7th Grade Summer Reading 2014
Incoming Seventh grade students will be asked to read three books during the summer. The required book is The Giver by Lois Lowry. All students will read this book and participate in an integrated unit of study during the first two weeks of the school year. An objective style test and an essay exam will be given over this book.
The remaining two books are student choice. Students should pick one book from any two of the award winning categories below. The categories are all created, judged and recognized by the Young Adult Library Services Association. There are two fiction lists as well as lists for nonfiction, audio books, and graphic novels. Students and parents should look through the list and find titles that they are interested in and comfortable with as well.
ALEX AWARD
The Alex Awards are given to ten books written for adults that have special appeal to young adults, ages 12 through 18. The winning titles are selected from the previous year's publishing. The Alex Awards were first given annually beginning in 1998 and became an official ALA award in 2002.
WINNERS 2014
Brewster by Mark Slouka, published by W.W. Norton & Company (ISBN 9780393239751) Feeling stifled and powerless, high school friends Ray Cappicciano and Jon Mosher yearn for change and plan for freedom from their blue-collar town and dysfunctional homes, even while knowing they can never truly escape.
The Death of Bees by Lisa O’Donnell, published by Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (ISBN 9780062209849) With their parents dead and buried in the backyard, Scottish teens Marnie and Nelly are finally free from a childhood wracked with abuse. If only the neighbor’s dog would quit digging in the garden.
Help for the Haunted by John Searles, published by William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (ISBN 9780060779634) Sylvie has been dealing with taunting classmates, her erratic older sister and the unsolved murder of her ghost-hunting parents. But perhaps more problematic are the cursed remnants of her parents’ work still lingering in the basement.
Lexicon, a novel by Max Barry, published by The Penguin Group, Penguin Group (USA) Inc. (ISBN 9781594205385) In this fast-paced, cutthroat story, words are weapons and poets are the ones who wield the swords. Teen prodigy Emily may be the finest poet ever until she makes the catastrophic mistake of falling in love.
Lives of Tao by Wesley Chu, published by Angry Robot, a member of the Osprey Group (ISBN 9780857663290) Couch potato Roen Tan becomes host to the alien Tao who has lived millennia inside some of the most famous people in history. With Tao on board, Roen enters a war to save mankind.
Relish by Lucy Knisley, published by First Second, an imprint of Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing Holdings Limited Partnership (ISBN 9781596436237) This poignant graphic novel is a wonderful journey of cartoonist Lucy Knisley’s transition from childhood, to adolescence, to adulthood, framed by the food that shaped her worldview. Through colorful vignettes she tackles complex issues with humor and unique family recipes.
The Sea of Tranquility: a novel by Katja Millay, published by ATRIA Paperback, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc. (ISBN 9781476730943) Nastya has barely survived a brutal attack. Josh has lost his entire family. The two isolated teens are drawn together as they deal with their emotional and physical damage.
The Universe Versus Alex Woods by Gavin Extence, published by Redhook Books, an imprint of Orbit, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc. (ISBN 978031624657) A rare meteorite struck Alex Woods when he was ten years old, leaving scars and marking him for an extraordinary future. The son of a fortune teller, bookish, and an easy target for bullies, Alex hasn't had the easiest childhood. But when he meets curmudgeonly widower Mr. Peterson, he finds an unlikely friend. Someone who teaches him that that you only get one shot at life. That you have to make it count.
NON-FICTION AWARD
The YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction honors the best nonfiction book published for young adults (ages 12-18) during a Nov. 1 – Oct. 31 publishing year. The award winner will be announced annually at the ALA Midwinter Meeting Youth Media Awards, with a shortlist of up to five titles named the first week of December.
WINNERS 2014
The Nazi Hunters: How a Team of Spies and Survivors Captured the World's Most Notorious Nazi written by Neal Bascomb, published by Arthur A. Levine Books, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.
At the end of World War II, Adolf Eichmann, the Nazi leader responsible for organizing the deportation and imprisonment of millions of Holocaust victims, went into hiding under an assumed identity. Eventually he fled to Argentina where he lived and worked under a false name for 10 years. Bascomb tells the story of Eichmann’s crimes, his years in hiding, and his eventual capture and trial with rich detail and riveting suspense. At the same time, Bascomb introduces readers to the courageous Israeli agents, Holocaust survivors, and their families who worked together to track down, capture, and bring Eichmann to justice.
