Nathanael Greene Middle School, Incoming 6th Grade Summer Reading
Fiction
Midnight Magic, Avi
Mangus the Magician must free a princess from a terrifying ghost. Naturally, Mangus doesn't believe in ghosts. He
doesn't even believe in magic! However, his servant boy, Fabrizio, is a secret friend of the princess and is
determined to prove the ghost is real.
The Wish Giver, Bill Brittain
Various people take cards from Thaddeus Blinn, who says he can give them whatever they desire. Polly, who has a
sharp tongue, asks to be well-liked. Rowena wants Henry to stay in town long enough to put down roots. Sam, sick
of hauling water, wishes for water on his folk’s farm. They all get their wishes, with some truly horrible side effects,
in Brittain's Newbery Honor Book.
Crash, Jerry Spinelli
Newbery medalist Jerry Spinelli tackles the tale of cocky seventh-grade super-jock Crash Coogan, who got his
nickname the day he used his first football helmet to knock his cousin Bridget flat on her backside. And he has
been running over people ever since, especially Penn Webb, the dweeby, vegetarian Quaker kid who lives down
the block. Through the eyes of Crash, readers get a rare glimpse into the life of a bully in this unforgettable story
about stereotypes and the surprises life can bring.
Running out of Time, Margaret Peterson Haddix
Jessie lives with her family in the frontier village of Clifton, Indiana, in 1840 -- or so she believes. When diphtheria
strikes the village and the children of Clifton start dying, Jessie's mother reveals a shocking secret -- it's actually
1996, and they are living in a reconstructed village that serves as a tourist site. In the world outside, medicine
exists that can cure the dread disease, and Jessie's mother is sending her on a dangerous mission to bring back
help. But beyond the walls of Clifton, Jessie discovers a world even more alien and threatening than she could
have imagined, and soon she finds her own life in jeopardy. Can she get help before the children of Clifton, and
Jessie herself, run out of time?
A Summer to Die, Lois Lowry
Meg isn't thrilled when she gets stuck sharing a bedroom with her older sister Molly. The two of them couldn't be
more different, and it's hard for Meg to hide her resentment of Molly's beauty and easy popularity. But now that
the family has moved to a small house in the country, Meg has a lot to accept. Just as the sisters begin to adjust to
their new home, Meg feels that Molly is starting up again by being a real nuisance. But Molly's constant
grouchiness, changing appearance, and other complaints are not just part of a new mood. And the day Molly is
rushed to the hospital, Meg has to accept that there is something terribly wrong with her sister. That's the day
Meg's world changes forever. Is it too late for Meg to show what she really feels?
Being Danny’s Dog, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
The bond between T. R. and his big brother, Danny, is so strong that T. R. compares himself to a loyal, protective
dog. When the boys move to Rosemary Acres, a rural townhouse development, they make some new friends: Paul,
who seems ferociously angry inside; Mickey, who is friendly and so freckled that the boys speculate that she even
has freckles "on her tits" ; and Randall, an African American boy with a passion for electronics. When he overhears
Danny and Paul planning to wreck the car that belongs to Rosemary Acres' restrictive manager, T. R. turns for help
to the father he hasn't seen for years.
Chasing Vermeer, Blue Balliett
When a book of unexplainable occurrences brings Petra and Calder together, strange things start to happen:
Seemingly unrelated events connect; an eccentric old woman seeks their company; an invaluable Vermeer painting
disappears. Before they know it, the two find themselves at the center of an international art scandal, where no
one is spared from suspicion. As Petra and Calder are drawn clue by clue into a mysterious labyrinth, they must
draw on their powers of intuition, their problem solving skills, and their knowledge of Vermeer. Can they decipher
a crime that has stumped even the FBI?
This bewitching first novel is a puzzle, wrapped in a mystery, disguised as an adventure, and delivered as a work of
art.
Pandora Gets Jealous, Carolyn Hennesy
Pandora Atheneus Andromaeche Helena (or Pandy for short) has the perfect prop for her school project: a box
given to her father by Zeus himself. Pandy knows the box must never be opened, but of course accidents happen
and soon seven forms of evil and misery have escaped. Now it’s up to Pandora to capture all seven—starting with
jealousy—or go down in history as the girl who ruined the world.
Historical Fiction
Bud, Not Buddy, Christopher Paul Curtis
It's 1936 Flint, Michigan. Times may be hard, and 10-year-old Bud may be a motherless boy, but Bud's got a few
things going for him: 1. He has his own suitcase full of special things; 2. He's the author of "Bud Caldwell's Rules
and Things for Having a Funner Life and Making a Better Liar Out of Yourself"; 3. His momma never told him who
his father was, but she left a clue: posters of Herman E. Calloway and his band of renown, the Dusky Devastators of
the Depression. Bud is sure those posters will lead him to his father. Once he decides to hit the road, nothing can
stop him, not hunger, not fear, not would-be vampires, not even Herman E. Calloway himself.
