Middle School Summer Reading for 2008-09
(updated 5/31/08)
7th grade reading | 8th grade reading
Reporting Instructions for 6th Grade
(printable instructions)
Dear Rising Sixth Grader,
Welcome to middle school, and great adventures in literature! Your summer reading will offer you a wonderful opportunity to meet new characters and explore new places through books. If you already consider yourself a reader, your success is assured. If you are a reluctant reader, my mission is to guide you to novels that will hold your interest and make you eager for more. When we meet in August, we will discuss the five books you have read, and compare your reactions and feelings to those of your classmates and teacher. Please follow the instructions below. Email me if you have questions or problems with any aspect of this assignment. If you would like to read a book not on the list, I would be happy to consider your request, as long as the book is age-appropriate. Simply email me: drewk@thewalkerschool.org
Yours in the love of literature,
Miss Drew
Required reading:
Each sixth grader will read The Cay by Theodore Taylor, and then choose ONE of the following titles:
The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare
The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Each student will then select three additional titles from the list provided for a total of five books read. Sixth graders may read all four of the books listed above, and then choose one from the summer list. Additional titles may be read for extra credit. For each book read, a 5x8 inch note card must be completed. The directions, sample card, and grading rubric are as follows:
Use 5 x 8 inch note cards (any color). Use one card per book. Required cards should be typed or in ink.
Sample card: Front
Name: Sam Student completed book 6/15/08
The Cay by Theodore Taylor Setting: The Caribbean Sea during WWII
Main characters: Timothy, Phillip, Phillip’s parents
Genre: Adventure; historical fiction
Type: Fiction
Sample card: Back:
Favorite quote: “Dis be dat outrageous cay, eh, Timothy?”
Last page of book
I chose this line because Phillip is remembering his time on the island, and how important Timothy was to him.
I liked the descriptions of the island. They were vivid and I felt like I was there with the stranded characters, Timothy and Phillip.
My only dislike was that Timothy’s dialect was somewhat difficult for me to translate.
I would strongly recommend this book to any middle school student.
Additional titles for 6th grade:
Aiken, Joan -- The Wolves of Willoughby Chase
Bonnie and her cousin Sylvia are left in the care of an evil governess. They escape and travel 400 miles to London with their friend Simon and his geese.
Alcott, Louisa May -- Little Women
Chronicles the joys and sorrows of four sisters growing up in New England during the Civil War.
Avi -- Romeo and Juliet: Together and Alive at Last
Ed becomes a matchmaker when he casts two of his reluctant friends as leads in the 8th grade production of Romeo and Juliet.
Banks, Lynn Reid -- Maura’s Angel
A 12-year-old Irish girl survives a bomb explosion in Belfast and finds her guardian angel.
Barron, T.A. -- The Lost Years of Merlin (and series)
A young boy who has no memory of his past, washes ashore on the coast of Wales and finds his true identity after a series of fantastic adventures.
Bellairs, John The Mummy, the Will, and the Crypt
While searching through a deserted mansion to find an eccentric tycoon’s will, Johnny accidentally discovers a mysterious and dangerous force.
Blackwood, Gary The Shakespeare Stealer
A young orphan boy is ordered by his master to infiltrate Shakespeare’s acting troupe in order to steal the script of Hamlet, but he discovers instead the meaning of friendship and loyalty.
Bloor, Edward Tangerine
A legally blind seventh-grader has always lived in the shadow of his older brother. Things change when the family moves to Tangerine County, where bizarre natural disasters occur.
Brooks, Polly Queen Eleanor
A biography of Eleanor of Aquitaine, an independent spirit of the Medieval world.
Bunting, Eve SOS Titanic
15-year-old Barry O'Neill, traveling from Ireland to America on the maiden voyage of the Titanic, finds his life endagered when the ship begins to sink.
Burnett, Frances Hodgson The Secret Garden
When orphaned Mary Lennox, lonely and sad, comes to live in her uncle’s great house on the Yorkshire moors, she finds it full of secrets.
Burnford, Sheila The Incredible Journey
Two dogs and a cat find their way home across the Canadian wilderness.
Cooper, Susan The Dark is Rising (and others in series)
On his 11th birthday, Will Stanton discovers that he has magic powers, which will enable him to help protect the world from the forces of evil.
