Peekskill Middle School
Summer Reading Assignment
Summer is here again! Congratulations on reaching the end of another school year and, hopefully,
gaining more knowledge about the world, your community, and even yourself. Although summer is
undoubtedly a time to rest, relax and recuperate, it’s also a great time to enjoy a good book. After all,
learning never stops and our ability to read and enjoy literature is a skill that we constantly need to
nurture. How does that happen? Quite simply, by reading!
With that in mind, over the summer you are required to read two books and complete two “Book
Analysis Activity Sheets”; for extra credit you can also create one “Alternative Activity Project”. All
assignments are described in detail in this packet. Additional information can also be found linked to
Peekskill Middle School’s website. Also, in September students will write an in-class, on-demand essay.
We have prepared a list of recommended texts, at a variety of ability levels, to help you choose books.
When choosing what to read, keep in mind your current reading level, as determined by the recent
Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI). Additionally, students can choose books not on any list, on another
grade’s list, or on the supplemental “Short Books for Tall People” list. Regardless of the list, choose texts
that are appropriate for your grade level and individual reading ability. Ultimately, your task is to design
your own summer reading adventure, based on your individual interests and ability level; the lists
provided are highly recommended resources in mapping out the journey.
Starting next year off right begins with this assignment, as it will count as your first project grade for
English. We’re looking forward to getting to know you for another exciting year of reading, writing and
learning in the fall!
-Mrs. G. Blackman and Mr. F. Cancro, 6th grade teachers
- Ms. N.A. Bolden and Ms. S. Wallach, 7th grade teachers
- Mr. B. Bloom and Ms. L. Viola, 8th grade teachers
Your task:
 Read TWO books during the summer (recommended reading lists attached).
 Complete TWO Book Analysis Activity Sheets (one per book).
 Extra Credit: Complete ONE (1) Alternative Activity Project in response to one book (your choice).
Due Dates:
 TWO Book Analysis Activity Sheets (required) and Alternative Activity Project (extra credit) due on
Friday, September 12.
 An IN-CLASS essay will be given during the month of September.
Peekskill Middle School, 212 Ringgold Street, Peekskill, New York 10566
Summer Reading Assignment -- INCOMING 6TH GRADERS
Be prepared to respond to the following prompt for the in-class essay in September:
Describe one conflict (problem) the main character faces in the book. Discuss how the conflict (problem)
was or was not solved. Explain what the main character or you, the reader, learned from the character’s
conflict (problem). Use specific details from the book to support your answers.
* You will be allowed to use your Book Analysis Activity Sheets to complete the essay.
Suggested Reading List -- INCOMING 6TH GRADERS
Author
Anthony Horowitz
Beverly Naidoo
Carolyn Coman
Doris Buchanan Smith
Eleanor Estes
Gary Paulsen
Gary Soto
Gennifer Choldenko
Jeanne DuPrau
Kate DiCamillo
Katherine Paterson
Lois Lowry
Marguerite Henry
Marion Dane Bauer
Michelle Paver
Paula Fox
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Suzanne Collins
Tamora Pierce
Walter Dean Myers
Title
Alex Rider Adventures
Journey to Jo’borg
What Jamie Saw
A Taste of Blackberries
The Hundred Dresses
The Winter Room
The Skirt
Al Capone Does My Shirts
City of Ember (series)
Because of Winn Dixie
The Great Gilly Hopkins
-or- The King’s Equal
Number the Stars
Misty of Chincoteague, others
On My Honor
Wolf Brother (series)
The Slave Dancer
Shiloh
Gregor the Overlander (series)
First Test (series)
Me, Mop, and the Moondance
Kid
Genre
Realistic (spy) Fic
Realistic Fic (So. Africa Apartheid)
Realistic Fic
Realistic Fic
Historical Fic (Hiroshima)
Realisticl Fic
Realistic Fic
Historical Fic (Alcatraz Is. 1930’s)
Science Fic
Realistic Fic
Realistic Fic
Folktale/Fairytale Fic
L630
L760
L1010
L640
L630
L1170
L540
L600
L680
L610
L800
L780
Historical Fic (Holocaust)
Realistic Fic
Realistic Fic
Historical Fic (Stone Age adventure)
Historical Fic (1840’s slave ship)
Realistic Fic
Fantasy Fic
Fantasy Fic
Realistic Fic
L670
L750
L750
L660
L970
L890
L630
L760
L640
Note: Lexile numbers (provided on the right) are a helpful indicator of the difficulty level. Lower lexile
numbers indicate less challenging texts; higher lexile numbers indicate more challenging texts.