Matilda Bone, Gail Carson Levine
Orphaned Matilda is not at all pleased when she arrives at Blood and Bone Alley to become an assistant to Red Peg
the Bonesetter. She is a religious, well-educated girl who can’t picture herself doing dirty chores or helping sickly
patients. Each day is very different from her former quiet life. Matilda’s not used to being around so many people
who are coming and going, laughing and eating. Not one of them seems interested in prayer or study. Selfcentered Matilda thinks no one understands her. But Peg does, and gives her time to get used to this new way of
life and teaches her through kindness and friendship. Matilda is as surprised as anyone when she begins seeing the
world around her in a different way.
Detectives in Togas, Henry Winterfield
In these two delightful history-mysteries, seven boys in Ancient Rome solve strange crimes . . . thanks to some help
from their cranky teacher, a little bit of logic, and a lot of amusing misadventure. Yes, Rufus wrote CAIUS IS A
DUMBBELL on his tablet at school, but no, he did not break into the schoolroom, did not tie up his teacher, and
certainly did not paint his slur about Caius on the Temple of Minerva (even if it is in Rufus's own handwriting).
Rufus is doomed unless his six classmates can find out who is really responsible. Every hour seems to bring a new,
confusing clue . . . until the boys finally stumble upon someone who is not what he appears to be.
Fantasy
Artemis Fowl, Eoin Colfer (1st in a series)
From a strikingly original voice in fiction comes the story of Artemis Fowl, a very unusual hero. Artemis combines
the astuteness of Sherlock Holmes with the sangfroid of James Bond and the attitude of Attila the Hun. But even
Artemis doesn't know what he's taken on when he kidnaps a fairy, Captain Holly Short of LEPrecon Unit. These
aren't the fairies of bedtime stories. These fairies are armed and they're dangerous. Artemis thinks he's got them
just where he wants them, but then they stop playing by the rules . . .
The Boggart, Susan Cooper
When Emily and Jess Volnik's family inherits a remote, crumbling Scottish castle, they also inherit the Boggart -- an
invisible, mischievious spirit who's been playing tricks on residents of Castle Keep for generations. Then the
Boggart is trapped in a rolltop desk and inadvertently shipped to the Volnik's home in Toronto, where nothing will
ever be the same -- for the Volniks or the Boggart. In a world that doesn't believe in magic, the Boggart's pranks
wreak havoc, particularly for Emily, who is accused of causing psychic disturbances. And even the newfound joys of
peanut butter and pizza and fudge sauce eventually wear thin for the Boggart. He wants to go home -- but his only
hope lies in a risky and daring blend of modern technology and ancient magic.
The Last Olympian, Rick Riordan (the last of the Percy Jackson adventures)
The fifth volume of the Percy Jackson adventure series follows the travails of the 15-year-old half-human son of
the Greek god Poseidon. The dyslexic, hyperactive teen takes on the curse of Achilles's heel, discovers newfound
powers, visits the kingdom of Poseidon, and finds romance as a battle mounts against Kronos. All year the halfbloods have been preparing for battle against the Titans, knowing the odds of victory are grim. Kronos's army is
stronger than ever, and with every god and half-blood he recruits, the evil Titan's power only grows. While the
Olympians struggle to contain the rampaging monster Typhon, Kronos begins his advance on New York City, where
Mount Olympus stands virtually unguarded. Now it's up to Percy Jackson and an army of young demigods to stop
the Lord of Time.
Time Waits for No Mouse, Michael Hoye
Hermux Tantamoq is an average mouse who works in his watch shop by day and spends his evenings at home with
Terfle, his pet ladybug. But all that changes when Linka Perflinger, daredevil aviatrix, steps into his shop, drops off
her watch for repair, and walks out with Hermux’s heart. When a shady-looking rat tries to claim Linka’s watch,
Hermux knows that something must be terribly wrong, and embarks on a dramatic quest to find her . . .
The Secret of Platform 13, Iva Ibbotson
Under Platform 13 at Kings Cross Station, there is a secret door that leads to a magical island...It appears only once
every nine years. And when it opens, four mysterious figures step into the streets of London. A wizard, an ogre, a
fey and a young hag have come to find the prince of their kingdom, stolen as a baby nine years before. But the
prince has become a horrible rich boy called Raymond Trottle who doesn't understand magic and is determined
not to be rescued.
It’s All Greek to Me and Tut, Tut, both by Jon Scieszka (The two together count as one book)
Two adventures featuring the three boy heroes of The Good, the Bad and the Goofy and Scieszka's other timetravel comedies, these action-packed tales take the trio to ancient Greece and Egypt.