Cooper, Susan King of Shadows
A boy performing at London’s modern Globe theater is suddenly transported back time to 1599, where he meets Shakespeare and the original cast of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Creech, Sharon Ruby Holler
A book by the author of Chasing Redbird. Two orphans come to live in Ruby Holler, a beautiful, mysterious place, which will change their lives forever.
Danziger, Paula P.S. Longer Letter Later
Two girls keep their friendship alive through letters when one of them moves away.
Denenberg, Barry Stealing Home: The Story of Jackie Robinson
A biography of the first black man to play in the all-white baseball leagues, who was a symbol of courage, hope, and unity.
Fox, Paula The One-Eyed Cat
Eleven-year-old Ned shoots a forbidden gun just onece on a moonlit night and then is haunted by a guilty fear. Was it his shot that wounded the one-eyed cat?
Funke, Cornelia Inkheart
Meggie lives a quiet life alone with here father. But her father has a deep secret-- he possesses an extraordinary magical power. One day a mysterious stranger arrives from her father's past. Suddenly Meggie is involved in a breathless game of intrigue as her father's life is put in danger.
Gantos, Jack Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key
To the constant disappointment of his mother and his teachers, Joey has trouble paying attention or controlling his mood swings when his prescripton medications wear off.
Garfield, Leon Smith
A 12-year old boy in Victorian London witnesses a murder and becomes a suspect himself.
Giff, Patricia Reilly Lily’s Crossing
During a summer spent at the beach in 1944, Lily’s friendship with a young Hungarian refugee causes her to see the war and her own world differently.
Gipson, Fred Old Yeller
The moving story of a farm boy’s relationship with his dog in the late 1860’s.
Gutman, Dan The Million Dollar Shot (and other books by this author)
When 11-year-old Eddie wins a poetry contest, he also wins the opportunity to hit a million dollar shot at the NBA finals.
Hobbs, Will Jason’s Gold (and others by this author)
An adventure story of the Alaska gold rush. Jason rescues a husky from a cruel master and also meets the young Jack London.
Kinney, Jeff Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Roderick Rules
Very funny novel of a kid who is always in troiuble. The book chronicles Greg's attempts to navigate the hazards of middle school.
Konigsburg, E.L. The View From Saturday
Four students develop a special bond and attract the attention of their teacher, a paraplegic, who chooses them to represent their sixth-grade class in the Academic Bowl competition. (Newbery )
Korman, Gordon No More Dead Dogs
For expressing his true views of a classic dog story, eighth-grade football hero Wallace earns a detention and is forced to attend the school play.
London Jack White Fang
Born in the north woods, White Fang grows up wary and smart. When food becomes scarce, he is forced to befriend some humans to survive.
Mazer, Harry A Boy at War: A Novel of Pearl Harbor
A 14-year-old boy witnesses the attack on Pearl Harbor.
McKinley, Robin The Hero and the Crown
The dazzling prequel to The Blue Sword follows the adventures of the Damarian king’s daughter, Aerin, as she fights to claim both birthright and love.
Montgomery, Lucy Maud Anne of Green Gables (and series)
The story of a young orphan, who is adopted by a farm family in the small Canadian town of Avonlea.
Morris, Gerald The Squire’s Tale
The story of a 14-year-old boy, who serves as a knight’s squire in King Arthur’s time.
O'Dell, Scott Zia
A 14-year-old Native American girl sets out for a faraway island to rescue her aunt. A sequel to Island of the Blue Dolphins.
Park, Linda Sue A Single Shard
Chronicles an orphan boy’s transformation from apprentice to artist in 12th century Korea. (Newbery Medal 2002)
Paulsen, Gary Soldier’s Heart
Eager to enlist, fifteen-year-old Charley has a change of heart after experiencing both the physical horrors and mental anguish of Civil War combat.
Raskin, Ellen The Westing Game
The mysterious death of an eccentric millionaire brings together an unlikely assortment of 16 heirs. To their surprise, the will turns out to be a contest. (Newbery Medal)
Taylor, Mildred The Land
The story of an African American family living in the South after the Civil War. A prequel to Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. (Coretta Scott King Award 2002)
Taylor, Mildred Roll of Thuder, Hear my Cry
An African American family living in the south during the 1930's is faced with prejudice and discrimination. (Newbery Medal)
Taylor, Theodore Timothy of the Cay
A young boy’s hopes to regain his sight are combined with the story of the remarkable Black sailor who saved his life. A sequel to The Cay.
