Suggested Summer Reading
Middle & High School 2015
All Lost Mountain Middle School students are required to read two (2) books from the Scholastic
recommended reading list below. Consider your reading based upon your Lexile level and upon
what you’re interested in. Within the first two weeks of school, you’ll be required to turn in your
reading journals (6th & 7th grade Reading teachers & 8th grade LA teachers). While you are on the
school web site, we would like you to sign the summer reading pledge and tell us what books you
will be reading. Happy reading!
***** Required Summer reading of ALL Rising 6th grade AC Reading Students
Suggested Series AUTHOR
LEXILE SUMMARY
Two children fall from the 21st century with anti-gravity machine. The Tar Man
takes off with the machine and the children are swept through a journey in 18th
century London.
****The Time
Traveler****
Linda
BuckleyArcher
39 Clues
multiple
authors
550-730 Dan and Amy Cahill are given the choice of receiving a million dollars or
uncovering the thirty-nine clues hidden around the world that will lead to the
source of the family's power, but by taking on the clues, they end up in a
dangerous race against their own family.
Alex Rider
Anthony
Horowitz
610-780 After the death of the uncle who had been his guardian, fourteen-year-old Alex
Rider is coerced to continue his uncle's dangerous work for Britain's intelligence
agency, MI6.
Artemis Fowl
Eion Colfer
600
When a twelve-year-old evil genius tries to restore his family fortune by
capturing a fairy and demanding a ransom in gold, the fairies fight back with
magic, technology, and a particularly nasty troll.
Beautiful
Creatures
Kami Garcia
670
In a small South Carolina town, where it seems little has changed since the Civil
War, sixteen-year-old Ethan is powerfully drawn to Lena, a new classmate with
whom he shares a psychic connection and whose family hides a dark secret
that may be revealed on her sixteenth birthday.
Bluford High
Various
Authors
740
The Bluford Series focuses on the lives of a group of high school students and
their families. Set in contemporary urban America, each novel addresses
complex topics relevant to the lives of today's students: family, friendship, trust,
isolation, violence, and peer pressure, to name a few.
Dead is...
Marlene
Perez
Divergent
Veronica
Roth
700
In a future Chicago, sixteen-year-old Beatrice Prior must choose among five
predetermined factions to define her identity for the rest of her life, a decision
made more difficult when she discovers that she is an anomaly who does not fit
into any one group, and that the society she lives in is not perfect after all.
Escape from
Furnace
Alexander
Gordon Smith
9501010
When fourteen-year-old Alex is framed for murder, he becomes an inmate in the
Furnace Penitentiary, where brutal inmates and sadistic guards reign, boys who
disappear in the middle of the night sometimes return weirdly altered, and
980L
580-630 Seventeen-year-old Daisy Giordano, daughter and sister of psychics, attempts
to help her mother discover who is behind a series of bizarre attacks on teenage
girls in their little town of Nightshade, California.
escape might just be possible.
Hardy Boys
Franklin W.
Dixon
700
In the Hardy Boys series, brothers Joe and Frank solve mysterious cases which
appeal to teens.
H.I.V.E.
Mark Walden
9201040
Thirteen-year-old orphan Otto Malpense, identified as a boy with a special talent
for villainy, is kidnapped and taken to the remote Higher Institute of Villainous
Education, or H.I.V.E., where he is enrolled in a six-year training program and
immediately begins formulating a plan to escape
Leviathan
Scott
Westerfeld
790-810 In an alternate 1914 Europe, fifteen-year-old Austrian Prince Alek, on the run
from the Clanker Powers who are attempting to take over the globe using
mechanical machinery, forms an uneasy alliance with Deryn who, disguised as
a boy to join the British Air Service, is learning to fly genetically-engineered
beasts.
Maximum Ride
James
Patterson
680-770 After the mutant Erasers abduct the youngest member of their group, the "bird
kids," who are the result of genetic experimentation, take off in pursuit and find
themselves struggling to understand their own origins and purpose.
Maze Runner
James
Dashner
720-760 Sixteen-year-old Thomas wakes up with no memory in the middle of a maze
and realizes he must work with the community in which he finds himself if he is
to escape.
