Middle School 2021 Summer Reading Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 5 Before the start of the school year, each incoming/rising fifth grader is required to read two community-minded books that will enhance discussions in Life Skills and English as we work to create a strong, supportive learning community at the start of the year. Character/Dignity Book (required): Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea Diversity and Citizenship (required): Choose one book from the selection below: Rules by Cynthia Lord The Crossover by Kwame Alexander (Newbery Award 2015) Flush by Carl Hiaasen When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead When Life Gives You Mangos by Kareen Getten Further suggestions from the LJCDS Library: The Comeback by E.L Shen Pashmina by Nidhi Chanani Save Me a Seat by Sara Weeks and Gita Varadarajan Efren Divided by Ernesto Cisneros When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller (Newbery Award 2021) Grade 6 Before the start of the school year, each incoming/rising sixth grader is required to read two community-minded books. Selected by the sixth-grade teachers and librarian, these titles will stimulate book discussions and group learning activities throughout the year. Character/Dignity Book (required): Wolf Hollow, by Lauren Wolk (Newbery Honor 2017) Diversity and Citizenship (required): Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly (Newbery Award 2018) Further suggestions from the LJCDS Library: The Witch Boy by Molly Ostertag From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks Upside Down in the Middle of Nowhere by Julie T. Lamana Amina’s Voice by Hena Khan Grade 7 Before the start of the school year, each incoming/rising seventh grader is required to read three books that will enhance their knowledge in the area of Facing History and Ourselves, an interdisciplinary course. Selected by the subject-area teachers and librarian, these titles will stimulate book discussions and group learning activities. Character/Dignity Book (required): Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus, by Dusti Bowling Diversity/Citizenship: Facing History and Ourselves (required) Choose two books to read from the selection below: Choosing Up Sides by John H. Ritter Ghost by Jason Reynolds Weedflower by Cynthia Kadohata Hidden Figures: Young Readers’ Edition by Margot Lee Shetterly A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park Further suggestions from the LJCDS Library: Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang Zenobia July by Lisa Bunker The Barren Grounds by David Robertson Grade 8 Before the start of the school year, each incoming eighth-grader is required to read three books that will enhance their knowledge in the area of Facing History and Ourselves, an interdisciplinary course. Selected by the subject area teachers and librarian, these titles will stimulate book discussions and group learning activities. Character/Dignity Book (required): Warriors Don’t Cry by Dr. Melba Beals Diversity/Citizenship: Facing History and Ourselves (required) Choose two books to read from the selection below: March, Book 3 by John Lewis (National Book Award Winner 2017, Printz Award 2017, YALSA Excellence in Non-fiction Award 2017) The Passion of Dolssa by Julie Berry (Printz Honor 2017) The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (Printz Honor 2011) The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd The Berlin Boxing Club by Robert Sharenow Further suggestions from the LJCDS Library: Darius The Great is Not Okay by Adib Khorram Too Bright to See by Kyle Lukoff Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay Flamer by Mike Curato.