MARSTELLER MIDDLE SCHOOL
SUMMER READING LIST
for
STUDENTS ENTERING GRADES 6, 7, or 8
Selections may be made from writings of the following authors. The authors
recommended below may include other books not listed that may be on a higher level and
include topics not appropriate for middle school students, therefore it is recommended
that parents preview all books before their child reads it.
Alcott, Louisa May
Alcott is best known for her series of books based on her own life. This series chronicles
a family living in New England called the March family. The themes in her books include
family love, family responsibility and women’s rights. Examples in our library: Little
Women (Lexile: 1210) and Little Men (Lexile: 1260) recommended for 8th grade.
Armstrong, William
Armstrong’s best-known work is Sounder (Lexile: 900) (recommended for 6th grade) for
which he won the 1970 Newbery Medal. A noted historian, many of his works is nonfiction. His writing has been described as being “for all ages”.
Avi
Avi writes historical fiction, mysteries, realistic fiction, humorous books, and fantasy. A
multiple Newbery Honor Award winner, Avi writes on a variety of topics that span a wide
range of reading levels. Examples in our library: Crispin: the cross of lead (Lexile: 780)
(recommended for 6th grade), True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, (Lexile: 740)
(recommended for 7th grade), The Man Who Was Poe (Lexile: 600) (recommended for 8th
grade)
Babbitt, Natalie
A writer of fantasy, Babbitt is a popular author among middle school students. In addition
to being a writer, Babbitt is also an illustrator. Many of her books include her illustrations.
Tuck Everlasting (Lexile: 770) (recommended for 6th)
Bunting, Eve
Bunting grew up in Ireland and learned to love poetry. Bunting’s writing is characterized
as being fantasy, realistic fiction, and teen issues. The settings of her books include
Ireland and California. The reading levels of these books cover a wide range. Books in
our library: Blackwater (Lexile: 510) (recommended for 8th grade), Is Anybody There?
(Lexile: 660) (recommended for 7th grade) A Sudden Silence (Lexile: 670)(recommended
for 7th)
Byars, Betsy
Byars writes fantasies, historical fiction, and realistic fiction. Having won numerous
awards, her books are popular among middle school readers. The themes in her books
include family life, peer relationships, and childhood problems. Books in our library:
Summer of the Swans (Lexile: 830) (recommended for 8th grade), Trouble River (Lexile:
770) (recommended for 7th grade), The Burning Questions of Bingo Brown (Lexile: 630)
(recommended for 6th grade)
Christie, Agatha
A British author, Christie is one of the world’s most famous mystery writers. Although her
books are written primarily for adults, many young adults enjoy her characters and story
plots. This series in our library: Murder on the Orient Express: a Hercule Poirot mystery
(Lexile: 640) (recommended for 8th grade)
Christopher, Matt
If you are a sports enthusiast, check out Matt Christopher. Christopher writes fiction
stories about all kinds of sports including but not limited to: baseball, basketball, dirt bike
racers, football, skateboarding, soccer, swimming, tennis and volleyball. His books are
recommended for all sports enthusiasts in 6th through 8th grade.
Duncan, Lois
Lois is the author of over 45 books, ranging from children's picture books to adult novels,
but is best known for her young adult suspense novels which have received Young
Readers Awards in 16 states and three foreign countries. Four of her novels – Summer of
Fear (Lexile: 830) (recommended for 6th grade), Killing Mr. Griffin (Lexile: 720)
(recommended for 8th grade), Gallows Hill (Lexile: 900) (recommended for 8th grade), and
Don’t Look Behind You, (Lexile: 1020) (recommended for 8th grade)-- were filmed for
television, and I Know What You Did Last Summer (Lexile: 760) (recommended for 7th
grade) was transformed by Hollywood into an unrecognizable slasher film that became a
box office hit.
Ewing, Lynne
Lynne Ewing is a fantasy writer. Her series Daughter’s of the Moon (Lexiles range from
580-800) (recommended for 8th grade) has been well received in the library. Each of the
four main characters has their own special powers including: Vanessa can become
invisible, Catty can time-travel, Serena can read minds and Jamina can see into the
future. Her new series Sons of the Dark (Lexiles range from 580-800) (recommended for
8th grade) is another science fiction series with guys as the main characters.
Fox, Paula
Fox writes about what “preoccupies” her. In reflecting upon her stories she considers
moral aspects and how moral knowledge gained through suffering is tied with happiness.
