by Jeramey Kraatz ​ ​ ​ ​ Nightmares! (series) by Jason Segel and Kirsten Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris ​ ​ ​ ​ Miller Grabenstein The Secret Zoo by Bryan Chick ​ ​ A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle ​ ​ ANIMAL ADVENTURES MYSTERY

The Last Dogs by Christopher Holt Space Case by Stuart Gibbs ​ ​ ​ Warriors by Erin Hunter Isabel Feeney, Star Reporter by Beth Fantaskey ​ ​ ​ ​ Mouseheart by Lisa Fiedler Framed! A T.O.A.S.T. Mystery by James Ponti ​ ​ ​ The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate Warren the 13th and The All-Seeing Eye by Tania ​ ​ ​ The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate Del Rio ​ Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. Nooks and Crannies by Jessica Lawson ​ ​ ​ O’Brien The Cloak Society by Jeramey Kraatz ​ ​ Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris ​ ​ Grabenstein

REALISTIC FICTION HUMOR

All Four Stars by Tara Dairman Origami Yoda (series) by Tom Angleberger ​ ​ See You in the Cosmos by Jack Cheng Unicorn on a Roll by Dana Simpson (graphic novel) ​ ​ George by Alex Gino Anyone But Ivy Pocket by Caleb Krisp ​ ​ ​ El Deafo by Cece Bell (graphic novel) Vordak the Incomprehensible by Vordak T. ​ ​ The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall Incomprehensible ​ Science of Breakable Things by Tae Keller Plants vs. Zombies by Paul Tobin and Ron Chan ​ ​ ​ The Skin I’m In by Sharon Flake The Worst Class Trip Ever by Dave Barry ​ ​ Drita, My Homegirl by Jenny Lombard ​ Kristy’s Great Idea Babysitter’s Club by Ann M. ​ Martin, illustrated by Raina Telgemeier (graphic novel) Dancing Home by Alma Flor Ada ​ Smile, Drama, & Sisters by Raina Telgemeier ​ (graphic novels) Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldeko ​ NONFICTION GRAPHIC NOVELS

Two Truths and a Lie by Ammi-Joan Paquette and Smile by Raina Telgemeier ​ ​ The Amulet Series by Kibuishi, Kazu Laurie Ann Thompson ​ ​ Best Friends by Shannon Hale National Geographic Kids Almanac 2018 ​ Click by Kayla Miller The Thrifty Guide to Ancient Rome by Jonathan ​ ​ New Kid by Jerry Craft ​ Stokes White Bird: A Wonder Story by R.J. Palacio Who is? or Who Was? series for children by ​ ​ various authors Hidden Figures Young Readers Edition by Margot ​ ​ Lee Shetterly The Kid Who Invented the Popsicle: And Other Surprising Stories About Inventions by Don L. ​ ​ Wulffson Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by ​ Vashti Harrison

HISTORICAL FICTION

Paper Wishes by Lois Sepahban ​ ​ Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan ​ ​ I Survived Series by Lauren Tarshis ​ ​ One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia ​ **These are the recommended books for summer reading for students entering fifth grade. Please make sure the books you choose are at a JUST RIGHT level. You can check that you are reading just-right books by using the five finger test. Choose a random full page to read from a book you’re interested in. Begin reading and put one finger up each time you come to a word you do not know. 1-5 Fingers up means it’s just right. Zero means it is too easy, which is fine, but not all the time. More than five missed words is too challenging. The books listed here are just suggestions; choose books that make you happy. Enjoy your summer and see you in September! ​ ​ Dear Future 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students, June 14, 2020

I would like to offer you some reading choices for your independent reading this summer. Our goal here at Garrison is to help develop our students to be avid readers. We strive to teach our students to be culturally inclusive, responsive and anti-racist. Each week during the school year I read the first chapter of a new book to help students engage in literature and find a love for reading. Many of the books that I chose include characters trying to empower themselves with social justice. Some books include a discussion of cultural awareness and racial equity as well.

