2011 Summer Reading List for Upcoming Eighth Graders
“Kids who read a million words a year score in the top 2 percent on standardized tests.
That may sound like a lot, but it averages to just 20 to 25 average length novels.”
Pick at least 2 (TWO) books out of the 16 listed
After you have read each book, choose an assignment from the list below. You may wish to write an
essay about the development of a character from one book and keep a diary while you read the
second. The options are endless!
1. Write an imaginary interview with the author (at least 10 open questions and answers.) Your
interview should revolve around the book (themes, characters, setting, main events, etc) and what
inspired the author to write it.
2. Become a character and write a diary with at least 5 entries. Include events from the book and how
you feel about them. Write in the voice of the character (using words they would use and saying things
they would say.)
3. In a brief essay (3-5 paragraphs with an introduction and conclusion), explain how a character in the
book changed from the beginning to the end.
4. Keep a journal as you read your book: record the dates and your reactions, thoughts, feelings, etc.
5. Write a 1-2 page book report summarizing the main events of the novel.
First paragraph: includes (at least 3 sentences) the name of the book, the author, the setting and the
main characters.
Second Paragraph: (at least 4 sentences) tell me a short version of the story, including the plot (main
story line), the conflict, the climax (story builds up to this point) and the resolution (ending).
Third paragraph (at least 3 sentences) If there is a theme (lesson or moral of the story), tell it and tell
me what you thought of this book. Tell me if you think I would enjoy this book. Who would you
recommend this book to?
*Guidelines for all assignments:
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Documents must be typed in black ink , MLA format
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Times New Roman 12 pt. font
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1 inch margins
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Double-space the entire document (including your heading), but do not leave extra spaces
between your heading, title, and the main body of your assignment.
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Include an original title (also 12 pt. Calibri or times New Roman) centered between the heading
and the first paragraph of your paper. Don’t bold or underline your title!
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Page numbers (just the number in the top right corner of the page)
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Include a heading in the top left corner with your name, my name (Whitehead), class (Literature
8), and date you did the paper (Ex: 10 July 2011). In that order please! See example below.
John Doe
Mrs. Whitehead
Literature 8
25 August 2011
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Avoid words like “very” and “really”
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Remember: this is a formal assignment, not a text message! Please avoid text abbreviations (Ex:
b/c, w/, omg, lol, btw, &, etc.)!!
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All assignments should be between 2-3 pages, stapled together in order.
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This is a major test grade for the first 6 weeks. If not submitted by August 26, that major test
grade will be a 0.
October Sky by Homer Hickman
Peak by Roland Smith
Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Nothing But the Truth by Avi
Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan
Runaway Twin by Peg Kehret
The Nine Pound Hammer by John Claude Bemis
The Truth About Truman School by Don Hillestad Butler
Goodnight Mr. Tom by Michele Majorian
Here, There Be Dragons by James A. Owen
The Children of Willesden Lane by Mona Golabek
Last Shot: A Final Four Mystery by John Feinstein
Road to Tater Hill by Edith Hemingway
Romiette and Julio by Sharon M. Draper
The Other Half of My Heart by Sundee T. Frazier
Treasure Island (complete and unabridged) by Robert Louis Stevenson
**All these books are available in the Hobgood Academy Library and I will give this list to the SN Library.
**If you have any trouble, please notify me and I will help you get a book. (826-5967)
You may submit your book report any time during the summer to julwhitehead@gmail.com.