Research Guides: Middle School Summer Reading (2016): Middle School 2016 Summer Reading

2016 Middle School Summer Reading

The goal for Worcester Academy’s Summer Reading program concerns both enjoyment and enrichment for our students. We want you to read for pleasure, pursue topics of interest, discover new passions, and broaden your thinking. Additionally, we hope that you find some intellectual community in sharing books and ideas with teachers and peers alike.

All middle school students are asked to read three books over the summer -- the Middle School Community Read, their Class Read, and a book of their choice. We encourage students to read more than these three books!

On the pages of this website are book recommendations from students and faculty. Choose one of these books for your free choice read, or, you may read a book not listed here.

Middle School Community Summer Read (2016)

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
2015 Newbery Medal Winner

2015 Coretta Scott King Honor Award Winner

"With a bolt of lightning on my kicks . . .The court is SIZZLING. My sweat is DRIZZLING. Stop all that quivering. Cuz tonight I'm delivering," announces 12-year old Josh Bell. He and his twin brother Jordan are awesome on the court. But Josh has more than basketball in his blood, he's got mad beats, too, that tell his family's story in verse, in this fast and furious middle grade novel of family and brotherhood.

Josh and Jordan must come to grips with growing up on and off the court to realize breaking the rules comes at a terrible price, as their story's heart-stopping climax proves a game-changer for the entire family.

Class Reads

6th Grade

The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians) by Rick Riordan
After getting expelled from yet another school for yet another clash with mythological monsters only he can see, twelve-year-old Percy Jackson is taken to Camp Half-Blood, where he finally learns the truth about his unique abilities: He is a demigod, half human, half immortal. Even more stunning: His father is the Greek god Poseidon, ruler of the sea, making Percy one of the most powerful demigods alive.

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief Activity
Sixth graders should complete these activities before school begins.

7th Grade

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
In order to develop a secure defense against a hostile alien race's next attack, government agencies breed child geniuses and train them as soldiers. A brilliant young boy, Andrew "Ender" Wiggin is drafted to the orbiting Battle School for rigorous military training. Ender's skills make him a leader in school and respected in the Battle Room, where children play at mock battles in zero gravity. Yet growing up in an artificial community of young soldiers Ender suffers greatly from isolation, rivalry from his peers, pressure from the adult teachers, and an unsettling fear of the alien invaders. Is Ender the general Earth needs and will the world survive?

8th Grade

Read any 2 books of your choice in addition to The Crossover. Click on the blue tabs above to browse reading recommendations.