SPONSORING DEPARTMENT



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Students Entering Grade 6:

Students are encouraged to make book selections in consultation with their parents/guardians. Although students may choose any book, please find some suggestions for students entering Grade 6 (below). The following novels are listed according to level of difficulty, from least difficult to most difficult. Non-fiction book suggestions from the public library are listed on the last page of this document.

Lunch Money, Andrew Clements- This is the story of a boy who had a talent for making money. His latest scheme, creating and selling miniature comic books, appears to be a success – until he encounters a competitor, which causes other problems.

Crash, Jerry Spinelli- This book is about a young man who is a very popular football player. Things are going well until his family hits rough times and he gets a new “off-be” neighbor. He learns many life lessons along the way.

Things Not Seen, Andrew Clements- This is the surprising tale of a young boy who wakes up one day and discovers…he’s invisible! Share his adventures as he discovers how this happened and attempts to be seen, really seen, again.

Bridge to Terabithia, Katherine Paterson- This is a fantasy story about a boy and a girl who create an imaginary land. Their friendship blossoms in their magical kingdom until a terrible tragedy occurs.

The Great Gilly Hopkins, Katherine Paterson– This endearing story is about a young girl who struggles as an orphan after being abandoned by her mother. Gilly learns through her experiences that life is not always fair and to appreciate those who love her.

Students Entering Grade 7:

Students are encouraged to make book selections in consultation with their parents/guardians. Although students may choose any book, please find some suggestions for students entering Grade 7 (below). The following novels are listed according to level of difficulty, from least difficult to most difficult. Non-fiction book suggestions from the public library are listed on the last page of this document.

Hoot, by Carl Hiaasen – Calling all environmentalists! Readers will be plunged into an ecological mystery made up of endangered miniature owls, Mother Paula’s All-American Pancake House (scheduled to be built over their burrows), and three middle school kids who are on a campaign to protect the owls. Join Mullet Fingers and Roy as they take up the cause.

Tangerine, by Edward Bloor – Although Paul Fisher lost much of his eyesight after a mysterious accident when he was five, he can still see past the lies his football-hero brother and parents live out everyday. When his family moves to Tangerine County, Florida, Paul adjusts to his new environment, makes new friends, and tries to make his way onto the soccer team. If you want to support the underdog, maybe this story is the novel for you.

The Watsons Go To Birmingham-1963, by Christopher Paul Curtis. – It’s 1963 and the “Weird Watson’s of Flint Michigan” plan a visit to grandma’s house. This trip, however, is like no other. It brings them south into the heart of Birmingham, Alabama during one of the darkest moments in American history. Newberry Honor Winner; An ALA Best Book for Young Adults.

Hope Was Here, by Joan Bauer – When sixteen-year-old Hope and the aunt who has raised her move from Brooklyn to Mulhoney, Wisconsin, to work as waitress and cook in the Welcome Stairways diner, they become involved with the diner owner’s political campaign to oust the town’s corrupt mayor.

The Shakespeare Stealer, by Gary Blackwood – This fast-paced tale is set in seventeen-century London. A mysterious traveler sends Widge, a 14 year old orphan, to steal the unpublished play Hamlet. The young boy must rely upon his own talents to meet the challenge. Along the way, Widge must decide whether to betray his new friends or disappoint his fearsome master.

The Alchemist, by Paulo Coehlo – The novel tells the story of Santiago, a boy who has a dream and the courage to follow it. After listening to “the signs,” the boy makes a journey of exploration and self-discovery as he searches for “a hidden treasure” located near the pyramids in Egypt.

Students Entering Grade 8:

Students are encouraged to make book selections in consultation with their parents/guardians. Although students may choose any book, please find some suggestions for students entering Grade 8 (below). The following novels are listed according to level of difficulty, from least difficult to most difficult. Non-fiction book suggestions from the public library are listed on the last page of this document.

The Wave, by Todd Strasser – This novel, based on a real-life experiment that took place in a high school history class in California in 1969, shows the power of group pressure. When history teacher Ben Ross attempts to teach his students about the rise of Nazism, the lesson goes far beyond the reach of the classroom. It’s up to student Laurie Saunders to stop “The Wave” before it’s too late.

Stargirl, by Jerry Spinelli – When Stargirl arrives at Mica High School, she’s like nothing anyone has ever seen. Stargirl wears long flowing dresses, has a pet rat, and serenades other students on their birthdays. Her classmate, Leo Borlock, is in love with her. However, not everyone is so happy with Stargirl in this novel about being popular and being yourself.

The Call of the Wild, by Jack London – This is the classic story of Buck, a dog stolen from his home and pampered lifestyle in sunny California, and forced to endure the brutal reality of life in the Arctic north. Buck’s problems arise from both mankind and nature. Will he be able to survive?

The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood, by Howard Pyle – Robin Hood is known in popular culture for stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. Read the full account of the legendary figure in this adventure.

The Princess Bride, by William Goldman – On one level, this story is a romance, between Westley, a handsome but poor farm boy, and Buttercup, a beautiful but beleaguered princess. It’s also a story of quests, adventures, revenge, and power—with a healthy dose of comedy thrown in.

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