Summer Reading - Grade 8

SUMMER READING ASSIGNMENT  STUDENTS ENTERING 8TH GRADE (2009 - 2010)
	
TWO NOVELS WILL BE READ OVER THE SUMMER VACATION.

First > Read Gathering Blue, by Lois Lowry
	It is suggested that students keep a handwritten summary of 
this book by chapter/section, as well as any additional handwritten 
notes.  Upon your return to school, there will be a test on 
the novel.  You will be permitted to use your handwritten book notes 
for the test.  You will not be graded on your notes.  Any notes used 
for the test must be your original handwritten notes; you will not 
be permitted to use any cliff notes/spark notes or typed notes of any 
kind.    

Second > Read any one of the following books:
	
         Crispin, by Avi  In this novel set in medieval England, an 
illiterate teenage boy is left to fend for himself after his mother 
dies.  To further complicate matters, the boy is falsely accused of 
a murder and must be on the run until he can clear his name.  Winner 
of the 20003 Newberry Medal.

	Squashed, by Bauer  As sixteen-year old Ellie pursues her 
two goals  growing the biggest pumpkin in Iowa and losing twenty 
pounds herself  she strengthens her relationship with her father 
and meets a young man with interests similar to her own.

	My Brother Sam is Dead, by James & Christopher Collier  
Novel set during the American Revolution during which a young man is 
torn between his brothers patriotism and his fathers Tory 
sympathies.

	Stargirl, by Jerry Spinelli  Stargirl, a teen who animates 
quiet Mica High with her colorful personality, suddenly finds 
herself shunned for her refusal to conform.

	The Falcons Malteser, by Anthony Horowitz  Tim Diamond, an 
incompetent detective, is entrusted with a package worth five 
million dollars, until the owner of the package is murdered, and it 
is up to Tim and this brother, Nick, to outwit every crook in town 
who is trying to get the money.  

	High Heat, by Carl Deuker  When sophomore Shane Hunters 
father is arrested for money laundering at his Lexus dealership, the 
star pitchers life of affluence and private school life begins to 
fall apart.

	The Face on the Milk Carton, by Caroline B. Cooney  A 
photograph of a missing girl on a milk carton leads Jamie on a 
search for her real identity.

	Tuesdays With Morrie, by Mitch Albom  An inspiring account 
of a series of meetings between a dying professor and a former 
student during which Morrie shares advice for a living a good life.

	Students will complete various assignments for the second 
novel upon their return to school.  It is suggested that students 
keep a summary of this book by chapter/section.  

Enjoy your summer vacation.  I look forward to seeing you in 
September !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

						Mrs. Hall