[The Time Warp Trio’s] tongue-in-cheek humor, laced with understatement and wordplay, makes for laugh-outloud reading. -- School Library Journal
Nonfiction
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: A Myreportlinks.com Book, Michelle Laliberte
Myreportlinks.com books provide a lot of information on the subject and offer links online to find out lots more!
Mummies, Bones, and Body Parts, Charlotte Wilcox
Every mummy tells a story! Mummies, Bones, and Body Parts shares case histories, adventures, and whodunits in
a fascinating look at human remains. Follow the investigations of the scientists who work to discover more about
life in the past.
Bio/Autobiography
Knots in My Yo-Yo String, Jerry Spinelli
Newbery medalist Jerry Spinelli has penned his early autobiography with all the warmth, humor, and drama of his
best-selling fiction. From first memories through high school, including first kiss, first punch, first trip to the
principal's office, and first humiliating sports experience, this is not merely an account of a highly unusual
childhood. Rather, like Spinelli's fiction, its appeal lies in the accessibility and universality of his life. Entertaining
and fast-paced, this is a highly readable memoir-- a must-have for Spinelli fans of all ages.
Michaelangelo, Diane Stanley
Michelangelo Buonarroti, one of the greatest artists of all time, was not exactly a noble and humble man. Irritable,
arrogant, and impatient, his perfectionism and expectations drove away many potential friends, and even
provoked one would-be friend to hit him in the nose, crushing it "like a biscuit." However, what's truly important
for us today is that this man ultimately became an artistic genius, mastering the three arts of the Renaissance:
sculpture, painting, and architecture. From his early years, when he created the Pieta (at age 25), to his 40 years of
tormented work on a monumental tomb for Pope Julius II, to his greatest masterpiece, the paintings in the Sistine
Chapel, Michelangelo astounded people with his almost otherworldly talent.
Diane Stanley's well-researched, vivid narrative captures the life of the creator of some of the world's most
beautiful, heart-wrenching works of art. Her illustrations are fantastically elaborate and include details of many of
Michelangelo's sculptures and paintings. Michelangelo is a perfect introduction to art and art history, with plenty
of compelling background information about the Renaissance and life in 15th and 16th century Italy.
Mystery
The Case of the Missing Marquess, Nancy Springer
When Enola Holmes, sister to the detective Sherlock Holmes, discovers her mother has disappeared, she quickly
embarks on a journey to London in search of her. But nothing can prepare her for what awaits. Because when she
arrives, she finds herself involved in the kidnapping of a young marquess, fleeing murderous villains, and trying to
elude her shrewd older brothers—all while attempting to piece together clues to her mother’s strange
disappearance. Amid all the mayhem, will Enola be able to decode the necessary clues and find her mother?
The Westing Game, Ellen Raskin
When an eccentric millionaire dies mysteriously, sixteen very unlikely people are gathered together for the reading
of the will . . . and what a will it is!
A supersharp mystery . . . Confoundingly clever, and very funny. – Booklist
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Summer Reading Assignments, Nathanael Greene Middle School
Incoming 6th Grade: Read 2 books from the list and turn the assignments in to your English teacher
on the first day of school.
Choose one of the following for each of the books you read. Mix it up--do not do the same thing for each book.
1.
Write a letter to the author. See attached assignment sheet.
2.
This choice works if you read a novel, but not so much for the non-fiction selections.
Write a description of the novel so others might learn a bit about it without giving away the ending. You
should tell about:
 What the protagonist’s main problem or goal is
 Where and when the story is set
 Its use of dialogue or action
 Its use of description
 For which audience the book seems written (Whom does the author seem to have in mind?
Boys? Girls? Kids of a certain age? People interested in a certain thing? People from a certain
place? Etc. How can you tell?)
 The theme or author’s message (What does the author seem to want us to think about as we
read? How can you tell?)
Be sure to mention the book title and the author’s name and write about the book in paragraph form—do
not just answer the bullet points. You can use quotes or passages from the book to illustrate your ideas.
You may type or write neatly in pen on loose leaf paper.
3.
Complete a Reader Response Chart for the book you read by choosing form the list of reader response
prompts. Do not use any of the prompts more than once. Use the attached sheets.
4.
Complete a Summer Reading Recommendation Form. Use the attached form.
Choice #1: Letter to the author
Write a one – two page letter to the author of the book you read.
In your letter  Tell the author what you liked about the book as well as what you didn’t like, if anything, and what
emotions you felt as you read.
 Tell the author what you think was the best scene in the book and describe the scene with examples from
the book.
 Describe your favorite character and what you especially liked about that character.
 If there is anything that you would change about the book, explain to the author what you wish had been
different and why.