FINALISTS
Go: A Kidd's Guide to Graphic Design written by Chip Kidd, published by Workman Publishing Company.
This innovative book offers an introduction to the history and basic concepts of graphic design from one of the most successful designers working today. Using real world examples and rich visual aids, Kidd teaches readers how effective design can communicate ideas and messages, and he suggests ways to think critically about the design elements that infuse the media around us. Kidd invites readers to experiment with design themselves by ending the book with a series of 10 design challenges and offers a venue to share their work online.
Imprisoned: The Betrayal of Japanese Americans During World War II written by Martin W. Sandler, published by Walker Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing, Inc.
After the Japanese military bombed Pearl Harbor, President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, forcing the internment of over 100,000 Japanese-Americans. This detailed and compassionate chronicle of the internment years incorporates many first-hand accounts and photographs. Sandler skillfully provides context for the internment and also examines its lasting legacy by examining anti-Japanese sentiment in America before World War II and then the redress movement, which advocated for compensation and formal apologies for internees after the war.
Courage Has No Color: The True Story of the Triple Nickles, America's First Black Paratroopers written by Tanya Lee Stone, published by Candlewick Press.
“What is it like to jump out of an airplane? Imagine.” From these opening sentences, Stone chronicles the courage and persistence that were the hallmarks of the Triple Nickles, the African Americans who pushed through military barriers to become the first black paratroopers. Their individual efforts, the eventual recognition of the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, and the broader issues of segregation during the war period are illustrated with a rich collection of interviews, letters, and photos. Stone’s afterword, the timeline, and the detailed source notes offer valuable insights into her research methods. Ashley Bryan’s foreword and artwork add personal insight and extend the power of this skillfully told story.
The President Has Been Shot! The Assassination of John F. Kennedy written by James L. Swanson, published by Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.
James Swanson takes readers back in time with a thoroughly researched and tightly written narrative of John F. Kennedy’s assassination. Beginning with a succinct introduction to Kennedy’s early life and presidential administration, Swanson sets the scene for a detailed and engaging examination of the events before, during, and after November 22, 1963, when JFK and Lee Harvey Oswald crossed paths in Dallas with tragic results. The book brings events to life with extensive photographs, diagrams, and primary documents, and illuminates Swanson’s research and writing process with detailed source notes, an extensive bibliography, suggestions for further reading, and a comprehensive index.
PRINTZ AWARD
The Michael L. Printz Award is an award for a book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature. It is named for a Topeka, Kansas school librarian who was a long-time active member of the Young Adult Library Services Association. The award is sponsored by Booklist, a publication of the American Library Association.
WINNER Midwinterblood By Marcus Sedgwick
Published by Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group Doomed love circles back through the centuries in a series of seven intricately plotted, interlocking stories set on a mysterious, isolated island. Forgetting and remembering, blessed and cursed, modern and ancient, these dualities brilliantly infuse the novel’s lush landscape.
HONORED BOOKS
Eleanor & Park By Rainbow Rowell. Published by St. Martin’s Griffin (Macmillan) Unlikely love blossoms on the bus when two unique, exceptional souls find strength in each other’s differences in Rowell’s emotionally charged and hopeful novel.
Kingdom of Little Wounds By Susann Cokal Published by Candlewick Press Impeccably researched and darkly disturbing, this complex literary tale reveals the sordid side of palace life in a 16th century Scandinavian kingdom where the royal family, the Lunedies, is cursed by a mysterious illness, and political machinations cast doubt on who will rule.
MAGGOT MOON By Sally Gardner, illustrated by Julian Crouch Published by Candlewick Press
In Sally Gardner’s explosively original dystopian novel, Standish Treadwell and his grandfather show quiet defiance in the face of the oppressive, merciless Motherland. The cleverly parallel illustrations highlight a story as offbeat and perceptive as Standish and his mismatched eyes.
