Summer Assignments

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Patterson

• Please read the novel Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Patterson. Use Post-it notes to annotate (this means to make notes or comments) as you read.
• Focus your annotations on how the author uses characterization and theme development (the messages or ideas the author is trying to share) in writing this story.
• Bridge to Terabithia will be discussed and used for an in-class writing assignment during the first two weeks of school. Save your notes to bring to school for this purpose.
• Please also select a second novel (one you have not read before) to read this summer. The novel you select may be in any genre, should be a reasonable length, and should be age-appropriate for content. You do not need to make annotations on this second book, but be prepared to share what you read in class as well.

Summary

Jess Aarons had to be the fastest runner at Lark Creek Elementary School, the best, but when he was challenged by Leslie Burke—a girl—that was just the beginning of a new season in Jess’s life. Leslie and her parents were newcomers to the rural community where Jess lived, and were thought to be a bit odd, for they didn’t even own a TV, though their house was filled with books. Somewhat to Jess’s surprise, he and Leslie became friends, and the worlds of imagination and learning that she opened to him changed him forever. It was Leslie’s idea to create Terabithia, their secret kingdom in the woods where they reigned supreme.

No enemy—not their teacher Monster Mouth Meyers, their schoolmates Gary Fulcher and Janice Avery, Jess’s four sisters, or even Jess’s own fears and Leslie’s imaginary foes—could defeat them. The legacy that Leslie finally brought to Jess enabled him to cope with the unexpected tragedy that touched them all. (Harper Collins)

6th Grade Reading Assignment (Printable)

Over the course of the summer, you are required to read two novels: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton and a novel of your choice. You may not choose a book you have already read. You should take notes/annotate for both books. Your notes should focus on theme, characterization, and author’s craft.

Complete the written assignment for the novel of your choice.

Assignment

This assignment should be no more than one typed page. Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Your page should:

• Include a heading (following BMS writing standards)
• Be double spaced in 12-point font
• Be well organized with detailed, fully developed ideas
• Be edited carefully for spelling and grammar

Remember, your writing must include at least one direct quote or passage from the novel, cited properly in MLA format. Quotes should be used as evidence to support your reason(s) and must be analyzed.

All summer reading assignments are due on the second day of school.

7th Grade Reading Assignment (Printable)

Literary Analysis

Please read and annotate the novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding. You may choose to track either one character’s development or focus on a symbol throughout the novel. During the first two weeks of school, we will be discussing and writing an analysis of this text.

Synopsis of Lord of the Flies

At the dawn of the next world war, a plane crashes on an uncharted island, stranding a group of schoolboys. At first, with no adult supervision, their freedom is something to celebrate. This far from civilization, they can do anything they want. Anything. But as order collapses, as strange howls echo in the night, and as terror begins its reign, the hope of adventure seems as far removed from reality as the hope of being rescued. (Penguin Books)

Additional Reading

Please select and read two other books of your choosing. These books may be in any genre you like. Selections should be made by you and a parent or guardian. You will need to write a one-page response to one of these books (see assignment directions below). This assignment will be due on the second day of school.

Assignment

This assignment should be no more than one typed page. Write a one-paragraph response to the book using specific examples. You might consider:

• This book made me think/feel/realize/wonder/consider...
• One part I particularly enjoyed is when _______ because ________
• I love how the author __________
• What I'll remember about this book is _____________
• I think the author wrote this book to ______________
• The author's theme (not the subject) is ___________ because ___________
• If I could talk to the author about this book, I would say/ask ___________

Your response must follow BMS writing standards, include a heading, be double-spaced, and typed in 12-point font. Your ideas should be well-organized, detailed, and fully developed. Edit carefully for spelling and grammar. Make sure to use specific examples and include at least one properly cited (MLA) quotation from the book to support your ideas.

8th Grade Reading Assignment (Download)