Ann and Nate Levine Academy Summer Reading 2015 · during story time, splashes at the pool, ... by...

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Ann and Nate Levine Academy Summer Reading

2015 Wonderful book lists are available through the American Library Association (Caldecott and Newbery medal and honor books), the Texas Library Association (Bluebonnet and Lone Star award books), the International Reading Association, the Association of Library Service to Children, and Jim Trelease’s Read-Aloud Handbook.

Entering First Grade: Please read-aloud to your child these two books during the late summer as an

introduction to our unit of study when the children arrive in August. We do not expect our entering first graders to be reading and encourage exploration of the many wonderful picture books available at your local library.

What if Everybody did That?, By Ellen Javernick Imagine what might happen if everybody broke the rules! A child who drops a can out the car window, talks during story time, splashes at the pool, and commits other transgressions is constantly reminded, "What if everybody did that?" and

The Worst Day of my Life Ever, by Julia Cook RJ has a rough day. He wakes up with gum stuck in his hair, misses recess because he is late to school, earns a zero on his math homework, and messes up Mom's kitchen. With his mother's help, RJ learns that his problems happen because he does not listen or pay attention to directions.

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Entering Second Grade: Choose minimum of two

Mr. Putter & Tabby series, by Cynthia Rylant (Level J) Children adore these easy-to-read stories, while creating an appreciation for the elderly as the reader comes to love Mr. Putter, the aging main character whose only companion is his cat, Tabby.

Henry and Mudge series, by Cynthia Rylant (Level J) The Henry and Mudge series has grown into one of the most beloved and acclaimed beginning-reading series ever. Each book tells a story about a sweet boy named Henry and his lovable dog Mudge.

Poppleton series, by Cynthia Rylant (Level J) Poppleton is a pleasantly plump pig who enjoys his days with his friends. This is another wonderful early series for developing readers.

The Mystery of the Missing Dog: Invisible Dog, by Elizabeth Levy (Level J) The invisible boy, Chip, intends to enter his invisible dog, Max, in the dog show, but Max goes missing.

The Paper Bag Princess, by Robert Munsch (Level K) The Princess Elizabeth is slated to marry Prince Ronald when a dragon attacks the castle and kidnaps Ronald. In resourceful and humorous fashion, Elizabeth finds the dragon, outsmarts him, and rescues Ronald – who is less than pleased at her un-princess-like appearance.

Duck For President, by Doreen Cronin (Level K) When Duck gets tired of working for Farmer Brown, his political ambition eventually leads to his election as President.

Frog and Toad series, by Arnold Lobel (Level K) Frog and Toad do almost everything together. The stories are about two adorable characters and how they spend their days.

Nate the Great series, by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat (Level K) Nate is a boy detective who solves a mystery in every book. Children enjoy using the clues to work the case along with Nate in these fun mystery books.

Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Television Dog (or another in the series), by David A. Adler (Level L) Cam and Eric cannot wait to meet Poochie, the famous TV dog, star of his own show. However, while they are waiting in line for a “pawtograph,” Poochie mysteriously disappears and is replaced with an imposter! Can Cam come up with a plan to track down the dognapper and rescue the famous Poochie?

Pinky and Rex series, by James Howe (Level L) James Howe writes comical and amusing books for young readers. This is a series about a boy named Pinky and a girl named Rex. They remain best friends through thick and thin. The books tell the stories of the ups and downs of growing up.

Stuart’s Cape, by Sara Pennypacker (Level L) Stuart has problems. It is raining. He is bored. In addition, worst of all, he is new in town, so he has a lot to worry about. What does a kid like Stuart need in order to have an adventure…and to stop worrying? A cape, of course!

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Tonight on the Titanic: Magic Tree House #17 (or another in the series), by Mary Pope Osborne (Level M) The Magic Tree House whisks Jack and Annie to the decks of that ill-fated ship, the Titanic. There they help a toddler find her way to a lifeboat before they, themselves, are in grave danger of becoming two more victims of the tragic event.

Junie B. Jones, by Barbara Park (Level M) Junie B. is a spunky kindergartner in books 1 – 17, and then a first grader, beginning in book 18. She is funny, strong-willed, and prone to misunderstandings and mishaps. Junie B. sometimes loses her temper and acts out; she might say she hates another kid, and she and her classmates sometimes push or fight, but there is nothing outside of common childish behavior. One aspect of Junie B. that parents find questionable is the character’s use of poor grammar – for example, Junie B. will say she “holded it” or something was her “favoritest.” Children love to read and laugh at silly Junie B. as she makes the mistakes that they know are not proper English.