Navigating Early By Clare Vanderpool Published by Delacorte Books for Young Readers an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Random House LLC, Penguin Random House Company
Jack Baker, uprooted suddenly after his mother’s death, and Early Auden, the strangest of boys, meet at a Maine boarding school. Their friendship culminates in a treacherous quest and unexpected self-discovery. Vanderpool delivers an emotionally powerful novel in an untamed setting as the boys head up river in search of the Great Appalachian Bear. The award, first given in 2000, is named for the late Michael L. Printz, a Topeka, Kan., school librarian known for discovering and promoting quality books for young adults.
THE ODYSSEY AWARD
This annual award will be given to the producer of the best audiobook produced for children and/or young adults, available in English in the United States. The selection committee may also select honor titles. The Odyssey Award is jointly given and administered by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) and the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), divisions of ALA, and is sponsored by Booklist.
WINNERS
Scowler, written by Daniel Kraus, narrated by Kirby Heyborne, produced by Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group.
When Ry’s abusive father escapes from prison, Ry summons The Unnamed Three from his childhood, including the hellish Scowler, in order to protect his family. In this gripping and horrific tale, Kirby Heyborne’s flawless narration features humming, clicks, and sounds that are not of this world.
HONORED BOOKS
Better Nate Than Ever, written by Tim Federle, narrated by Tim Federle and produced by Simon and Schuster Audio.
Broadway wannabe Nate Foster ventures solo to the unknown territory of New York City on a quest for stardom. First-time novelist and Broadway veteran Tim Federle narrates his own work in a laugh-out-loud performance full of heart and self-discovery.
Creepy Carrots!, written by Aaron Reynolds, narrated by James Naughton and produced by Weston Woods Studios, Inc.
In this Caldecott Honor book, Jasper Rabbit has all the carrots he wants until the creepy carrots start following him around: when he comes home from Little League, while he brushes his teeth, and even hiding in the shed, until he comes up with the perfect plan to stop their stalking. James Naughton’s narration adds an eerie atmosphere to an enticing story.
Eleanor & Park, written by Rainbow Rowell, narrated by Rebecca Lowman and Sunil Malhotra and produced by Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group.
Despite coming from disparate backgrounds, two teens find they have much in common as they explore music, comics, and acceptance in this story of first love. Narrators Rebecca Lowman and Sunil Malhotra deliver poignant performances that touch the heart.
Matilda, written by Roald Dahl, narrated by Kate Winslet and produced by Penguin Audio, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
This beloved classic stars an exceptional girl who develops extraordinary powers that she uses to triumph over nasty parents, wretched friends, and a monstrous headmistress. Dahl’s cast of vivid characters is infused with life by Oscar-winner Kate Winslet’s dynamic performance.
GREAT GRAPHIC NOVELS
Great Graphic Novels for Teens is a list of recommended graphic novels and illustrated nonfiction for those ages 12-18, prepared yearly by YALSA.
NONFICTION Cunningham, Daryl. How to Fake a Moon Landing: Exposing the Myths of Science Denial. 2013. Illus., Abrams ComicArts, $16.95, (978-1419706899) Science and myth duke it out.
Hale, Nathan. Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales: Donner Dinner Party. 2013. Illus., Amulet Books, $12.95, (978-1419708565) You thought the Donner Party's story couldn't be told with a sense of humor.
Knisley, Lucy. Relish: My Life in the Kitchen. 2013. Illus., paper, First Second, $17.99, (978-1596436237) A life framed through food.
*Lewis, John, Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell. March: Book 1. 2013. Illus., paper, Top Shelf, $14.95, (978- 1603093002) John Lewis is a Congressman now, but back in the 60s he was a teenager standing up for justice.
Mauer, Marc and Sabrina Jones. Race to Incarcerate: A Graphic Retelling. 2013. Illus., paper, New Press, $17.95, (978-1595585417) A history of incarceration in America, from its origins as a Quaker-influenced institution to the present.
O’Connor, George. Poseidon: Earth Shaker. 2013. Illus., paper, First Second, $9.99, (978-1596437388) Poseidon makes a case for his standing among the gods.
O’Connor, George. Aphrodite: Goddess of Love. 2013. Illus., paper, First Second, $9.99, (978-1596437395) Mighty Aphrodite is born from the sea to provide love and drama to Mount Olympus .
