Students Entering Grade 6

You are required to read at least THREE books.

  You must read: Iqbal, by Francesco D'Adamo.   

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Read any two books from the following list.

You are encouraged to read the others!

  How Angel Peterson Got His Name, by Gary Paulsen 

In a series of vignettes, Gary Paulsen embellishes his childhood memories of wrestling bears, going over waterfalls in barrels, taking off on a giant kite, and other extreme sports.

   The Road to Paris, by Nikki Grimes

Paris Richmond has never had it easy. Her white father walked out on the family; her black mother tends to drink when she's lonely. Only Paris's older brother Malcolm is a constant. But when just Paris is placed in the foster home of the Lincolns, she finds herself all alone.

  A Corner of the Universe, by Ann M. Martin

Hattie had been anticipating a summer as comfortably uneventful as all the others-until her uncle with "mental problems" makes a surprise entrance, turning everything upside-down. –from the publisher

  Fireflies in the Dark, by Susan Goldman Rubin  

Sent to the Terezin concentration camp, art teacher Friedl Dicker-Brandeis packed art supplies in her luggage rather than personal items. Under the cloak of secrecy, she continued to teach, sharing her incredible gifts while bringing a world of beauty and fantasy to children living in appalling conditions.

  Promises to Keep: How Jackie Robinson Changed America, by Sharon Robinson

Told from the unique perspective of his daughter, Promises To Keep is the story of Jackie Robinson's victories in baseball, business, politics, and civil rights.

   Double Identity, by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Thirteen-year-old Bethany's parents have always been overprotective, but when they suddenly drop out of sight, leaving her with an aunt she never knew existed, Bethany uncovers shocking secrets that make her question everything she thought she knew about herself and her family.

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Written Requirements for all books

For the three required books you read from the MVMMS Summer Reading List, take notes on each of the items listed below. These notes should be either typed or neatly handwritten. Make sure your notes are complete but brief. Use an outline or bulleted format. Remember these are notes, NOT a report or essay.

o       Main Characters. Using adjectives, describe the characters' personalities. Also explain important relationships/friendships.

o       Setting  (time and place) of the book.

o       Conflicts/problems. Describe the key obstacles the main character(s) must overcome.

o       Conflict resolution. Describe how each of the key obstacles was resolved.

o       Most important lesson. Explain the main lesson the character(s) learn and how it is learned.

o       Favorite quote or passage. Record the page number of your favorite quote or passage. Explain why it is important to you and/or story.

o       Recommendation. Briefly explain why you would or would not recommend this book to a friend.

Summer Reading Expectations

Take notes on each book you read. Upon your first day of school, you will submit your notes. You will use these notes as pre-writing for a formal writing assignment that your English teacher will assess.

Required Signatures. A parent/guardian's signature must appear on each set of notes. Make sure your name appears on all sets of notes as well.

            Posted by Principal Brow - 05/26/09