Twain, Mark Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Tom, a young scamp of a hundred years ago, likes to play truant and find his fun along the shores of the Mississippi. When he and Huck witness a midnight murder, the real trouble begins.
Van Draanen, Wendelin Flipped
An eighth-grade "he-said, she-said" romance told in alternating chapters by two teens who describe how their feelings change about themselves and each other.
Voigt, Cynthia Jackaroo
A fantasy story about a young woman who uncovers the myth and takes on the persona of a legendary outlaw.
Wartski, Maureen A Boat to Nowhere
Fleeing from agents of the new communist government in Vietnam, an old man and three children begin an endless struggle for survival as boat people.
Wells, H.G. The Time Machine
This classic novel follows the Time Traveler as he hurtles one million years into the future and encounters the childlike Eloi and the disgusting Morlocks.
Yep, Laurence Dragonwings (and other books by this author)
Moon Shadow is 8 years old when he sails from China to join his father in America. Together they endure prejudice and poverty in order to make their dreams come true.
Yolen, Jane Atalanta and the Arcadian Beast
In this tale based on classical mythology, a 12-year-old girl searches for the beast which killed her father.
Yolen, Jane The Devil’s Arithmetic
Hannah resents the traditions of her Jewish heritage until time travel places her in the middle of a small Jewish village in Nazi-occupied Poland.
7th Grade
Back to Top
Reporting Instructions for 7th Grade
You are reading the two books Daniel’s Story by Carol Matas and Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan. Both Daniel and Koly, the main characters in the books, are at the mercy of someone else at the beginning of the book: Daniel’s life, as a Jewish boy, is controlled by the Nazis and Koly’s life is controlled by her parents and the cultural traditions of India. Even though both appear helpless at the beginning of the stories, they claim their lives as their own at the end of the novels. How do both Koly and Daniel cope with their situations to become in control of their own lives at the end? Write a 3 paragraph essay comparing and contrasting Daniel and Koly. Example of a thesis statement: Although Koly and Daniel seem helpless at the beginning of the novels Daniel’s Story by Catol Matas and Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan, they take control of their own lives by the end of the novels. Both Koly and Daniel appraise their situations at the beginning and by quick thinking and perseverance are independent people at the end..
Students will take a test on Homeless Bird
and Daniel’s Story during the first week of school.
Students must make note cards for the 2 additional books which they read. These note cards must be turned in on the first day of class. Do not make note cards for the required books. Any additional books should be marked extra credit and will be used at the teacher’s discretion Please follow the reporting instructions carefully.
- Create one note card for each book that you read.
- Use 4x6 cards only
- Write neatly in ink or type your cards.
ON THE FRONT OF THE CARD INCLUDE:
- BOOK TITLE: AUTHOR
- STUDENT NAME GRADE:
- SETTING:
- THEME:
- AUTHOR’S POINT OF VIEW:
ON THE BACK OF THE CARD INCLUDE:
- AUTHOR’S ATTITUDE TOWARD THE CHARACTERS:
- MEMORABLE LINE OR SENTENCE:
- WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS LINE?
- AUTHOR’S PURPOSE IN WRITING THE BOOK:
REQUIRED:
Whelan, Gloria -- Homeless Bird
When a 13-year-old girl enters into an ill-fated arranged marriage, she must either suffer a destiny dictated by India’s tradition, or find the courage to oppose it.
Matas, Carol -- Daniel’s Story
Describes the hardships of a Jewish family living in Hitler’s Germany.
Additional titles for 7th grade (extra credit):
Alcott, Louisa May An Old-fashioned Girl
Polly's friendship with a wealthy family in boston teaches her the truth about the relationship between happiness and money.
Alexander, Lloyd The Black Cauldron
Taran, Assistant Pig-Keeper of Prydain, faces even more dangers as he seeks the magical Black Cauldron, the chief implement of the evil powers of Arawn, lord of the Land of Death.
Armstrong, Jennifer Steal Away
In 1855 two 13-year-old girls, one white and one black, run away from a southern farm and make the difficult journey north to freedom.