Use a standard letter format as seen below.
Date
Dear _____________________,
Body of letter using paragraphs.
Sincerely,
Your name
Student example:
Dear Ms. Taylor,
I really enjoyed your amazing book, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. It accurately informs people of the hardships
that blacks had to endure back when there was so much racism in America. The characters you created almost
seem real with their personalities and lives. When I read this book I felt as if I was living in the Great Depression,
witnessing everything that happened throughout the story. I felt as if I was looking through Cassie’s eyes, seeing
and thinking everything that she saw and felt. I now understand more than ever the struggle to survive for the
blacks when there was so much racism. I see how heartless and cruel people can be for reasons that are
completely unfair.
My favorite character in your story is Cassie. She tells me about everything that happens around her through her
thoughts. I like Cassie because she brings the story to life. I felt like I was actually experiencing what Cassie
experienced when I read your amazing book.
My favorite part of the book was when the Logan kids had dug the hole that the white kids’ bus became stuck in. I
felt really happy for the Logans because they’d finally gotten their much deserved revenge on the bus’s driver and
passengers; the driver and passengers who toyed with the Logan kids, and laughed at them whenever the kids
tried to scurry away. I felt the same satisfaction that the Logan kids felt when they got their amazing revenge.
My least favorite part of your book was when Mr. Simms pushed Cassie into the street. Just because Cassie didn’t
address his daughter “Miz” Lillian Jean, a grown man hurt a little girl. The moment I read what had happened, I
really understood how wrong racism is and how horrible people could act because of it. I can’t believe how the
color of somebody’s skin could have been so important. I also didn’t really enjoy the end of the book because
nothing really worked out for that particular black community. However, I suppose every story cannot end in
happiness for everyone involved.
Overall, your book was awesome to read, and I would give it two thumbs up!
Sincerely,
Choice #2: Reader Response Journal Prompts (for the Reader Response Chart)
DIRECTIONS: As you read, stop periodically and complete the reader response chart by choosing from the
following prompts.
1. After reading, I wonder…
2. Are the characters realistic (do they seem like they could be real people)? Why or why not?
3. Create a timeline of events from what you have read so far.
4. Create a ‘WANTED’ poster for the antagonist.
5. Describe a character that you would like to meet (which doesn’t mean that you think you would like the
character, but that you think the character would be interesting). List 4 questions that you would ask.
6. Describe something you have read that is similar to this.
7. Describe the major conflict. What side are you on?
8. Importance of an Episode: Select what you consider the most important episode in the book. Explain (briefly)
what happens, why you think it is important to the section, your reaction to the episode, and why you react this
way.
9. Setting: What effect does the setting (time, place, social and historical background) have on the character’s
thoughts, actions, and choices? What would be your reaction to having to adapt to the character’s environment?
Why?
10. Describe the setting’s time and place. Create a new setting that you think would be better for the story and
describe it.
11. Describe what was either believable or unbelievable about your reading. Defend your opinion.
12. Describe the similarities and differences between the main character and you.
13. Theme: Explain an idea or theme –either stated outright or implied by events—which is meaningful to you.
Explain its importance to
the book and why you find it meaningful.
14. Character Comparison #1: Compare yourself to a main character. Point out your similarities and try to account
for differences
between you and him/her. Considering what you have discovered, what is your reaction to this character? Why?
How do you think the
character would feel about you?
15. Character Comparison #2: Compare a character from your book to a character from another work of fiction
(novel, play, film,
short story). What are their similarities? What are their differences? Which character do you admire more? Why?
16. Judgment: Examine a character’s actions, values, behavior, etc. with which you disagree. What is happening?
Why is the character thinking/acting this way? What do you see wrong with it? Why? What would you suggest as a
preferable response/behavior/value?
17. A particularly interesting or important passage: Copy a passage that really jumps out at you for some reason.
Put the page # after it and then explain why you chose that particular passage.
Choice #3: Reader Response Chart
Name: ____________________________________
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Book Title:
Author:
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Prompt #
Response
Choice #4: Summer Reading Recommendation Form
Name: _____________________________________
Book Title:
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Answer in complete sentences.
Author:
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Who is the protagonist? (There may be more than one)
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Who is the antagonist?
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Where and when is the story set?
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What is the major conflict or problem?
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What is the nature of this conflict/problem? Is it Person vs. person? Person vs. nature? Person vs. society?
Person vs. self?
Explain.____________________________________________________________________________________
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Recommendation: What do you think of the book? What is good about it?/what did you like? What did you
not like so much? What kind of reader or person would enjoy this book? Why? Explain all of this in a wellorganized paragraph with a thesis statement and evidence from the book to support your opinion. (Use loose
leaf paper or type this if you need more space.)
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