Peekskill Middle School, 212 Ringgold Street, Peekskill, New York 10566
Summer Reading Assignment -- INCOMING 7TH GRADERS
Be prepared to respond to the following prompt for the in-class essay in September:
Describe, in detail, the protagonist (main character) of one of the novels you read this summer. Discuss
how the character changed from the beginning to the end of the book. The change could be emotional,
physical, or in personality. Be sure to explain how the change occurred. Did the change bring about a life
lesson for the character? Use specific details from the book to support your answers.
* You will be allowed to use your Book Analysis Activity Sheets to complete the essay.
Suggested Reading List -- INCOMING 7TH GRADERS
Author
Andrew Clements
Ann Martin
Arvella Whitmore
Chris Crowe
Gail Giles
Gary Paulsen
Gordon Korman
Iain Lawrence
Jerry Spinelli
Julian Houston
Karen Hesse
Margaret Peterson Haddix
Mike Lupica
Natasha Friend
Rebecca Stead
Rick Riordan
Sharon M. Draper
Sherri Smith
Suzanne Weyn
Walter Dean Myers
Title
Things Not Seen
A Dog’s Life
Trapped between the Lash and
the Gun
Mississippi Trial 1955
Shattering Glass
Mr. Tucket
The Juvie Three
The Wreckers
Crash/Loser/Wringer/Library
Card
New Boy
Letters from Rifka
Running Out of Time -orAmong the Hidden (series)
Summer Ball -orMillion Dollar Throw
Perfect -or- Lush -or- Bounce
When You Reach Me
The Lightening Thief (Percy
Jackson & the Olympians series)
Tears of a Tiger
Flygirl
Bar Code Tattoo -or- Rebellion
Scorpions -or- Slam!
Genre
Realistic Fic/Fantasy
Realistic Fic
Realistic Fic
L690
L870
L630
Hist.Fic (Civil rights- Emmett Till)
Realistic Fic
Historical Fic (1840’s Oregon Trail)
Realistic Fic
Hist.Fic (1799shipwreck)
Realistic Fic
L870
L590
L830
L730
L870
L560-690
Hist. Fic (Integration 1950’s)
Hist. Fic (escape from Russia 1919)
Sci Fi/Time travel (1840’s)
Science Fiction
L990
L830
L730
L650-800
Realistic Fic
L910 up
Realistic Fic
Realistic Fic
Fantasy
L550up
L750
L590-740
Realistic Fic
Hist.Fic ( (WWII: Afr. Amer. pilot)
Science Fic
Realistic Fic
L700
L680
L880
L601-750
Note: Lexile numbers (provided on the right) are a helpful indicator of the difficulty level. Lower lexile
numbers indicate less challenging texts; higher lexile numbers indicate more challenging texts.
Peekskill Middle School, 212 Ringgold Street, Peekskill, New York 10566
Summer Reading Assignment -- INCOMING 8TH GRADERS
Be prepared to respond to the following prompt for the in-class essay in September:
Describe, in detail, the main conflict of a novel you read this summer. Discuss whether the conflict was
internal (a struggle within a character), external (a struggle or problem between characters or with an
outside force), or a combination of both. Be sure to explain how the conflict was or was not resolved.
Use specific details from the book to support your answers.
* You will be allowed to use your Book Analysis Activity Sheets to complete the essay.
Suggested Reading List -- INCOMING 8TH GRADERS
Author
Ann Turner
Clarion Brooks
Gretchen Olson
Jerry Spinelli
John Boyne
Julia Alvarez
Kekla Magoon
Laurie Halse Anderson
M. T. Anderson
Margaret Peterson Haddix
Mike Lupica
Neil Gaiman
Nicholas Sparks
Patricia Reilly Giff
Robin Wasserman
S.E. Hinton
Sarah Weeks
Sarah Weeks
Sharon Creech
Sharon G. Flake
Suzanne Collins
Walter Dean Myers
Will Hobbs
Title
Hard Hit
The Wednesday Wars
Call Me Hope
Stargirl
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
Return to Sender
The Rock and the River
Rules
Feed
Found (series)
Travel Team or Bat Boy
The Graveyard Book
The Last Song
Pictures of Hollis Woods
Chasing Yesterday (series)
That was Then, This is Now -orTex -or- Rumblefish
So B. It
Uglies (series)
Absolutely Normal Chaos
Love That Dog
The Skin I’m In
Hunger Games (series)
Hoops, Monster, Sunrise Over
Fallujah, Fallen Angels, others
Far North
Genre
Realistic Fic
Realistic Fic
Realistic Fic
Realistic Fic
Historical Fic (WWII friendship)
Realistic Fic
Historical Fic (civil rights/family)
Realistic Fic
Science Fic
Science Fic
Realistic Fic
Supernatural
Realistic Fic
Realistic Fic
Fantasy Fic
Realistic Fic
L750
L990
L780
L590
L1080
L890
L550
L780
L770
L730 up
L930
L820
L790
L650
L670
L680-780
Realistic Fic
Science Fic
Realistic Fic
Realistic Fic
L860
L770
L900
L1010
Realistic Fic
Science Fic
Realistic Fic
L670
L740
L650 up
Realistic adventure Fic
L820
Note: Lexile numbers (provided on the right) are a helpful indicator of the difficulty level. Lower lexile
numbers indicate less challenging texts; higher lexile numbers indicate more challenging texts.