Asimov, Isaac Fantastic Voyage
Jan Benes lies in a coma. Locked in his brain is a secret vital to the survival of the Free World. A team of doctors, technicians and all their equipment are miniaturized and injected into Dr. Benes’ circulatory system to destroy his blood clot from the inside. One of the team is an enemy.
Banks, Lynn Reid One More River
Fourteen-year-old Lesley is upset when her parents abandon their comfortable life in Canada for a kibbutz in Israel prior to the 1967 war.
Blacker, Terence The Angel Factory
When Thomas opens a secret file on his father’s computer, he discovers that in his “perfect”futuristic world , nothing is what it seems.
Blackwood, Gary The Shakespeare Stealer
A young orphan boy is ordered by his master to infiltrate Shakespeare's acting troupe in order to steal the script of "Hamlet", but he discovers instead the meaning of friendship and loyalty.
Bloor, Edward Tangerine
A legally blind seventh-grader has always lived in the shadow of his older brother. Things change when the family moves to Tangerine County, where bizarre natural disasters occur.
Cleaver, Vera Where the Lilies Bloom
In the Great Smoky Mountains region, a fourteen-year-old girl struggles to keep her family together after their father dies.
Cooney, Caroline B. Burning Up
A young teen living in a New England town discovers a mystery based on hatred and bigotry.
Curtis, Christopher Paul The Watsons Go To Birmingham
The lives of the Watsons, an African American family living in Michigan, are drastically changed after they go to visit Grandma in Alabama in the summer of 1963.
Divakaruni, Chitra Bannerjee The Conch Bearer
In a dingy shack in the poor Indian neighborhood he calls home, twelve-year-old Anand is entrusted with a conch shell that possesses mystical powers. His task is to return the shell to its rightful home. His quest will take him farther from home than he's ever been and will teach him more than he ever imagined.
Fast, Howard April Morning
The story of one day in the life of a young American boy in colonial Lexington, the day on which he joined the militia and saw his father shot down by the British.
Filipovich, Zlata Zlata’s Diary
A young girl from Sarajevo writes her diary during the turmoil in her country.
Fletcher, Susan Shadow Spinner
A young storyteller in ancient Persia meets Queen Scheherazade and becomes involved in a dangerous mission.
Frank, Anne The Diary of Anne Frank
The diary of a young Jewish girl, whose family hides to escape the Nazis. It has become a world classic and a powerful reminder of the horrors of war.
Giovanni, Nikki Shimmy Shimmy Shimmy Like My Sister Kate
Looking at the Harlem Renaissance through poems.
Greene, Bette Summer of My German Soldier
A 12-year-old Jewish girl in Arkansas befriends an escaped German prisoner of war, and this friendship leads to tragic results.
Hahn, Mary Downing Promises to the Dead
A Civil War era story about the interrelationships of white owners, black slaves, and their offspring as told through the eyes of a 12- year old white boy.
Herriot, James All Creatures Great and Small (and others in series)
The true story of a veterinarian in rural England.
Hesse, Karen Witness
The story of a small town in the 1920s and its involvement with the Ku Klux clan.
Hesse, Karen Out of the Dust
A 14-year-old girl describes the Oklahoma Dust Bowl (Newbery Award)
Heyerdahl, Thor Kon-Tiki
The true story of Heyerdahl and five companions, who crossed the Pacific on a primitive balsa-log raft.
Hillenbrand, Laura Seabiscuit: An American Legend
The remarkable true story of a horse who became one of the greatest thoroughbred racing legends of all times.
Hinton, S.E. Taming the Star Runner
Travis, a city boy, develops an unusual friendship with a young horse trainer on his uncle’s ranch.
Hobbs, Will Downriver
Fifteen-year-old Jessie and the other rebellious teenage members of a wilderness survival school team abandon their adult leader, hijack his boats, and try to run the dangerous white water at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
Holt, Kimberly Willis Dancing in Cadillac Light
In 1968, Jaynell's life in the town of Moon, Texas, is enlivened when her eccentric Grandpap comes to live with her family.
L’Engle, Madeline A Ring of Endless Light
A young girl finds solace in her poetry and scientific experiments with wild dolphins.
Lipsyte, Robert The Contender
A 17-year-old Harlem boy struggles to become a champion boxer.
