Middle School Summer Reading Information
Dear Students and Families,
Did you know that reading is scientifically proven to reduce stress, expand vocabulary, improve memory, strengthen analytical thinking, improve focus and concentration, improve writing skills, and increase empathy and feelings of tranquility? Wow! That’s a lot of reasons to read, and as your middle school English teachers, we want to make sure you keep getting the benefits of reading over the summer. With that in mind, here is a list of required summer reading:
For rising 6th and 7th graders: Please read two (or more) books of your choice from the We Need Diverse Books or Social Justice Books websites. Both of these are incredible resources of curated lists of diverse books. For the first website, students can take a quick quiz on their interests, the result of which produces a personalized list of book recommendations!
Rising 8th graders: Please read any two of the following books. Choose one from each category. We will begin the year with a unit focused on the bildungsroman (a fancy term for “coming of age” story).
How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents by Julia Alvarez, The Outsiders by S.E Hinton, Annie John by Jamaica Kincaid, The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, or If I Ever Get Out of Here by Eric Gansworth.
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo, Tell The Wolves I’m Home by Carol Rifka Brunt, Pashmina by Nidhi Chanani, Teen Titans: Raven by Kami Garcia, I Was Their American Dream by Malaka Gharib, Kiffe Kiffe Tomorrow by Faiza Guene, Kampung Boy by Lat, The Highest Tide by Jim Lynch, The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kid, Tomboy by Liz Prince, As Brave as You by Jason Reynolds, The Inexplicable Logic of My Life by Benjamin Alire Saenz, or This One Summer by Mariko and Jillian Tamaki.
Feeling inspired to read more? Head to the Battle of the Books or Oregon Reader's Choice Award lists for either the 6th-8th grade or 9th-12th grade division to find more book options (be sure to read over the descriptors with your parents to ensure you’re reading a book that is developmentally “right” for you).
For additional book suggestions, information about summer reading at local libraries, and accessing resources and books, click here.
Have a great summer and happy reading,
Middle School English Department and Middle School Library
Multnomah County residents:
Getting a Multnomah County Library card gives you access to all of their digital holdings, including research databases, as well as all of the physical items in their collection.
Washington County Residents:
Apply online for a WCCLS Online Library Card to get access to both their physical and digital collections, as well as other online resources and, for those age 18 and over, the possibility to reserve a Cultural Pass.
Fort Vancouver Region Residents:
You can apply for either online for an eCard, which gives you access to their digital holdings, including eBooks, or you can apply at any branch for an Everything Card to get access to all of their library materials.
Clackamas County Residents:
Click here to apply for a Clackamas County Library Card.
