2015-16 Summer Reading List for Grades 6-8
All students entering grades 6-8 are required to read 2 books of their choice over the summer, and complete a
reading log that contains their thoughts about what they have read. Parents and guardians are asked to sign the
log before students turn them in on the date in the Fall when the school will hold a Book Tasting
(TBA). Students will use their reading logs to help them share with classmates “a taste” of one of the books
read. Students who turn in completed and signed logs will earn credit for them from their English Language Arts
teacher.
Choosing a Book
A list of recommended book titles representing several genres has been compiled by school and city
librarians. Students looking for good books to read will find that it contains many excellent choices. However,
students are not required to choose from the list; they may select any two books they wish that are appropriate
for their reading level and suit their interests. Parents are encouraged to monitor their child’s selections.
In addition to the list of recommended titles, we encourage students to participate in the Peabody Public
Libraries summer reading celebration highlighting the theme Every Hero Has a Story and Unmask. Below are
some hero themed titles that are sure to delight. Learn more about the Peabody Public Libraries Summer
Programs at www.peabodylibrary.org
Keeping a Reading Log
While they read, students are asked to keep a record of their thoughts about what they are reading. A separate
log should be kept for each book read. Students may print out as many Reading Logs as they need to hold their
thoughts. The Reading Log contains the following fields:
Date
Pages
Read
My Thoughts
7/10/14
1-32
(see below for topic suggestions)
Use as many lines as you need for a thoughtful reflection. Each entry should cover
between 1 - 50 pages.
Students should consider asking themselves a variety of questions, and record the answers in their logs. Here
are some suggestions:
Fiction: Who are the main characters and how are they connected to one another? What is happening in the
story? What do I think about those events? What do I think about the characters? Their words? Their
actions? How does the author keep the story moving, and keep the reader interested? What event did I just
read about? Why is it important to the story?
Non-Fiction: What are some key pieces of information I just learned? What am I reading about that interests
me? Why? What connections am I making between this book and my world.
Feel free to ask and answer your own questions! Have a fun and safe summer. Read another book!
Download the Student Reading Log at http://bit.ly/1HydEwZ or pick up a copy at the Higgins Main Office or the
Peabody Institute Library.
Books with a Hero Theme
Sidekicked by John David Anderson
Tags: Superheroes, Adventure, Identity, Self-Confidence, Ability, Middle School - Reading Level: 5.4
Andrew Bean might be part of H.E.R.O., a secret organization for the training of superhero sidekicks, but that
doesn’t mean that life is all leaping tall buildings in single bounds. First, there’s Drew’s power: Possessed of
super senses – his hearing, sight, taste, touch, and smell are the most powerful on the planet – he’s literally the
most sensitive kid in school. Then there’s his superhero mentor, a former legend who now spends more time
straddling barstools than fighting crime. Add in trying to keep his sidekick life a secret from everyone, including
his parents, and the truth is clear: Middle School is a drag even with superpowers. Visit the author’s website.
The Peabody Institute has 8 copies available. There is an Audio Audible version available from Amazon and it is
available in Kindle and Nook.
Hero on a Bicycle by Shirley Hughes
Tags: Teenagers, Families, Italy, World War II - Reading Level: 6.0
In 1944 Florence, Italy was occupied by Nazi forces. The Italian resistance movement has not given up hope,
though – and neither have thirteen-year-old Pablo and his sister, Costanza. As their mother is pressured into
harboring escaping POWs, Paolo and Costanza each find a part to play in opposing German forces. Both are
desperate to fight the occupation, but what can two siblings – with only a bicycle to help them – do against a
whole army? Middle-grade fans of history and adventure will be riveted by the action and the vividly evoked
tension of World War II. Accompanying website: www.heroonabicycle.co.uk . The Peabody Institute has 13
copies and 3 audiobooks available. There is an Audio Audible, MP3 and CD version available from Amazon and
it is available in Kindle and Nook.
One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Tags: Foster Home Care, Mothers and Daughters, Stepfathers - Reading Level: 3.5
In the wake of heart-breaking betrayal, Carley Connors is thrust into foster care and left on the steps of the
Murphys, a happy, bustling family. When Carley arrives, she finds that she must sleep under a sign that reads,
“Be someone’s hero.” At first, she thinks it’s a bit of cruel irony. However, the more she learns about the
Murphys—and herself—her idea of what being a hero actually is changes. Just about every character in the book
can be considered a hero. Use these characters to discuss how ordinary people can do extraordinary things—not
only on behalf of others but for themselves as well. Visit the author’s
website. The Peabody Institute has 6
copies available. It is available in Kindle and Nook.
Rebound & Read - Books and basketball - what a combination! The Peabody Institute Library’s summer program
combines a basketball clinic and tournament with fun and educational reading time. Experienced coaches from
the Rec Department run the basketball drills and scrimmages and participants read an exciting book about
basketball, hip hop, jazz and family called The Crossover by Kwame Alexander. Higgins Middle School students
may read The Crossover to complete summer reading requirements. Make sure you keep a reading log!Peabody
Residents Only
Dates: August 17-20, 9:00 - 1:00 pm
Drop off at the Peabody Institute, 82 Main Street and Pick Up is at Pierpont Park. FREE!
**Participants should wear sneakers and bring sunscreen and water. Students will walk to the park after the
morning session at the library. Lunch is provided free at the Library. Rebound and Read is sponsored by the
Friends of Peabody Institute Libraries and facilitated by the Peabody Institute Library and Peabody Recreation,
Parks & Forestry Department.
-over-
The Peabody Institute Library's 2015 UNMASK! Teen Summer Reading Program for teens entering grades 6-12 is
fun and easy! Stop by the Main Library to pick up a BINGO sheet- for every 5 activities that you do (like reading
books & magazines, watching movies, listening to music, writing book reviews, creating book trailers and
coming to our awesome programs), you'll win a small prize or an entry into a gift card raffle!
Check out the library's online calendar at www.peabodylibrary.org to learn about free weekly summer programs
(including free lunch!) like anime, manga & fandom meetups, writing workshops and our Camp Create teen tech
club where you'll learn how to use a 3D Printer, professional sound recording equipment, sewing machines,
stop-motion animation software and more!
UNMASK Your Inner Superhero (or Supervillain!) Camp
Dates: July 27 - 30, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm,
Peabody Institute Library Teen Room, 82 Main Street
Create your own hero or villain, complete with alter ego, nemesis, superpower and catch-phrase. Then use the
Library’s Creativity Lab technology to create your hero/villain’s personal symbol and the costume that will set
him or her apart from the rest. We’ll end with the Ultimate Hero/Villain Showdown, where YOU will take on
your new hero/villain’s character to really bring him or her to life. This is your chance to create an entirely new
addition to the world of superheroes and supervillains. The Library will provide lunch each day and all the
supplies and technology that you’ll need - and YOU just need to bring creativity and excitement! Open to teens
entering grades 6-12. Signing-up is required as space is limited. For more information, go to
www.peabodylibrary.org