The Case of The Spooky Sleepover: A Jigsaw Jones Mystery #4 (or another in the series), by James Preller (Level M) Ralphie Jordan, one of the most popular kids in room 201, has a problem that only Jigsaw Jones and Mila Yeh can solve – a ghost haunts his house. Jigsaw decides the only way to solve the mystery is to spend a night in Ralphie’s house. Will the ghost try to scare Jigsaw like it does Ralphie?

A – Z Mysteries series, by Ron Roy (Level N) These fabulous mystery books are about three children solving cases together, Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose. Each book corresponds to a letter in the alphabet, starting with the A book and moving along the series towards the Z book. Students enjoy reading these fun mystery books and solving each case along with the characters.

You Can’t Eat Your Chicken Pox Amber Brown (or another in the series), by Paula Danzigern (Level N) It is finally summer and Amber Brown is going to London to visit her aunt Pam and then to Paris to visit with her father. She is one excited kid before she goes and one itchy kid when she arrives. Mosquito bites, she thinks. Chicken pox, she finds out. Is her vacation completely ruined? Now that she cannot go to Paris, how will she be able to convince her dad to move back home?

The Chalk Box Kid (or The Paint Box Kid), by Clyde Robert Bulla (Level N) When nine-year-old Gregory experiences several upsets in his life, he responds by creating a fantastic chalk garden in the charred walls of a burned-out factory behind his house. As his garden grows, and flourishes, Gregory finds a voice through his art, and for the first time, is able to find his own place in the world.

The Secrets of Droon series, by Tony Abbott (Level N) New readers can unlock the mysteries of a magical world in this exciting introduction to the young fantasy series hailed as the perfect pre-Harry Potter read. Watch the magic unfold. Eric and his two friends, Neal and Julie, discover a secret doorway in Eric's basement that leads to the rainbow stairs. The stairs reach down into the wondrous world of Droon - a land where all kinds of amazing things occur. A cast of magical characters appears to guide the kids on their journeys. One thing is for sure – magical, fantastic adventure is in store!

Andrew Lost series, by J.C. Greenburg (Level N) Andrew is always busy making new inventions. However, Andrew makes many mistakes, too. For example, the Atom Sucker was supposed to shrink Andrew down to insect size so he could write a great report on ants. He accidentally shrunk himself so small he could use the period at the end of this sentence as a trampoline. He also shrunk his cousin, Judy, and his best friend, Thudd, a little silver robot who knows a lot. Thudd said, “Invention plus mistake make adventure!” Most people do not have adventures inside a dog’s nose or on the outside of a soap bubble.

Play Ball (and others in the sports series), by Matt Christopher (Level N - P) Eleven-year-old cousins, catcher Liam McGrath and pitcher Carter Jones, grew up playing baseball together. Now, their team is on the verge of winning the greatest championship of all: the Little League Baseball ® World Series. To reach the title match, however, they must first beat their number one rivals from Southern California. Little do they know that the game will prove to be just the first challenge they will face on their road to the championships.

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The Stink series, by Megan McDonald (Level O – P) In honor of Judy Moody's younger brother, the creators of the award-winning series have put themselves in a very Stink-y mood. In Stink's first solo adventure, his special style comes through loud and strong — enhanced by a series of comic strips, drawn by Stink himself, which are sprinkled throughout the book. From the adventures of Stink in Shrink Monster to the adventures of Stink in Newt in Shining Armor, these very funny, homespun sagas reflect the familiar voice of a kid who pictures himself with super powers to deal with the travails of everyday life — including the occasional teasing of a bossy big sister!

Super Burp! (and others in the George Brown Class Clown series), by Nancy Krulik (Level O – P) George has moved to a new town and is starting a new school. He is determined to turn over a new leaf. No more class clown, he is going to be a new, improved George – responsible and well-behaved. On the second day at Sugarman Elementary School, he is suddenly seized by uncontrollable burps, burps so loud they practically break the sound barrier; burps that make him do wild and crazy stuff and land him in trouble with a capital T. One thing is for sure: these are not normal burps, they are magic burps — and they must be stopped! But how?