Fox’s books deal with a variety of themes and characters. Books in our library: The
Village by the Sea (Lexile: 740) (recommended for 6th grade) The Slave Dancer: a Novel
(Lexile: 970) (recommended for 8th grade)
Hahn, Mary Downing
Realistic fiction, mysteries, and contemporary fantasies are among Downing’s writings.
Her books are among the popular ones that middle school students select. Books in our
library: Time for Andrew: a Ghost Story (Lexile: 710) (recommended for 6th grade), The
Old Willis Place: a Ghost Story (Lexile: 630) (recommended for 7th grade), Deep and
Dark and Dangerous (Lexile: 650) (recommended for 8th grade)
Hinton, S.E.
Hinton began writing when she was in her teens. Using her initials instead of her full
name gave her the anonymity she wanted when she wrote her first book, The
Outsiders. (Lexile: 750) Her novels contain mature themes and content. (While these
books are at a 5th grade reading level, it is recommended that parents preview the book
before allowing their child to read them.)
Hobbs, Will
The themes in Hobbs’ books include wilderness survival, cooperation, friendship, trust,
love, whitewater rafting, self-discovery, problem solving, family relationships, and nature.
Adventure is the key word. A few titles in our library are: Downriver (Lexile: 760)
(recommended for 7th and 8th grade)
Horowitz, Anthony
If you are a mystery fanatic and wish you could be a spy like James Bond, you have got
to read Anthony Horowitz’s, The Alex Ryder series (Lexiles range from 610-800)
(recommended for 6th-8th grade). Alex Ryder is a teen spy. Horowitz also has a series
entitled The Gatekeepers (Lexiles range from 620-680) (recommended for 8th grade)
where a fourteen-year-old boy uncovers an evil plot. Another series by Horowitz is A
Diamond Brothers Mystery (Lexiles range from 570-620) (recommended for 6th-8th
grade). In this series thirteen-year-old Nick has been framed for robbery. 6745
Jacques, Brian
A British author, Jacques is best known by readers as a writer of fantasy adventure
books. The theme in his books is the struggle between good and evil. Jacques’ Redwall
(Lexile: 800) series is very popular with all middle school grades.
L’Engle, Madeleine
An author for both adults and young adults, L’Engle’s works include plays, poems,
essays, autobiographies, and novels. Her best-known work for young readers is A
Wrinkle in Time (Lexile: 740) for which she won the Newbery Award. The themes of her
science fiction/fantasy stories are family love and moral responsibility. (recommended for
all middle school grades)
Lewis, C.S.
This British author’s Chronicles of Narnia (Lexiles range from 870-940) is one of the most
popular works of fiction for young readers. These fantasy books combine myths with the
theme of moral principles. (recommended for all middle school grades)
McCaffrey, Anne
McCaffrey’s Pern series is a favorite with readers. She writes fantasies whose
characters are women or children. Her characters are often in situations where they are
overcoming great odds to succeed and find their place in society. Included in our library
are: Dragonsong Bk 1 (Lexile: 960) of the Harper Hall Trilogy (recommended for 7th
grade)
Meyers, Stephanie
Meyers writes science fiction books and according to (Publishers Weekly) was one of the
most promising new authors of 2005. Her books Twilight (Lexile: 720), New Moon
(Lexile: 690) and Eclipse (Lexile: 670) have been a hit in the library. If you love vampire
stories, check out these three books. (Parent recommendation)
Myers, Walter Dean
Myers writes from experience, thus his novels are powerful stories about young AfricanAmericans. A contemporary author, he has written poetry, fiction, and non-fiction books.
Many of his books are popular realistic fiction. In our library: Monster (Lexile: 670)
(recommended for 8th grade) The Outside Shot (Lexile: 770) (recommended for 7th grade)
Hoops (Lexile: 740) (recommended for 6th grade)
Nixon, Joan Lowery
Nixon has won the Edgar Allen Poe Award for mystery. She writes suspenseful
mysteries and historical fiction books for young adults. The main characters in her
mystery books have both a personal problem and a mystery to solve that intertwines
story lines. In our library we have: Keeping Secrets (Lexile 830) (recommended for 6th
grade) A Dangerous Promise (Lexile: 900)(recommended for 7th grade) Shadowmaker
(Lexile: 850) (recommended for 8th grade)
O’Dell, Scott
O’Dell tries to convey simple but profound messages through his books. For example, in
Island of the Blue Dolphins (Lexile: 1000) the overriding theme is respect for life—all life
in all forms. (recommended for 6th-8th grade)
Paterson, Katherine
A Newbery and Christopher Award winning author, Paterson writes contemporary,
realistic fiction and historical fiction. Her themes include self-acceptance, personal
strength, friendship and death. A few titles in our library are: Bridge to Terabithia (Lexile:
810), Jacob Have I Loved (Lexile: 830) and Flip-Flop Girl (Lexile: 720) (recommended for
6th-8th grade)
Paulsen, Gary
A popular author among middle school readers, Paulsen’s books delve into the themes of
wilderness survival, sled dogs, animal behavior, respect, accidents, and trapping.
