6th Grade Summer Reading List 2013 “Book Blurbs”

Crash Jerry Spinelli Realistic Fiction **This book is required for ALL students**

Crash Jerry Spinelli Seventh grader John “Crash” Coogan has always been comfortable with his tough, aggressive behavior. Then his friendship with a Quaker boy and his grandfather’s stroke make Crash think more about the meaning of friendship and the importance of family.

The One and Only Ivan Katherine Applegate **This book is required ALL MG students. (This book replaces Crash.)** Fantasy based on the “real” Ivan’s life.

The One and Only Ivan Katherine Applegate Ivan, the silverback primate, lives in a cement and steel “domain” at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall. He only knows this 14 by 14 foot area as his home, and he’s been here for years. When Ruby, a young elephant, comes to live at the mall, Ivan realizes this is not the way life should be for him and his new friend. Promising to do what it takes to protect Ruby, he sets a plan in motion that will affect the lives of all the animals at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall.

Choose from the following titles for your second summer book selection.

On My Honor Marion Dane Bauer Realistic Fiction

On My Honor Marion Dane Bauer Tragedy strikes when Joel and his best friend Tony go swimming in the forbidden, treacherous Vermilion River. Joel is terrified at having to tell of his disobedience and overwhelmed by his feelings of guilt.

Running Out of Time Margaret Peterson Haddix Realistic, Adventure Fiction

Running Out of Time Margaret Peterson Haddix Thirteen year old Jessie Keyser, lives with her family in a town called Clifton; the year is The truth is that Jesse, her family, and a few other families live in a model village that is really observed by tourists and run by unethical scientists. When a deadly disease breaks out in the village, Jesse learns the truth about Clifton when she is asked to leave the village to seek medical help for the sick children in the community. Jesse is suddenly in the “real world” coping with cars and other inventions she has never seen.

Esperanza Rising Pam Munez Ryan Historical, Multicultural Fiction

Esperanza Rising Pam Munez Ryan Esperanza's Papa, a wealthy land owner and grape farmer, is murdered by bandits the evening before her thirteenth birthday celebration. Esperanza’s expectations for an elaborate birthday celebration are shattered, and Papa’s mean, powerful stepbrothers burn down the family farm in an attempt to claim the family’s influence and land. Esperanza, her mother, and their servants flee to the United States to work in the farms in California. Esperanza, once considered a child princess, is unwillingly forced into a world of hard work where daily survival is very difficult.

The Capture Kathryn Lasky Fantasy

The Capture Kathryn Lasky When Soren, a barn owl, arrives at St. Aggie’s, a school for orphaned owls, he suspects trouble. With his elf owl friend named Gylfie, he begins a dangerous journey to save all owls from the danger at St. Aggie’s.

Summer Books Read the one book required for all 6 th grade students. Then choose one book from the remaining titles for your summer reading assignment. The books can be purchased at the summer book sale coming soon to your school!

Summer Book Reading Suggestions If you read the book early in the summer, reread it in August to refresh your memory of the story and its details. If you own the book, you can mark it up, talking to the text, as you read. If you don’t own the book, record notes separately on Post Its. –Note the setting components –Note characters’ names and personality traits –Note the conflict –Note the resolution –Note plot details –Keep notes for review in August. Bring handwritten notes to class when you return to school. Books and notes may used for the test.