Michael Vey
Richard Paul
Evans
500
Fourteen-year-old Michael discovers he has special electrical powers and, with
the help of his best friends, becomes aware that there are other teens with
similar powers, but something or someone is hunting them and, after Michael's
mother is kidnapped, he will need to rely on his powers and his friends to rescue
his mom, protect himself, and save the others.
Middle School
James
Patterson
700
When Rafe Kane enters middle school, he teams up with his best friend, "Leo
the Silent," to create a game to make school more fun by trying to break every
rule in the school's code of conduct.
Midnighters
Scott
Westerfeld
Nancy Drew
Carolyn
Keene
700
Nancy Drew is a mystery series in which the fictional character Nancy Drew
solves a variety of different cases from theft to murder.
Pendragon
D.J. MacHale
680
Fourteen-year-old Bobby Pendragon, having learned he is a Traveler--someone
who can ride "flumes" through time and space, is soon off to the alternative
dimension of Denduron where he teams up with Loor, a girl his age from the
warrior-territory of Zadaa, in an attempt to save the gentle Milago people from
slavery.
9601090
Sherlock Holmes is a well-known detective who uses logical reasoning and a
variety of disguises to solve crimes.
Sherlock Holmes Sir Arthur
Conan Doyle
740-810 Upon moving to Bixby, Oklahoma, fifteen-year-old Jessica Day learns that she
is one of a group of people who have special abilities that help them fight
ancient creatures living in an hour hidden at midnight; creatures that seem
determined to destroy Jess.
Sherlock Holmes, Andrew Lane 860-940 In 1868, with his army officer father suddenly posted to India, and his mother
Young
mysteriously "unwell," fourteen-year-old Sherlock Holmes is sent to stay with his
The Legend
eccentric uncle and aunt in their vast house in Hampshire, where he uncovers
Begins
his first murder and a diabolical villain.
Skeleton Creek
Patrick
Carman
740-830 Although housebound following an eerie accident, teenaged Ryan continues to
investigate the strange occurrences in his hometown of Skeleton Creek,
recording his findings in a journal and viewing email video clips sent by fellow
detective Sarah.
Strange Case of
Origami Yoda
Tom
Angleberger
760
Sixth-grader Tommy and his friends describe their interactions with a paper
finger puppet of Yoda, worn by their weird classmate Dwight, as they try to
figure out whether or not the puppet can really predict the future. Includes
instructions for making Origami Yoda.
Tales of the Frog E.D. Baker
Princess
710-920 After reluctantly kissing a frog, an awkward, fourteen-year-old princess suddenly
finds herself a frog, too, and sets off with the prince to seek the means--and the
self-confidence--to become human again.
The Faerie Wars
Chronicles
Herbie
Brennan
750-830 Troubled by family problems, Henry finds his life taking a whole new dimension
when he and his friend, old Mr. Fogarty, become involved with Prince Pyrgus
Malvae who has been sent from the faerie world in order to escape the
treacherous Faeries of the Night.
The Heir
Chronicles (audio
only at CCPL)
Cinda
Williams
Chima
690-770 Sixteen-year-old Jack discovers that he is one of the last warriors of the
Weirlind, an underground society of magical people, and must fight to determine
which house--the White Rose or the Red Rose--will rule the Weir.
The Ranger's
Apprentice
John
Flanagan
Theodore Boone John Grisham
920
When fifteen-year-old Will is rejected by battleschool, he becomes the reluctant
apprentice to the mysterious Ranger Halt, and winds up protecting the kingdom
from danger.
840
Thirteen-year-old Theodore Boone, who knows every judge, police officer, and
court clerk in the small town of Strattenburg, finds himself involved in a murder
trial because of knowledge he might have about a cold-blooded killer.
Uglies
Scott
Westerfeld
770
Just before their sixteenth birthdays, when they will be transformed into beauties
whose only job is to have a great time, Tally's best friend runs away and Tally
must find her and turn her in, or never become pretty at all.
Warriors Series
Erin Hunter
6301120
Graystripe, deputy leader of ThunderClan, has finally returned to his forest
home after being kidnapped by Twolegs, and finds that Firestar has appointed a
new deputy leader.