Paulsen’s books are very descriptive of realistic, natural events and situations which he
has experienced. A few titles in our library include: The River (Lexile: 960), Brian’s Return
(Lexile: 1030), Brian’s Winter (Lexile: 1140), Brian’s Hunt (Lexile: 1180) (recommended
for reluctant readers) Parents some of Gary Paulsen’s books are questionable for middle
school students, please check out any other books not listed above!
Rowling, J.K.
This British author created the Harry Potter series. These fantasy books depict the
adventures of Harry Potter as he ventures into the world of Hogwarts School. The
characters are colorful and the texts are full of imagery.
Selden, George
Best known for his writing in the realm of animal fantasy, Selden’s most favored character
is a cricket. Through this character Selden connects the city and the county using the
animal and the human. The Cricket in Times Square (Lexile: 780) is recommended for
6th graders.
Sleator, William
A writer of science fiction, Sleator is fascinated with real scientific phenomena. He writes
books that are magical but uses story lines within the scientific realm that really might be
possible. Rewind (Lexile: 620) (recommended for 6th grade), Into the Dream (Lexile:
720), (recommended for 7th grade) Others See Us (Lexile: 860) (recommended for 8th
grade)
Soto, Gary
Soto is a Hispanic-American author and poet. He has written books for adults as well as
for young adults. Soto uses his writing to comment on society, racial tensions, and
poverty. The story lines in his books include basketball, single-parent families, school
life, and barrio life. Baseball in April and other stories (Lexile: 830) and Taking Sides
(Lexile: 750) (recommended for all middle school grades)
Speare, Elizabeth
Many of Speare’s historical novels are set in New England where she has lived all of her
life. Her awards include two Newbery Medals and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award. The
Sign of the Beaver (Lexile: 770)(recommended for all middle grades) and The Witch of
Blackbird Pond (Lexile: 850) (recommended for 7th or 8th grade)
Sperry, Armstrong
A Newbery Medal award writer, Sperry’ South Seas book, Call it Courage (Lexile: 830)
(recommended for all middle grades) is a popular adventure story. Sperry’s stories deal
with heroic characters that struggle to overcome great obstacles.
Taylor, Theodore
Beginning his lifetime career as a writer at the age of thirteen, Taylor writes on themes
that reflect the numerous and various experiences of his life. During his life experiences
Taylor watched, listened, thought and dreamed. Library titles include: The Cay (Lexile:
860) and Timothy of the Cay (Lexile: 860) (both recommended for all middle grades)
VIRGINIA CHOICE BOOK TITLES
The purpose of these books is to encourage young readers to become better acquainted
with contemporary books with outstanding literary appeal, to broaden students’
awareness of literature as a life-long pleasure, to encourage reading aloud in classrooms
as a means of introducing reading for pleasure, and to honor favorite books and their
authors.
Recommended for 6th grade
Adam Canfield of the Slash by Michael Winerip.
Lexile: 830L
While serving as co-editors of their school newspaper, middle-schoolers Adam and
Jennifer uncover fraud and corruption in their school and in the city's government.
Black Duck by Janet Taylor Lisle
Lexile: 790L
Years afterwards, Ruben Hart tells the story of how, in 1929 Newport, Rhode Island,
his family and his best friend's family were caught up in the violent competition among
groups trying to control the local rum-smuggling trade.
Lawn Boy: by Gary Paulsen
Lexile: 780L
Things get out of hand for a twelve-year-old boy when a neighbor convinces him to
expand his summer lawn mowing business.
Hitler’s Canary by Sandi Toksvig
Lexile: 810L
Based upon the true experiences of the author's father, tells the fictional story of tenyear-old Bamse and his Jewish friend, Anton, who participated in the Danish Resistance
during World War II.
