Middle School Summer Reading
Heartbeat by Sharon Creech
Students who use Read & Write Gold should already have
downloaded
the book on their computer during the last week of school.
Remember to use the Daisy file icon to access the book with Read
and Write Gold. Please email kmacdonald@howardschool.org with
any questions or concerns.
Dear Summer Readers:
We hope you enjoy the book Heartbeat by Sharon Creech. This book
is unique in the way it is written; it is written in “free verse” poetry
form. This means the story is told in the form of poetry that does not
rhyme.
After you read, complete each of the following activities:
Poem
On pages 32-34, Annie writes a poem about the things she fears and
loves. Write your own free verse poem about the things you fear and
love. First, complete the attached “Fears and Loves” chart and then
use the information to write your poem. Your poem should include
all of the information from your chart. You can type your poem or
used the attached sheet.
Journal Entries
On page 28, Annie asks Max, “Why are we here on this earth? Am I
supposed to do something important? It doesn’t seem enough to
merely take up space on this planet . . .”
 Write a one-paragraph journal entry that answers this question
from Annie’s perspective.
 Write a one-paragraph journal entry that answers this question
from Max’s perspective.
 Write a one-paragraph journal entry that answers this question
from YOUR perspective.
REMEMBER: When you interpret someone else’s
perspective, you have to put yourself in their
shoes. Consider what you know about Annie and
Max and think about what they might write.
You may type your journal entries or write them on the attached
sheet.
Make sure you bring all of your finished work AND your book with
you on the first day of school. We are looking forward to seeing you
in August!
Enjoy your summer . . . and your reading!
-The Middle School Teachers
Fears and Loves
Things I Fear . . .
Why?
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Things I Love . . .
Why?
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Fears and Loves Poem
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Journal Entries
On page 28, Annie asks Max, “Why are we here on this earth? Am I
supposed to do something important? It doesn’t seem enough to
merely take up space on this planet . . .”
Journal Entry from Annie’s Perspective:
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Journal Entry from Max’s Perspective:
_______________________________________________________
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Journal Entry from Your Perspective:
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