Lisle, Janet Taylor The Art of Keeping Cool
In 1942 two Rhode Island boys become involved with a German artist who is suspected of being a spy.
London, Jack Call of the Wild
The classic survival story of a dog stolen from his California home and made to work as a sled dog during the Alaskan gold rush.
Lyons, Mary Letters From a Slave Girl
A collection of fictional letters vividly recreates the life and times of Harriet Ann Jacobs, a young slave girl who escaped to freedom in the 1840s and who became an author and abolitionist.
Myers, Walter Dean Hoops
A teenage basketball player from Harlem is befriended by a former professional player who, after being forced to quit because of a point shaving scandal, hopes to prevent other young athletes from repeating his mistake.
Myers, Walter Dean Jazz
New poetry and paintings to explore a wider repertoire of Jazz forms.
Napoli, Donna Jo Daughter of Venice
Fourteen-year-old Donata is a pampered member of a noble family in Renaissance Venice. Longing to experience the world outside her villa, Donata disguises herself in boys’ clothing and explores the city.
Napoli, Donna Jo Stones in Water
An Italian boy is captured by German soldiers during World War II.
Park, Linda Sue A Single Shard
Chronicles an orphan boy's transformation from apprentice to artist n 12th century Korea. (Newbery Medal 2002)
Paulsen, Gary Nightjohn
An adult slave named Nightjohn teaches 12-year-old Sarny, also a slave, how to read, in spite of the grim consequences that could result if they are discovered.
Paulsen, Gary Sarny
Continues the adventures of Sarny, the slave girl Nightjohn taught to read, through the aftermath of the Civil War, during which time she taught other blacks and lived a full life until age 94.
Peck, Richard A Long Way from Chicago
Nine-year-old Joey and his younger sister visit grandma every summer during the Depression, but Grandma is not a good influence. She cheats and lies. The author depicts the depression era-well, but in a larger-than-life, humorous way.
Peck, Richard A Year Down Yonder
A sequel to A Long Way From Chicago. In 1937, Joey goes off to work for the Civilian Conservation Corps. His 15-year-old sister Mary Alice has to stay with Grandma alone and becomes an accomplice in Grandma’s outrageous schemes to run the town.
Peck, Richard E. Something for Joey
The true story of pro football star John Cappelletti and his younger brother Joey, who was stricken with leukemia.
Pullman, Philip Ruby in the Smoke (and others in the series)
Sixteen-year-old Sally Lockhart must solve the mystery of her father’s death by venturing into the underworld of Victorian London.
Rawlings, Marjorie Kinnan The Yearling
A young boy living in the Florida backwoods is forced to decide the fate of a fawn he has lovingly raised as a pet.
Rinaldi, Ann Amelia’s War
Amelia is confused and frustrated when her town becomes divided in its loyalties between the Union and the Confederacy.
Rinaldi, Ann A Stitch in Time (and other titles in Quilt Trilogy)
Shortly after the War of Independence, sixteen-year-old Hannah sees her family life changing as a result of old secrets and new opportunities.
Schwartz, Virginia Frances Send One Angel Down
Set on a plantation in pre-Civil War Alabama, this is the story of Eliza, a slave with fair skin and blue eyes. Her cousin Abram tries to protect her from the horrors of slavery.
Spinelli, Jerry Stargirl
A story about the perils of popularity, the courage of nonconformity, and the thrill of first love.
Sutcliff, Rosemary Black Ships Before Troy: The Story of the Illiad
Retells the story of the Trojan war, from the quarrel for the golden apple, and the flight of Helen with Paris, to the destruction of Troy.
Sutcliff, Rosemary The Wanderings of Odysseus
A master storyteller and an award-winning illustrator evoke the golden age of mythical Greece in this spirited retelling of The Odyssey.
Taylor, Mildred Let the Circle Unbroken
In 1935, the Logan family watches as their black friend is charged with murder and tried by a hostile all-white jury.
Taylor, Mildred Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
An African American family living in the South during the 1930's is faced with prejudice and discrimination. (Newbery Medal)
Tolkien, J.R.R. The Hobbit
The adventures of the hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, who lived happily in his comfortable home until a wandering wizard granted his wish.