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Entering Third Grade: Choose minimum of two

Any of the Classic Starts series This series includes classics such as The Secret Garden, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Robin Hood, Sherlock Holmes, and Call of the Wild, Moby Dick, and Oliver Twist. http://www.enasco.com/product/1505202L

Akimbo and the Elephants, by Alexander McCall Smith On the African game preserve where his father works, Akimbo devises a dangerous plan to capture a ring of elephant poachers. Sequels: Akimbo and the Lions, Akimbo and the Baboons, Akimbo and the Crocodile Man, and Akimbo and the Snakes.

Deep Waters (Zac Power series,) by H.I. Larry While on his first solo spy mission, Zac Power uses the amphibious submersible to locate an enemy submarine located on the bottom of the ocean, but destroying the submarine will not be his only obstacle. Sequels: Mind Games, Poison Island.

Animal Rescue Team (or another in the series), by Sue Stauffacher Chronicle the adventures of the Carter family who run Carter’s Urban Rescue, the place you call when you find an animal where it should not be. Though the cast of animal characters is different in each book, certain themes persist. Readers will learn that it is important to treat wildlife appropriately and that each animal is different in terms of how one should interact with it. Subplots talk about friendship, siblings, the environment, etc., in an engaging, humorous style.

The Buddy Files: The Case of the Lost Boy, by Dori Hillestad King’s family is missing and he finds himself in the dog pound. When he gets adopted, his new family calls him Buddy, but then Connor, the boy from his new family goes missing! Will King every find his missing family and will “Buddy” ever find the missing Connor?

Letters to Leo, by Amy Hest When Annie Rossi’s father lets her get a dog, she loves spending time with her new pet Leo, especially reading him stories she writes – about the people and events she encounters each day.

Lulu and the Brontosaurus, by Judith Viorst Lulu’s parents refuse to give in when she demands a brontosaurus for her birthday, so she sets out to find her own. While the brontosaurus she finally meets approves of pets, he does not intend to be Lulu’s.

Surprises According to Humphrey, by Betty G. Birney While continuing to help his classmates solve their problems, Humphrey, pet hamster of Longfellow School’s Room 26, faces many surprises, like rolling in a hamster ball, a substitute janitor who might be an alien, and the possibility of Mrs. Brisbane retiring.

The Winner’s Walk, by Nancy Ruth Patterson Surrounded by a multi-talented family, nine-year-old Case Callahan feels driven to succeed, but his failed attempts at various competitions discourage him until he finds a stray dog with a surprising past.

Young Fredle, by Cynthia Voight Fredle, a young mouse cast out of his home, faces dangers and predators outside, makes some important discoveries and allies, and learns the meaning of freedom as he struggles to return home.

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Anyone but Me, by Nancy Krulik Katie Carew, nicknamed Katie Kazoo by the class bully, had no idea what would happen when she wished that she could be anyone but herself. Now her wish has come true, and-switcheroo!-she keeps turning into other people and even animals! This is the first in a series entitled Katie Kazoo Switcheroo, which includes ten additional titles detailing the further adventures of Katie.

Athena the Brave (and others in the series), by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams Athena learns that she is a goddess when her father, Zeus, summons her to Mount Olympus and she must quickly adjust to her new status, make friends with the other godboys and goddess girls, and catch up with all the studies she missed while attending mortal school.

The Doll People, by Ann M. Martin A family of porcelain dolls that has lived in the same house for one hundred years is taken aback when a new family of plastic dolls arrives and does not follow The Doll Code of Honor. Sequels: The Meanest Doll in the World, The Runaway Dolls.

The Dragon in the Sock Drawer, by Kate Klimo Ten-year-old cousins Jesse and Daisy have always wanted something magical to happen to them. Therefore, it is a wish come true when Jesse’s newly found thunder egg hatches and a helpless, tiny, but very loud, baby dragon pops out. Soon the two kids are at the dragon’s beck and call, trying to figure out what to feed her. An Internet search leads them to the library, which leads them back to the Internet, where they find a very strange Web site called foundadragon.org. Here the cousins discover that the dragon’s hatching has designated them “Dragon Keepers.”

Heroes in Training series, by Joan Holub This is the first book in the series, Zeus and the Thunderbolt of Doom. If you love mythology then this is the series for you. Students who enjoy Rick Riordan will enjoy this series too.

The 13-Story Treehouse, by Andy Griffiths Andy and Terry live in a treehouse. However, it is not just any old treehouse; it is the most amazing treehouse in the world! This treehouse has thirteen stories, a bowling alley, a see-through swimming pool, a secret underground laboratory, and a marshmallow machine that follows you around and automatically shoots marshmallows into your mouth whenever you are hungry.