This summer I have ordered two books to read which will help me to be a lifelong learner and to be a leader when discussing issues of racism, bias and oppression. I would love for some of my students to join me on this journey of learning through literature.

I invite you to read: Dear Martin by Nic Stone. This is a novel ​ which is loosely based on a series of true events involving the shooting deaths of unarmed African Americans. “A powerful, wrenching and compulsively readable story that lays bare the history, and the present, of racism in America.” Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You by ​ Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi. A ​ timely, crucial, and empowering exploration of racism--and antiracism--in America. This is NOT a history book.This is a book about the here and now. A book to help us better understand why we are where we are. “A ​ timely, crucial, and empowering exploration of racism--and antiracism--in America”.

Please feel free to check out this additional website to find more book choices. https://www.epicreads.com/blog/ya-books-poc-writers/amp/

Remember that we are all lifelong learners and books help us to continue on this journey of learning and growing. Happy reading!

~Jennifer Kirschenheiter Dear Incoming Sixth Graders, June 2020

I am super excited that you will be entering middle school next year. In preparation for an amazing year of reading, writing, learning and growing, I am requiring every student to read two books this summer.

Essayist Joseph Addison wrote, ‘Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body’. In today’s world, young people exercise their bodies to keep in shape. Any break in the exercise routine will cause a loss of muscle tone. The same is true for reading. Any break in reading, the exercising of the mind, will diminish reading comprehension skills. Research has shown that time spent reading correlates with academic success, vocabulary development, standardized-test performance, and the development of world knowledge (Moore, Bean, Birdsyshaw & Rycik, 1999).

Every student will read a minimum of two books: Holes by Louis Sachar and a book of choice. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

There are so many high interest, engaging and exciting books to choose from. This summer you get to choose a book that stimulates your curiosity or a book that friends or family members have read or a book that is newly published or a book that is by your favorite author or a book with the genre you would like to learn more about.

You can use these links to find recommendations. We are teachers - best middle school books Read brightly - books for middle schoolers Family reading -summer reading

In September, we will discuss both books in our reading and writing classes. 1. During the first few weeks of school you will complete an assignment based on the book, Holes by Louis Sachar. This will be our first in-school writing ​ ​ assignment.

2. In addition, you will each present to the class about your free choice book. We are using the TC Units of Study for our curriculum and we are trying to build a community of readers. You will be given instruction on this presentation when school starts.

Therefore, you may want to take notes while reading both of your books to help remember important details. This work will aid in completing the assignments in the fall. Your notes can be in the form of jots or summaries or graphic organizers or post-it flags in the book. Whatever works best for you!

Two helpful graphic organizers are included, if interested.

Story Elements Graphic Organizer Character Traits Graphic Organizer

May you each have a delightful summer full of fun and relaxation. I am excited for each of you to have a summer where reading is enjoyable and rewarding. I will be reading my books under an umbrella at the ocean or on my back deck listening to my children play in the yard. Wherever you are this summer, may you connect to your reading and let it bring you excitement and joy.

I am looking forward to working with each of you and beginning our journey of reading and writing, while learning and growing, here in the middle school at Garrison. Discovering that special book is a wonderful experience and I can’t wait to share our collective summer reading together.

Happy reading,

Jennifer Kirschenheiter 6, 7, 8 English Teacher at Garrison School

Dear Future 7th graders, June 2020

I am super excited that I have the opportunity to be your English teacher again next year. In preparation for an amazing year of reading, writing, learning and growing, I am requiring every student to read two books this summer.

Essayist Joseph Addison wrote, ‘Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body’. In today’s world, young people exercise their bodies to keep in shape. Any break in the exercise routine will cause a loss of muscle tone. The same is true for reading. Any break in reading, the exercising of the mind, will diminish reading comprehension skills. Research has shown that time spent reading correlates with academic success, vocabulary development, standardized-test performance, and the development of world knowledge (Moore, Bean, Birdsyshaw & Rycik, 1999).