Young Bond
Series
Charles
Higson
790-900 Young James Bond attends school at the prestigious Eton boarding school, and
teams up with Red to investigate the mystery of the disappearance of a boy,
Alfie Kelly, Red's cousin, allegedly linked to a madman with a plot for global
domination
Suggested Author Genre
Suggested Author
Genre
Anthony Horowitz
Adventure
Jeff Kinney
Humor
Gordon Korman
Adventure
Gordon Korman
Humor
Gary Paulsen
Adventure
James Patterson
Humor
Alexander Gordon
Smith
Adventure
Scott Westerfeld
Sci Fi/Dystopia
Hilari Bell
Fantasy
Suzanne Collins
Sci Fi/Dystopia
C.S. Lewis
Fantasy
James Dashner
Dystopia
Rick Riordan
Fantasy
Chris Crutcher
Sports Fiction
JRR Tolkien
Fantasy
Tim Green
Sports Fiction
Laurie Halse
Anderson
Historical
Fiction
Mike Lupica
Sports Fiction
Avi
Historical
Fiction
Malin Alegria
Teen Issues
Margaret Peterson
Haddix
Historical
Fiction
Meg Cabot
Teen Issues
Lois Duncan
Mystery
Sharon Flake
Teen Issues
Mary Downing Hahn
Mystery
Sharon Draper
Teen Issues
Joan Lowery Nixon
Mystery
S.E. Hinton
Teen Issues
Agatha Christie
Mystery
Walter Dean Myers
Teen Issues
Jack Gantos
Humor
Jordan Sonnenblick
Teen Issues
Tom Angleberger
Humor
John Green
Teen Issues
2015 GEORGIA CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD NOMINEES - Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl Books for 2016
Title
Author
Lexile
Summary
Prairie Evers
Airgood, E
790
"Ten-year-old Prairie is happy being home-schooled and raising her
flock of chickens, so transferring to regular school is a big change, but
fortunately she meets a wonderful friend"--Provided by publisher.
This Journal Belongs to Cavanaugh, N
Ratchet
830
Homeschooled by her mechanic-environmentalist father, eleven-yearold Rachel "Ratchet" Vance records her efforts to make friends, save a
park, remember her mother, and find her own definition of "normal."
The Saturday Boy
Fleming, D.
710
Every school day seems to bring more trouble to eleven-year-old
Derek, whose former best friend bullies him, while at home he deals
with the long absence of his father, a Blackhawk helicopter pilot, and
his mother's sudden moodiness.
Absolutely Almost
Graff, L.
750
Ten-year-old Albie has never been the smartest, tallest, best at gym,
greatest artist, or most musical in his class, as his parents keep
reminding him, but new nanny Calista helps him uncover his strengths
and take pride in himself.
Prisoner B-3087
Gratz, A.
760
Based on the life of Jack Gruener, this book relates his story of survival
from the Nazi occupation of Krakow, when he was eleven, through a
succession of concentration camps, to the final liberation of Dachau.
Hope is a Ferris Wheel
Herrera, R.
860
"After moving from Oregon to a trailer park in California, ten-year-old
Star participates in a poetry club, where she learns some important
lessons about herself and her own hopes and dreams for the future"-Provided by publisher.
The Fourteenth
Goldfish
Holm, J.L.
550
Ellie's scientist grandfather has discovered a way to reverse aging, and
consequently has turned into a teenager--which makes for complicated
relationships when he moves in with Ellie and her mother, his
daughter.
The Mark of the
Dragonfly
Johnson, J.
820
Since her father's death in a factory in the Dragonfly territories,
thirteen-year-old Piper has eked out a living as a scrapper in Merrow
Kingdom, but the arrival of a mysterious girl sends her on a dangerous
journey to distant lands.
How to Outrun a
Crocodile When Your
Shoes are Untied
Keating, J.
750
When twelve-year-old Ana's zoologist parents move the whole family
into the zoo, the Sneerers--the clan of carnivorous female predators in
her class--have even more ammunition to make her life miserable,
although she tries to act like a chameleon and fade into the
background.
Upside Down in the
Middle of Nowhere
Lamana, J.T.
750
At the end of August 2005, ten-year-old Armani is looking forward to
her birthday party in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, where she
and her extended family live, but Hurricane Katrina is on the way,
bringing destruction and tragedy.
The Vine Basket
La
Valley, J.