Hannah, by Gloria Whelan Hannah, a blind girl living in Michigan in the late nineteenth century, does not go to school until a new teacher tells her about the Braille method of reading for the blind.

Pirate’s Promise, by Clyde Robert Bulla While on his way to America in 1716, an English boy is captured by pirates. Mr. Bulla has written many books that still appeal to children. You might also like: Riding the Pony Express, The Sword in the Tree, Viking Adventure.

Sailing for Gold, by Deborah Hopkinson Davey moves to Alaska with his uncle and gets involved in the Klondike gold rush. This is the first book in The Klondike Kid trilogy.

Happy Birthday, Bad Kitty, by Nick Bruel You probably met Bad Kitty in her original picture book, but now she is the star of several chapter books! Bad Kitty's birthday fun is disrupted when someone takes off with her parents and an unexpected guest arrives for the party. Also in the series: Bad Kitty School Daze, Bad Kitty Meets the Baby, Bad Kitty vs. Uncle Murray.

Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective, by Donald Sobol Encyclopedia Brown, a ten-year-old detective, uses his intelligence to help solve ten puzzling crimes. The reader is invited to figure out the solutions along with Encyclopedia, and then check the answer to each mystery at the back of the book. This is the first of nineteen Encyclopedia Brown mysteries. You will be using the convergent thinking skills that you have learned in PETS to solve the mysteries. Lots of fun!

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Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things, by Lenore Look A young boy in Concord, Massachusetts, who loves superheroes and comes from a long line of brave Chinese farmer-warriors, wants to make friends, but first he must overcome his fear of everything. This is the first in a series of four titles and was a 2009-2010 Texas Bluebonnet nominee. Sequel: Alvin Ho: Allergic to Camping, Hiking and Other Natural Disasters.

Clementine, by Sara Pennypacker While sorting through difficulties in her friendship with her neighbor Margaret, eight-year-old Clementine gains several unique hairstyles while also helping her father in his efforts to banish pigeons from the front of their apartment building. Sequels: Clementine’s Letter, The Talented Clementine, Clementine and the Family Meeting, Clementine: Friend of the Week.

Ivy + Bean, by Annie Barrows When seven-year-old Bean plays a mean trick on her sister, she finds unexpected support for her antics from Ivy, the new neighbor, who is less boring than Bean first suspected. The Ivy + Bean series includes eight additional titles.

Babe and Me, by Dan Gutman With their ability to travel through time using vintage baseball cards, Joe and his father have the opportunity to find out whether Babe Ruth really did call his shot when he hit that home run in the third game of the 1932 World Series against the Chicago Cubs.

The Hockey Machine, by Matt Christopher Abducted by a "fan" and forced to become a member of a professional junior hockey team, thirteen-year-old star center Steve Crandall quickly realizes that he must play not only to win but also to survive. Matt Christopher is the king of sports fiction, with at least fifteen other sports novels on subjects that include baseball, football, snowboarding, and skateboarding.

Backup Goalie, by Jake Maddox Jamie knows his hockey team, the Comets, has a real shot at winning the state championship, but he loses his two top players; he must help his team find the victory before they fall apart. Others in the Jake Maddox series: Batter Up! Hoop Hotshot and Quarterback Sneak.

Recommended authors for third graders:

Andrew Clements

Katherine Applegate

Laurie Friedman

Douglas Florian

Kate DiCamillo

Dan Gutman

Louis Sachar

Roald Dahl

Mac Barnett

Megan McDonald

Jon Scieszka

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Entering Fourth Grade: Choose minimum of two Island of the Blue Dolphins, by Scott O’Dell (winner of the Newbery Medal)

Left alone on a beautiful but isolated island off the coast of California, a young Native American girl spends eighteen years, not only merely surviving through her enormous courage and self-reliance, but also finding a measure of happiness in her solitary life. Inspired by the true story of Juana Maria who lived alone on San Nicholas Island from 1835-1853.

My Side of the Mountain, by Jean George (Newbery Honor Award) Young Sam Gribley leaves New York City and spends a year living by himself in a remote area of the Catskill. An oldie but a goodie!

How to Steal a Dog, by Barbara O’Connor Georgianna and her younger brother devise a plan to help improve their family’s desperate financial situation, which involves a scheme to steal a dog in order to collect the reward money.

Into the Wild, by Erin Hunter Rusty, a bored house kitten, is apprenticed by the ThunderClan and must struggle to fit in when the group of feral cats is threatened by the enemy ShadowClan. This is the first book in the Warrior series. Sequels: Fire and Ice, Forest of Secrets.