Yolen, Jane Girl in a Cage
As English armies invade Scotland in 1306, eleven-year-old Princess Marjorie, daughter of the newly crowned Scottish king, Robert the Bruce, is captured and held in a cage on public display.
Yolen, Jane The Queen’s Own Fool
The fictionalized story of Mary, Queen of Scots, as told through the eyes of Nicola, a court jester.
8th Grade:
Back to Top
Reporting Instructions for 8th Grade
Requirements: Reading Journal on Haroun and the Sea Stories
Essay on To Kill a Mockingbird
Note cards on 2 additional books
Instructions for the Journal for Haroun and the Sea Stories by Salman Rushdie.
A true reading journal is a record of how you feel about the book after you have finished reading a passage. In this reading journal there should be very little summary. You should have twice as much personal commentary, which is your feeling about the book and how you react to it, than summary. The most successful reading journals tell stories of you. For example, “The fast bus ride that Haroun endures reminds me of Dorothy being catapulted to the mythical city of Oz by the tornado. It also reminds me of a fast ride on the train going from London to Paris under the English Channel. While the ferry took several hours, the train ride took only an hour. I liked the ferry better because we could see The White Cliffs of Dover as we glided onto the channel.” That is an example of commentary—it is your opinion.
Haroun and the Sea of Stories is an allegory, which means that it is a story on one level (literal) but represents something larger on the next (figurative) level. An allegory may also teach a lesson. Explore what the names in the story mean or what lessons Haroun and his father Rashid are supposed to learn. Salman Rushdie loves Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz, and his stories are influenced by these two books. What elements of these stories are evident in Haroun and the Sea of Stories? Think of the speeding bus ride that Haroun experiences and the tornado in Kansas which transports Dorothy into the land of make-believe, Oz. You should also tell if you like or dislike the story and why. The “why” and “how” of a story is more important than the “who” or “what.”
Instructions for the five paragraph essay on To Kill a Mockingbird.
To Kill a Mockingbird is the other required book to read. You will write a five-paragraph essay answering the question, what boundaries are threatened by the characters’ actions in To Kill a Mockingbird? Think of the boundaries of race, religion, and gender and the tolerance for all three. Does the book threaten one or all of the boundaries? How does the book explain and embrace all of these boundaries? Remember to have two commentary sentences before your thesis statement. Do not use the pronouns “I, we, you, us.” You will write an introduction, three body paragraphs and a conclusion. Please cite from the novel in defense of the thesis statement. Example of citation: “She said she was going to leave this world beholden to nothing or nobody” (127). Mrs. Dubose was addicted to pain medication and she did not want to “meet her maker” free of any medication. Even though Mrs. Dubose was dying, she showed her courage by trying to beat the addiction before she died. As Atticus later told Jem, “ I wanted you to see what real courage is” (226). Notice where the periods are in a citation.
Turn in your journal and your essay on the first day of school. These journals should be kept in folders, not heavy notebooks. (Please, no spiral notebooks). Entries should be double spaced and either typed Times New Roman font size 12 or written neatly in ink. These journals will be your first grade for the quarter. In August there will also be a discussion and test on the required books.
8th Graders may chose additional books to read as well. Students will receive extra credit for these additional readings if they complete note cards on each additional book chosen. Each completed note card should be in the following format:
- Do not do cards on the required books.
- 1. You must use a 5”x 8” note card only
- 2. Use only one card for each book.
ON THE FRONT OF THE CARD INCLUDE:
- BOOK TITLE: AUTHOR
- STUDENT NAME GRADE:
- SETTING:
- THEME:
- AUTHOR’S POINT OF VIEW:
ON THE BACK OF THE CARD INCLUDE:
- AUTHOR’S ATTITUDE TOWARD THE CHARACTERS:
- MEMORABLE LINE OR SENTENCE:
- WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS LINE?
- AUTHOR’S PURPOSE IN WRITING THE BOOK:
For questions, email Ms. Keenliside
Back to Top
REQUIRED:
Lee, Harper To Kill a Mockingbird
A child comes of age in the Depression, “Jim Crowe” South. A Pulitzer prize-winning story that threatens boundaries.
Rushdie, Salman Haroun and the Sea of Stories
A political fable concerning a group of farm animals who overthrow their human masters.