Crooked Kind of Perfect: by Linda Urban
Lexile: 730L
Ten-year-old Zoe Elias dreams of becoming a famous piano prodigy. She imagines
wearing a ball gown and playing to cheering audiences at Carnegie Hall. But when her
agoraphobic father braves the mall to purchase a piano for her, the bright lights and
crowds are too overwhelming. Instead of a piano, he comes home with a "wood-grained,
vinyl-seated, wheeze-bag" Perfectone D-60 organ. Zoe is "the opposite of excited," but
as her weekly lessons progress, she finds she has some talent with the dual keyboard
and the rumba rhythm switch. Even Wheeler Diggs, a weird boy from school who
befriends Zoe when her best friend ditches her for the popular crowd, thinks her playing
is "cool."
Eleven: by Patricia Reilly Giff
Lexile: 600L
Just before his eleventh birthday, Sam finds a newspaper clipping poking out of a locked
box in the attic. Below the word missing is an image of a small child, who, Sam realizes
with astonishment, is himself. Although he can read wood like his carpenter grandfather,
Mack, with whom he lives, Sam can’t read words. He agonizes over his discovery, but he
is too afraid to ask Mack for explanations. Then he befriends an eccentric new student,
Caroline, and together they investigate Sam’s past. How did he arrive at the place where
he is being raised by Mack? Why does he dream about an icy river?
Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat: by Lynne Jonell
Lexile: 780L
When Emmy discovers that she and her formerly loving parents are being drugged by
their evil nanny with rodent potions that can change people in frightening ways, she and
some new friends must try everything possible to return things to normal.
The Ghost, the White House, and Me: by Judith St. George
Lexile: 800L
Shortly after their mother takes the office of president, KayKay Granger and her sister
begin to suspect that Abraham Lincoln's ghost is haunting the White House and begin to
investigate.
Recommended for 7th grade
The Mailbox by Audrey Shafer.
Lexile: 790L
When twelve-year-old Gabe tries to hide his uncle's death from the local
authorities, he is not prepared for what happens when this secret is discovered.
Surviving Antarctica: Reality TV 2083 by Andrea White
Lexile: 670L
In the year 2083, five fourteen-year-olds who were deprived by chance of the
opportunity to continue their educations reenact Scott's 1910-1913 expedition to the
South Pole as contestants on a reality television show, secretly aided by a Department of
Entertainment employee.
First Light: by Rebecca Stead
Lexile: 760L
When twelve-year-old Peter and his family arrive in Greenland for his father's research,
he stumbles upon a secret his mother has been hiding from him all his life, and begins an
adventure he never imagines possible.
Keeper: by Mal Peet
Lexile: 780L
South American journalist Paul Faustino begins his interview with World Cup Soccer star
El Gato and learns a fantastic story of a young, lonely boy growing up in the middle of a
rain forest who wandered upon a mysterious soccer field and an apparition that appeared
to him daily
London Calling: by Edward Bloor
Lexile: 640L
Seventh-grader Martin Conway believes that his life is monotonous and dull until the
night the antique radio he uses as a night-light transports him to the bombing of London
in 1940.
Savvy: by Ingrid Law
Lexile:
Recounts the adventures of Mibs Beaumont, whose thirteenth birthday has revealed her
"savvy"--a magical power unique to each member of her family--just as her father is
injured in a terrible accident.
Wednesday Wars: by Gary Schmidt
Lexile; 990L
During the 1967 school year, on Wednesday afternoons when all his classmates go to
either Catechism or Hebrew school, seventh-grader Holling Hoodhood stays in Mrs.
Baker's classroom where they read the plays of William Shakespeare and Holling learns
much of value about the world he lives in.
Recommended for 8th grade
Airborn by Kenneth Oppel
Lexile: 760L
Matt, a young cabin boy aboard an airship, and Kate, a wealthy young girl traveling
with her chaperone, team up to search for the existence of mysterious winged creatures
reportedly living hundreds of feet above the Earth's surface.
Blue by Joyce Moyer Hostetter
Lexile: 780L
Ann Fay Honeycutt becomes the man of the house at age thirteen after her father
leaves to fight in World War II, forcing Ann to give up her childhood and tend to her
family, but when a polio epidemic strikes, Ann faces the most devastating challenge of
her life.
Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson
Lexile: 700L
Sixteen-year-old Hattie Brooks inherits her uncle's homesteading claim in Montana in
1917 and encounters some unexpected problems related to the war in Europe.
La linea by Ann Jaramillo
Lexile: 650L
When fifteen-year-old Miguel's time finally comes to leave his poor Mexican village,
cross the border illegally, and join his parents in California, his younger sister's
determination to join him soon imperils them both.