Ottaviani, Jim and Maris Wicks. Primates: The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Birut é Galdikas. 2013. Illus., First Second, $19.99, (978-1596438651)
Three women and three stories of the primates they encounter.
FICTION
Abnett, Dan, Andy Lanning, Tom Derenick and others.
The Hypernaturals V.1. 2013. Illus., paper, Boom Studios, $16.99, (978-1608862986)
The Hypernaturals V.2. 2013. Illus., paper, Boom Studios, $19.99, (978-1608863198) The future world, run by an artificial intelligence, is protected by the Hypernaturals -- until they are all lost. A new guard must be found.
Alexovich, Aaron and Drew Rausch. Eldritch! V.1. 2012. Illus., SLG Publishing, $29.95, (978-1593622442) Two teens discover the power to make their cult a reality.
Allison, John. Bad Machinery V.1: The Case of the Team Spirit. 2013. Illus., paper, Oni Press, $19.99, (978- 1620100844)
How do you deal with Mad Terry? With soccer, England and being thirteen.
Asano, Atsuko and Hinoki Kino.
No. 6 V.1. 2013. Illus., paper, Kodansha Comics, $10.99, (978-1612623559)
No. 6 V.2. 2013. Illus., paper, Kodansha Comics, $10.99, (978-1612623566)
No. 6 V.3. 2013. Illus., paper, Kodansha Comics, $10.99, (978-1612623573)
Shion lives a privileged life in a futuristic city. Everything changes when he saves Rat's life and people start mysteriously dying.
Azzarello, Brian and Cliff Chiang and others.
Wonder Woman V. 2: Guts. 2013. Illus., DC Comics, $22.99, (978-1401438094) Wonder Woman goes on a diplomatic rescue mission to Hell.
Wonder Woman V.3: Iron. 2013. Illus., DC Comics, $24.99, (978-1401242619) Wonder Woman deals with her new family; a string of Gods and Goddesses who might do her more harm than good.
Bendis, Brian Michael and Stuart Immonen. All New X-Men V.1: Yesterday’s X-Men. 2013. Illus., Marvel, $24.99, (978-0785168201) Past and present X-Men collide.
Britt, Fanny and Isabelle Arsenault. Jane, the Fox and Me. 2013. Illus., Groundwood Books, $19.95, (978- 1554983605) Helene is bullied and escapes into the world of Jane Eyre, until she finds a way to see life differently.
Cannon, Kevin. Crater XV. 2013. Illus., Top Shelf, $19.99, (978-1603091008) Army Shanks wants to give up adventuring, but some mysteries won't leave well enough alone. Carey, Mike, Peter Gross, Kurt Huggins and Zelda Devon. The Unwritten: Tommy Taylor and the Ship that Sank Twice. 2013. Illus., Vertigo, $22.99, (978-1401229764) Tommy Taylor was orphaned as a babe when his wizard parents went down in a shipwreck. Years later he is learning there is more to the story.
Cervantes, Miguel de and Rob Davis. The Complete Don Quixote. 2013.Illus., Self Made Hero, $27.50, (978- 1906838652) Alonso Quexada loves stories of knights-errant, so he decides to become one - the great Don Quixote de la Mancha, Knight of the Sorry Face.
Chwast, Seymour. The Odyssey. 2012, Illus., Bloomsbury, $20.00, (978-1608194865) Odysseus must make an epic effort to get back home.
Cliff, Tony. Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant. 2013, Illus., paper, First Second, $15.99, (978- 1596438132) Her life is one crazy adventure after another. Do you think you can keep up with Delilah?
De Pins, Arthur. Zombillenium V.1: Gretchen. 2013, Illus., NBM Publishing, $14.99, (978-1561637348) Zombillenium is a place where the undead compete with the likes of Disneyland and Universal Studios.
Fraction, Matt, David Aja and others.
Hawkeye V.1: My Life as a Weapon. 2013. Illus., paper, Marvel, $16.99, (978-0785165620) Here's what Clint Barton does on his day off.
Hawkeye V.2: Little Hits. 2013. Illus., paper, Marvel, $16.99, (978-0785165637) If you want to kill an Avenger, the easiest one is the normal guy.