English Language Arts
Book Analysis Activity Sheet
Student’s Name: ___________________________________________________________
Book Title & Author: _______________________________________________________
A. Describe the book’s setting (time & place):
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
B. In the graphic organizer below, identify the main characters and describe them.
You must use details from the text to prove the character traits (evidence and page
number is required).
Character’s Name
Character Traits
Evidence from the book (include
page numbers)
On pg ____, the character shows this trait by…
On pg ____, the character shows this trait by…
On pg ____, the character shows this trait by…
On pg ____, the character shows this trait by…
C. Describe the conflict (problem) that exists in the novel:
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
D. What happens in the end? How is the conflict resolved?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
E. What is the theme (message) of the story? What did the character (or you) learn
from what happened? How do you know?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
F. What is your overall evaluation of the book? Identify your overall rating (excellent, very
good, average, not good) and discuss two specific reasons as support.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
English Language Arts
Book Analysis Activity Sheet
Student’s Name: ___________________________________________________________
Book Title & Author: _______________________________________________________
A. Describe the book’s setting (time & place):
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
B. In the graphic organizer below, identify the main characters and describe them.
You must use details from the text to prove the character traits (evidence and page
number is required).
Character’s Name
Character Traits
Evidence from the book (include
page numbers)
On pg ____, the character shows this trait by…
On pg ____, the character shows this trait by…
On pg ____, the character shows this trait by…
On pg ____, the character shows this trait by…
A. Describe the conflict (problem) that exists in the novel:
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
B. What happens in the end? How is the conflict resolved?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
C. What is the theme (message) of the story? What did the character (or you) learn
from what happened? How do you know?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
D. What is your overall evaluation of the book? Identify your overall rating (excellent, very
good, average, not good) and discuss two specific reasons as support.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Contract Activity Package (CAP)
Summer Reading 2014: Peekskill Middle School
Mandated Expectations:
o Read Book One (1) and complete a Book Analysis Activity Sheet.
o Read Book Two (2) and complete a Book Analysis Activity Sheet.
o Complete one (1) Alternative Activity in response to one book (extra credit)
Objective:
Choose one (1) Alternative Activity as a creative response to one (1) summer reading book.
Include each of the required components: Title and Author, Setting (time and place), Characters,
Character Traits with Supporting Evidence, Conflict (problem), Theme (message), and Opinion.
Activity Alternatives
***All responses MUST include ALL elements listed in
the objective above/ Book Analysis Activity Sheet.***
Design a Power-Point presentation (minimum of twelve (12)
slides) that provides an overview of one book.
Reporting Alternative
1. During the summer, share your Power-Point
with a peer and parent.
2. In September, be prepared to share in school.
Create a video responding to one book. The video can be
designed as an interview or a re-enactment of one book.
1. During the summer, share your video with a
peer and parent.
2. In September, be prepared to share in school.
Create a Tactual Resource, such as an electroboard, task card, 1. During the summer, share and play with your
learning wheel, pic and answer, flip chute, floor game, etc.).
tactual response with a peer and parent.
Include at least 20 questions and answers.
2. In September, be prepared to share in school.
Create an exam including twenty (20) multiple-choice
questions based on one book. Provide four answers for each
question (three fake answers; one real answer).
1. During the summer, give your exam to a peer
and parent.
2. In September, be prepared to share in school.
Create a podcast, wiki, or blog responding to one book.
1. During the summer, post and share your
podcast, wiki, or blog with a peer and parent.
2. In September, be prepared to share in school.
Write a song, rap, or poem in response to one book.
1. During the summer, sing/ read your song,
rap, or poem to a peer and parent.
2. In September, be prepared to share in school.
1. During the summer, share your Comic Strip,
Poster Board, or Picture Book with a peer and
parent.
2. In September, be prepared to share in school.
Design a Comic Strip, Poster Board or Picture Book
responding to one book.
TWO Book Analysis Activity Sheets (required) and ONE Alternative Activity Project
(extra credit) are due on Friday, September 12, 2014.