740
Life has been hard for fourteen-year-old Mehrigul, a member of the Uyghur
tribal group scorned by the Chinese communist regime, so when an
American offers to buy all the baskets she can make in three weeks,
Mehrigul strives for a better future for herself and her family despite her
father's opposition.
A Snicker of Magic
Lloyd, N.
680
The Pickles are new to Midnight Gulch, Tennessee, a town which legend
says was once magic--but Felicity is convinced the magic is still there, and
with the help of her new friend Jonah the Beedle she hopes to bring the
magic back.
Half a Chance
Lord, C.
690
Lucy, with her mother and her photographer father, has just moved to a
small rural community in New Hampshire, and with her new friend Nate she
plans to spend the summer taking photos for a contest, but pictures
sometimes reveal more than people are willing to see.
Sylo
MacHale, D.J.
680
"They came from the sky parachuting out of military helicopters to invade
Tucker Pierce's idyllic hometown on Pemberwick Island, Maine. They call
themselves SYLO and they are a secret branch of the U.S. Navy. SYLO's
commander, Captain Granger, informs Pemberwick residents that the island
has been hit by a lethal virus and must be quarantined. Now Pemberwick is
cut off from the outside world"--Provided by publisher.
Nickel Bay Nick
Pitchford, D.
830
When eleven-year-old Sam gets into trouble and is forced to work for his
reclusive neighbor Mr. Wells, he soon finds out that his mysterious new
acquaintance hides many secrets of his own--including one that will change
Sam's life forever.
The Girl from Felony
Bay
Thompson, J.E.
970
When Abbey's father falls into a coma and is accused of a crime he didn't
commit, Abbey sets out to prove his innocence and repay a century-old
debt.
Loot: How to Steal a
Fortune
Watson, J.
560
"When Alfie McQuinn, the notorious jewel thief, is killed on a job, his last
words to his son, March, are to "find jewels" and this instruction leads the
boy to Jules, the twin sister he never knew he had--and the perfect partner
to carry on the family business"--Provided by publisher.
Brown Girl Dreaming
Woodson, J.
990
"The author shares her childhood memories and reveals the first sparks that
ignited her writing career in free-verse poems about growing up in the North
and South"--Provided by publisher.
A Bird on Water Street
Dulemba, E.
760
"A coming of age story about Jack, a boy growing up in a Southern
Appalachian town environmentally devastated by a century of poor coppermining practices and pollution. Jack is opposed to the mine where so many
of his relatives have died, but how can he tell that to his dad who wants him
to follow in the family trade? Jack just wants his dad safe and the land
returned to its pre-mining glory with trees, birds, frogs, and nature--like he's
learning about in school. After Jack's uncle is killed in a mining accident and
the Company implements a massive layoff, the union organizes and the
miners go on strike. It seems Jack's wish is coming true. But the cost may
be the ruin of his home and everything he loves"--OCLC.
The Revolution of
Evelyn Serrano
Manzano, S.
720
It is 1969 in Spanish Harlem, and fourteen-year-old Evelyn Serrano is trying
hard to break free from her conservative Puerto Rican surroundings, but
when her activist grandmother comes to stay and the neighborhood protests
start, things get a lot more complicated--and dangerous.
Award BooksSites
http://www.ala.org/awardsg This is a citation awarded to an American publisher for a children's book considered to be the most
rants/mildred-l-batchelder- outstanding of those books originally published in a foreign language in a foreign country, and
award
subsequently translated into English and published in the USA.
http://www.ala.org/awardsg This is presented to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and
rants/pura-belpre-award
celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth.
http://www.ala.org/awardsg
The Newbery Medal is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children to the
rants/john-newbery-medalauthor of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children
2
http://www.ala.org/awardsg
The Coretta Scott King Book Awards annually recognize outstanding books for young adults and
rants/coretta-scott-kingchildren by African American authors and illustrators that reflect the African American experience.
book-awards
http://www.ala.org/awardsg
The Sibert Award honors the most distinguished informational book published in English in the
rants/robert-f-sibertpreceding year for its significant contribution to children’s literature
informational-book-medal
http://www.ala.org/yalsa/ The Michael L. Printz Award is an award for a book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult
literature.
printz-award
http://www.ala.org/yalsa/e The Margaret A. Edwards Award, established in 1988, honors an author, as well as a specific body of
his or her work, for significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature.
dwards