Old Yeller, by Fred Gipson In the late 1860s in the Texas hill country, a big yellow dog and a fourteen-year-old boy form a close, loving relationship. This is a classic and a must-read.

Eragon, by Christopher Paolini Fifteen-year-old Eragon believes that he is merely a poor farm boy—until his destiny as a Dragon Rider is revealed. Gifted with only an ancient sword, a loyal dragon, and sage advice from an old storyteller, Eragon is soon swept into a dangerous tapestry of magic, glory, and power. Now his choices could save—or destroy—the Empire. Others in The Inheritance Cycle series: Eldest, Brisingr, and Inheritance.

The Curse of King Tut’s Mummy, by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld Seventeen-year-old Howard Carter searches the Valley of the Kings for the tomb of King Tut and the treasures that may be found there and could be cursed

“Dear America” series (by various authors) This series explores life through various historical episodes of the United States. The reader can see what it was like to be a passenger on the Titanic (The Voyage on the Great Titanic) or live through the Revolutionary War (The Winter of Red Snow.)

The Bad Beginning, by Lemony Snicket After the sudden death of their parents, the three Baudelaire children must depend on each other and their wits when it turns out that the distant relative who is appointed their guardian is determined to use any means necessary to get their fortune. Book one in a thirteen book series. This was Ms. McInnes’ son’s favorite series in 4th and 5th grade. You should read them. They are exciting and very funny.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret, by Brian Selznick (winner of the Caldecott Medal) When twelve-year-old Hugo, an orphan living and repairing clocks within the walls of a Paris train station in 1931, meets a mysterious toy seller and his goddaughter, his undercover life and his biggest secret are jeopardized. This book is truly an original concept melding the visual and written story. It might be fun to try to do some similar drawings in your reading journal.

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Holes, by Louis Sachar As further evidence of his family's bad fortune, which they attribute to a curse on a distant relative, Stanley Yelnats is sent to a hellish correctional camp in the Texas desert where he finds his first real friend, a treasure, and a new sense of himself. (Read the book and then watch the movie. Write a comparison in your journal.)

The Lemonade War, by Jacqueline Davies Evan and his younger sister, Jesse, react very differently to the news that they will be in the same class for fourth grade and as the end of summer approaches, they battle it out through lemonade stands, each trying to be the first to earn 100 dollars. Sequel: The Lemonade Crime

Wonder, by R.J.Palacio Ten-year-old Augie Pullman, who was born with extreme facial abnormalities and was not expected to survive, goes from being home-schooled to entering fifth grade at a private middle school in Manhattan, which entails enduring the taunts and fear of his classmates as he struggles to be seen as just another student. Do some research online to see what this disease looks like. It will help you understand how difficult life is for Augie.

The Year of the Baby, by Andrea Cheng (Texas Bluebonnet list) Last year, Anna learned how to be a good friend. Now that her family has adopted a baby girl from China, she wants to learn how to be a good sister. However, the new year proves challenging when the doctor warns that the baby is not thriving. Can Anna and her best friends, Laura and Camille, create a science project that saves the day? The first book, The Year of the Book, is on the Texas Bluebonnet list.

Double Dribble (Mathlete vs. Athlete), by W.C. Mack The first book in the series is on the current Bluebonnet list. In this book, Russ and Owen are challenged as the school superstars by another set of twins on their basketball team. Will they do the right thing when one of the boys is injured?

The Million Dollar Shot, by Dan Gutman Eleven-year-old Eddie gets a chance to win a million dollars by sinking a foul shot at the National Basketball Association finals. Other books in this sports series include The Million Dollar Kick, The Million Dollar Putt, and The Million Dollar Goal.

The Worst Gymnast, by Thalia Kalkipsakis Gemma accidently kicks her gymnastics coach while trying to do a disastrous vault, and even though she apologized, she begins to think she is being punished when he assigns her extra strength work.

The One and Only Ivan, by Katherine Applegate Having spent 27 years behind the glass walls of his enclosure in a shopping mall, Ivan has grown accustomed to humans watching him. He hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle. Instead, Ivan occupies himself with television, his friends Stella and Bob, and painting. However, when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild, he is forced to see their home, and his art, through new eyes.