The Loud Silence of Francine Green by Karen Cushman
Lexile: 750L
In 1949, thirteen-year-old Francine goes to Catholic school in Los Angeles where
she becomes best friends with a girl who questions authority and is frequently punished
by the nuns, causing Francine to question her own values.
The Black Book of Secrets: by F. E. Higgins
Lexile: 830L
When Ludlow Fitch runs away from his thieving parents in the City, he meets up with the
mysterious Joe Zabbidou, who calls himself a secret pawnbroker, and who takes Ludlow
as an apprentice to record the confessions of the townspeople of Pagus Parvus, where
resentments are many and trust is scarce.
Book of a thousand days: by Shannon Hale
Lexile: 850L
Fifteen-year-old Dashti, sworn to obey her sixteen-year-old mistress, the Lady Saren,
shares Saren's years of punishment locked in a tower, then brings her safely to the lands
of her true love, where both must hide who they are as they work as kitchen maids.
Miss Spitfire: Reaching Helen Keller: by Sarah Miller
Lexile: 890L
Includes bibliographical references. At age twenty-one, partially-blind, lonely but
spirited Annie Sullivan travels from Massachusetts to Alabama to try and teach six-yearold Helen Keller, deaf and blind since age two, self-discipline and communication skills.
Includes historical notes and timeline.
The Uprising: by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Lexile: 790L
In 1927, at the urging of twenty-one-year-old Harriet, Mrs. Livingston reluctantly
recalls her experiences at the Triangle Shirtwaist factory, including miserable working
conditions that led to a strike, then the fire that took the lives of her two best friends,
when Harriet, the boss's daughter, was only five years old.
Books at Marsteller Middle School recommended by students
Author
Title
Grade
Lexile
Barry, Dave
Bissinger, H. G.
Bosch, Pseudonymous
Broach, Elise
Card, Orson Scott
Cay, John
Clements, Andrew
Creech, Sharon
Cretzmeyer, Stacy
Ewing, Lynne
Farmer, Nancy
Feinstein, John
French, Jackie
Golding, William
Gunn, Robin Jones
Harrison, Lisi
Horowitz, Anthony
LaHaye, Tim
Martin, Ann
Mass, Wendy
Meyer, Stephanie
Myers, Walter Dean
Nimmo, Jenny
Nix, Garth
Nylund, Eric
Paulsen, Gary
Paulsen, Gary
Peck, Richard
Pierce, Tamora
Sachar, Louis
Spinelli, Jerry
Spinelli, Jerry
Tolkien, J. R.
Watson, Jude
Wooding, Chris
Peter and the Starcatcher
Friday Night Lights
The Name of this Book is Secret
Shakespeare’s Secret
Ender’s Game
Crackback
Things Not Seen
Walk Two Moons
Your Name is Renee
Daughters of the Moon series
The Sea of Trolls
Last Shot: a Final Four Mystery
Hitler’s Daughter
Lord of the Flies
The Christy Miller Collection
The Clique: A Novel
Stormbreaker (Alex Rider series)
Left Behind (Adult series)
A Dog’s Life
Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life
Twilight (book 1)
Monster
The Charlie Bone series
Mister Monday (book 1)
Halo: The Fall of Reach
Hatchet
The Transall Saga
A Year Down Yonder
The Immortals series
Holes
Milkweed
Stargirl
The Hobbit
Premonition
Storm Thief
6th
8th
6th
6th
8th
8th
6th
6th
8th
7th
6th
6th
6th
8th
7th
7th
6th
7th
6th
6th
8th
8th
6th
7th
8th
7th
8th
6th
7th
6th
6th
6th
8th
8th
7th
Lexile: 770L
Lexile: 1260L
Lexile: 810L
Lexile: 670L
Lexile: 780L
Lexile: 490L
Lexile: 690L
Lexile: 770L
Lexile:
Lexile: 580-800L
Lexile: 670L
Lexile: 760L
Lexile: 600L
Lexile: 770L
Lexile: 730-790L
Lexile: 790L
Lexile: 670L
Lexile: 720-990L
Lexile: 870L
Lexile: 770L
Lexile: 720L
Lexile: 670L
Lexile: 590-770L
Lexile: 800L
Lexile:
Lexile: 1020L
Lexile: 630L
Lexile: 610 L
Lexile: 670-770L
Lexile: 660L
Lexile: 510L
Lexile: 590L
Lexile: 1000L
Lexile: 610L
Lexile: 800L