Every student will read a minimum of two books: Ghost by Jason Reynolds and a book of choice. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

There are so many high interest, engaging and exciting books to choose from. This summer you get to choose a book that stimulates your curiosity or a book that friends or family members recommend or a book that is newly published or a book that is by your favorite author or a book with the genre you would like to learn more about.

You can use these links to find recommendations. We are teachers - best middle school books Read brightly - books for middle schoolers Family reading -summer reading

In September, we will discuss both books in our English class.

1. During the first few weeks of school you will complete an assignment based on the book, Ghost by Jason Reynolds. This will be our first in-school writing ​ ​ assignment. 2. In addition, you will each present to the class about your free choice book. We are using the TC Units of Study for our curriculum and we are trying to build a community of readers. You will be given instruction on this presentation when school starts.

Therefore, you may want to take notes while reading both of your books to help remember important details. This work will aid in completing the assignments in the fall. Your notes can be in the form of jots or summaries or graphic organizers or post-it flags in the book. Whatever works best for you!

Two helpful graphic organizers are included, if interested.

Story Elements Graphic Organizer Character Traits Graphic Organizer

May you each have a delightful summer full of fun and relaxation. I am excited for each of you to have a summer where reading is enjoyable and rewarding. I will be reading my books under an umbrella at the ocean or on my back deck listening to my children play in the yard. Wherever you are this summer, may you connect to your reading and let it bring you excitement and joy.

I am looking forward to working with each of you again and continuing our journey of reading and writing, while learning and growing, here in the middle school at Garrison. Discovering that special book is a wonderful experience and I can’t wait to share our collective summer reading together.

Happy reading,

Jennifer Kirschenheiter 6, 7, 8 English Teacher at Garrison School

Dear Future 8th graders, June 2020

I am super excited that I have the opportunity to be your English teacher again next year. In preparation for an amazing year of reading, writing, learning and growing, I am requiring every student to read two books this summer.

Essayist Joseph Addison wrote, ‘Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body’. In today’s world, young people exercise their bodies to keep in shape. Any break in the exercise routine will cause a loss of muscle tone. The same is true for reading. Any break in reading, the exercising of the mind, will diminish reading comprehension skills. Research has shown that time spent reading correlates with academic success, vocabulary development, standardized-test performance, and the development of world knowledge (Moore, Bean, Birdsyshaw & Rycik, 1999).

Every student will read a minimum of two books: The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton and a book of choice. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

There are so many high interest, engaging and exciting books to choose from. This summer you get to choose a book that stimulates your curiosity or a book that friends or family members recommend or a book that is newly published or a book that is by your favorite author or a book with the genre you would like to learn more about.

You can use these links to find recommendations. We are teachers - best middle school books Read brightly - books for middle schoolers Family reading -summer reading

In September, we will discuss both books in our English class.

1. During the first few weeks of school you will complete an assignment based on the book, The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton. This will be our first in-school writing ​ ​ assignment. 2. In addition, you will each present to the class about your free choice book. We are using the TC Units of Study for our curriculum and we are trying to build a community of readers. You will be given instruction on this presentation when school starts.

Therefore, you may want to take notes while reading both of your books to help remember important details. This work will aid in completing the assignments in the fall. Your notes can be in the form of jots or summaries or graphic organizers or post-it flags in the book. Whatever works best for you!

Two helpful graphic organizers are included, if interested.

Story Elements Graphic Organizer Character Traits Graphic Organizer

May you each have a delightful summer full of fun and relaxation. I am excited for each of you to have a summer where reading is enjoyable and rewarding. I will be reading my books under an umbrella at the ocean or on my back deck listening to my children play in the yard. Wherever you are this summer, may you connect to your reading and let it bring you excitement and joy.

I am looking forward to working with each of you again and continuing our journey of reading and writing, while learning and growing, here in the middle school at Garrison. Discovering that special book is a wonderful experience and I can’t wait to share our collective summer reading together.

Happy reading,

Jennifer Kirschenheiter 6, 7, 8 English Teacher at Garrison School