Additional titles for 8th grade (extra credit):
Adams, Douglas The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
Arthur Dent escapes the planet Earth a few seconds before it is demolished to make way for an intergalactic freeway. With his friend, Ford Prefect, he hitches rides to different parts of the galaxy and takes part in several humorous adventures.
Adams, Richard Watership Down
The adventures of a group of rabbits, who search for a place where they can live in peace. An allegory of human society.
Alexi, Sherman The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (some mature language)
An autobiography of a boy growing up on an Indian reservation and facing life outside of his comfort zone.
Bat-Ami, Miriam Two Suns in the Sky
A Catholic American girl falls in love with a young Holocaust survivor, against her parents’ wishes. Based on a little-known camp in Oswego, NY, where Jewish refugees were held during World War II.
Blacker, Terence The Angel Factory
When Thomas opens a secret file on his father’s computer, he discovers that in his “perfect” futuristic world , nothing is what it seems.
Bradford, Richard Red Sky at Morning
A classic coming of age story, which takes place in the West during World War II.
Bronte, Charlotte Jane Eyre
A Victorian love story, involving a strong-willed governess and her brooding employer.
Brooks, Bruce The Moves Make the Man
A black boy and an emotionally troubled white boy form a friendship based on their common interest in basketball.
Buck, Pearl The Good Earth
A novel about peasant life in China during the 1920s. (Pulitzer Prize winner)
Clancy, Tom The Hunt for Red October
A military thriller involving a runaway top secret Russian missile submarine.
Clarke, Arthur C. Childhood’s End
A science fiction classic involving a race of aliens who bring peace and prosperity to the Earth, but who take away the freedom of mankind.
Cormier, Robert The Chocolate War
A high school student becomes first a hero and then a victim through intimidation and the misuse of power.
Davis, Samson The Pact
Three teenagers from a rough part of Newark, NJ make a promise to help each other get to college.
Divakaruni, Chitra Bannerjee The Conch Bearer
In a dingy shack in the poor Indian neighborhood he calls home, twelve-year-old anand is entrusted with a conch shell that possesses mystical powers. His taks is to return the shell to its rightful home. His quest will take him far from home and will teach him more than he ever imagined.
Draper, Sharon Tears of a Tiger
The death of a high school basketball star in an auto accident profoundly affects the life of his best friend, who was driving the car.
Enger, Leif Peace Like a River
Eleven-year-old Ruben narrates the story of his family’s journey throughout the West, searching for his older brother Davy, who has been accused of murder.
Farmer, Nancy The House of the Scorpion
In the futuristic country of Opium, Matt, a clone of the powerful drug lord, El Patron, discovers the evils of his society. An imaginative science fiction story that looks at the social implications of technology. (National Book Award)
Gaines, Ernest The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman
The fictional account of a black woman who was born into slavery and lived to witness the racial turmoil of the 1960s.
Garland, Sherry Indio
On the day she is to be married, a pueblo Indian girl is captured by Spanish conquistadors and sold into slavery in a Mexican silver mine.
Gilbreth, Frank, et. al. Cheaper by the Dozen
The hilarious story of a family of twelve children growing up in the 1920s.
Giovanni, Nikki Shimmy Shimmy Shimmy Like My Sister Kate
Looking at the Harlem Renaissance through poems.
Greenberg, Joanne I Never Promised You a Rose Garden
Describes the three year battle of a mentally ill teenage girl and her relationship with her doctor.
Grimes, Nikki Bronx Masquerade
While studying the Harlem Renaissance, students at a Bronx high school read aloud poems they've written, revealing their innermost thoughts and fears. (Coretta Scott King award)
Haley, Alex Roots
The chronicle of a black family, which begins in Africa in 1750 and ends in Arkansas seven generations later.
Hart, Elva Trevino Barefoot Heart: Stories of a Migrant Child
An autobiographical account of the life of a Mexican American child, who moved back and forth between Texas and Minnesota. She eventually went to college and received a master’s degree in computer science/engineering.
Hawking, Stephen A Brief History of Time
A history of the universe, written by one of the most famous physicists of all time.
Hesse, Karen Witness
The story of a small town in the 1920s and its involvement with the Ku Klux clan.
Hesse, Karen Letters from Rifka
A young Jewish girl writes letters to her cousin, describing her family's escape from Russia in 1919 and their jouney to America.
