The IB Middle Years Program at
Deal Middle School
6th Grade Summer Assignment 2015
Reading is the best way to be prepared for the 6th grade. Therefore, we encourage you to read as much
as possible and would love for you to record some of the books you read on the back of this paper.
While we want you to read all the time for fun, you are required to read two books for school and
complete two activities. Both activities are due on August 31, 2015.
Choose one of the following pairs of books to read, and complete the assignment below:
 SET A: The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg, by Rodman Philbrick, Lexile 950 & Elijah of
Buxton, by Christopher Paul Curtis, Lexile 1070
 These novels describe two children’s perspectives on life in the 1850’s-1860’s. These
children go on journey during which they realize the horrors of slavery and the Civil War.
 SET B: Esperanza Rising, by Pam Munoz Ryan, Lexile 750 & Return to Sender, by Julia Alvarez,
Lexile 890
 These novels describe two children’s perspectives on immigrating to America from
Mexico.
 SET C: Mockingbird, by Kathy Erskine, Lexile 630 & Rules, by Cynthia Lord, Lexile 780
 These novels describe two children’s perspectives on living with Autism-spectrum
disorders.
*Parents - you can check page 3 of the DCPS report card to find your student’s current Lexile reading level
Activity #1: Paragraph
For the pair of books you chose to read, write one paragraph (8-10 sentences) that compares and
contrasts the perspective or point of view of the main characters.
SET A: Homer and Elijah
SET B: Esperanza and Mari
SET C: Caitlin and Catherine
Include the title of the books and the authors in the first sentence. The paragraph should use
supporting evidence from both books.
Activity #2: Mini-Project
For the pair of books you chose to read, complete a drawing, cartoon, OR poem that compares and
contrasts the books in a creative way. Whatever project you choose, it must be on an 8.5”x11” (regular
printer-sized) sheet of paper. This is your chance to be artistic and think outside the box!
Again, your set of books must be read and both activities must be complete by August 31, 2015. Your
sixth grade teacher will grade this assignment. Make a strong first impression!
The IB Middle Years Program at
Deal Middle School
Name:________________________________________
Other books that I read this summer are:
Name of Book
Author