Hilton, James Goodbye, Mr. Chips
An English schoolmaster plays a vital role in the lives of several generations of boys.
Hoffman, Alice At Risk
A family is shattered when their eleven-year-old daughter is diagnosed with AIDS.
Holt, Kimberly Willis My Louisiana Sky
A girl living in a small Louisiana town in the 1950s must choose whether to care for her mentally handicapped parents or move in with her glamorous aunt in Baton Rouge.
Keyes, Daniel Flowers for Algernon
A retarded adult becomes a genius through an experimental operation.
Kincaid, Jamaica Annie John
The story of a young black girl growing up on Antigua and her relationship with her mother.
Krakauer, Jon Into Thin Air
A personal account of the Mt. Everest disaster.
Lowry, Lois The Giver (For students new to Walker)
Jonas, a young boy from a seemingly utopian, futuristic world, is chosen to receive special training from The Giver, who holds the memories of joy and pain. The theme of balancing the values of freedom and security is skillfully presented. (Newbery Medal)
Lowry, Lois Gathering Blue
In a barbaric society of the future, a crippled orphan girl with a talent for weaving is given the responsibility of preserving the memory of the culture. A companion volume to The Giver.
Mccaughrean, Geraldine The White Darkness
An unusual teenaged girl who embarks on a wild expedition to Antarctica with her lunatic Uncle Victor.
Meyer, Stephanie Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse
These stories are hailed as the new Harry Potter as far as teenage interest goes. Every middle schooler at Walker that has read this series raves about the books.
Myers, Walter Dean Fallen Angels
The story of a young man’s tour of duty in Vietnam.
Myers, Walter Dean The Glory Field
Follows five generations of an African-American family from slavery to the present.
Nolan, Han Dancing on the Edge
Miracle McCloy struggles to become a prodigy like her writer father and a psychic like her grandmother. In the process she has to discover who she really is and has to find truth in the midst of lies told by her family. (National Book Award)
Nolan, Han If I Should Die Before I Wake
Offers powerful insight into the horrifying realities of one young woman’s survival of the Holocaust and another’s journey into self-hatred.
Paterson, Katherine The Same Stuff as Stars
Eleven-year old Angel Morgan is in charge of her dysfunctional family. A mysterious stranger befriends Angel and teaches her about the stars and planets.
Peacock, Nancy Home Across the Road
China Redd, great-granddaughter of a slave named Cally, has cooked and cleaned for the white branch of the Redd family for nearly 50 years. this is the story of her family.
Pullman, Philip The Golden Compass (and series)
A fantasy story in which a girl tries to prevent her best friend and other kidnapped children from becoming subjects of gruesome science experiments in the far north.
Sams, Ferrol Run With the Horsemen
A boy’s account of growing up in the South during the Depression.
Staples, Suzanne Fisher Dangerous Skies
The friendship between a white boy and a black girl is tested when the girl is falsely accused of murder. The story vividly conveys uncomfortable truths about society while expressing the innocence of children.
Stevenson, Robert Louis Kidnapped
David Balfour’s evil uncle has him kidnapped and sold into slavery.
Stewart, Mary The Crystal Cave (and series)
A story of the early years of Merlin.
Taylor, Mildred Let the Circle Be Unbroken
In 1935 the Logan family watches as their black friend is charged with murder and tried by a hostile all-white jury.
Taylor, Theodore Walking Up a Rainbow
Set in the 1800s, this is the story of a 14-year-old girl, who must regain control of her parents’ homestead from a greedy lawyer.
Thornton, Yvonne S. The Ditchdigger’s Daughters
A prominent black physician writes about her amazing father, who insisted that his five children receive an education.
Voigt, Cynthia Izzy Willy-Nilly
A car accident causes 15-year old Izzy to lose one leg. She has to make major adjustments at school and in her personal life.
Weaver, Will Striking Out
Billy has a natural talent for baseball, but his father wants him to help on the farm.
Yolen, Jane The Transfigured Hart
To protect a unicorn from being killed, a boy and girl form an unlikely friendship. Symbolism, magic, and historical and religious overtones are skillfully interwoven in this fantasy.
Zindel, Paul The Pigman
Two lonely high school students befriend a strange old man, Mr. Pignati.
|