The Name of this Book is Secret, by Pseudonymous Bosch. Warning: this description has not been authorized by Pseudonymous Bosch. As much as he would love to sing the praises of his book (he is very vain), he would not want you to hear about his brave 11-year old heroes, Cass and Max-Ernest. Or, about how a mysterious box of vials, the Symphony of Smells, sends them on the trail of a magician who has vanished under strange (and stinky) circumstances. He certainly would not want you to know about the hair-raising adventures that follow and the nefarious villains they face. You see, not only is the name of this book secret, the story inside is too. It concerns a secret. A Big Secret.

Recommended authors for fourth graders:

Kate DiCamillo

Katherine Applegate

J. Patrick Lewis

Andrew Clements

Christopher Paul Curtis

Dan Gutman

Grace Lin

Roald Dahl

Gary Paulsen

Laurie Friedman

Wendy Mass

Patrick Carman

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Entering Fifth Grade: From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, by E. L. Konigsburg

In this winner of the Newbery Medal from E.L. Konigsburg, when suburban Claudia Kincaid decides to run away, she knows she doesn't just want to run from somewhere, she wants to run to somewhere—to a place that is comfortable, beautiful, and preferably, elegant. Claudia knew that she could never pull off the old-fashioned kind of running away...so she decided not to run FROM somewhere, but TO somewhere. Therefore, after some careful planning, she and her younger brother, Jamie, escaped -- right into a mystery that made headlines! Having run away with her younger brother to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, twelve-year-old Claudia strives to keep things in order in their new home and to become a changed person and a hero to herself.

*plus one book of student’s choice

Entering Sixth Grade: Freak the Mighty, by Rodman Philbrick

Dumb, stupid, and slow. All Max's life, he had been called these names, and it did not help that people were afraid of him. So Max learned to be alone--at least until Freak came along. Together, they were Freak the Mighty. At the beginning of eighth grade, learning disabled Max and his new friend Freak, whose birth defect has affected his body but not his brilliant mind, find that when they combine forces they make a powerful team.

*plus one book of student’s choice

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Entering Seventh Grade: The Outsiders, by S.E. Hinton

Teen rivalry in a small Southern town sets the stage for this dramatic interpretation. The Outsiders tells the story of the ongoing conflict between the Greasers and the Socs in rural Oklahoma. When Ponyboy and his friend Ralph Macchio get into a deadly confrontation one night, the two go on the run from the cops, and they grow up quickly and soon realize the insignificance of their petty posturing. OR

The Miracle Worker, by William Gibson Young Helen Keller, blind, deaf, and mute since infancy, is in danger of being sent to an institution because her inability to communicate has left her frustrated and violent. In desperation, her parents seek help from the Perkins Institute, which sends them a "half-blind Yankee schoolgirl" named Annie Sullivan to tutor their daughter. Despite the Kellers' resistance and the belief that Helen "is like a little safe, locked, that no one can open," Annie suspects that within Helen lies the potential for more, if only she can reach her. Through persistence, love, and sheer stubbornness, Annie breaks through Helen's walls of silence and darkness and teaches her to communicate, bringing her into the world at last.

*plus one additional book (see selection below)

Entering Eighth Grade: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, by John Boyne

Berlin 1942. When Bruno returns home from school one day, he discovers that his belongings are being packed in crates. His father has received a promotion and the family must move from their home to a new house far far away, where there is no one to play with and nothing to do. A tall fence running alongside stretches as far as the eye can see and cuts him off from the strange people he can see in the distance. However, Bruno longs to be an explorer and decides that there must be more to this desolate new place than meets the eye. While exploring his new environment, he meets another boy whose life and circumstances are very different to his own, and their meeting results in a friendship that has devastating consequences. OR

The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still. Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich, who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she cannot resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement.

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OR

The Boys in the Boat, by Daniel James Brown Daniel James Brown’s robust book tells the story of the University of Washington’s 1936 eight-oar crew and their epic quest for an Olympic gold medal, a team that transformed the sport and grabbed the attention of millions of Americans. The sons of loggers, shipyard workers, and farmers, the boys defeated elite rivals first from eastern and British universities and finally the German crew rowing for Adolf Hitler in the Olympic Games in Berlin, 1936. The emotional heart of the story lies with one rower, Joe Rantz, a teenager without family or prospects, who rows not for glory, but to regain his shattered self-regard and to find a place he can call home. The crew is assembled by an enigmatic coach and mentored by a visionary, eccentric British boat builder, but it is their trust in each other that makes them a victorious team. They remind the country of what can be done when everyone quite literally pulls together—a perfect melding of commitment, determination, and optimism.

*plus one additional book (see selection below) One additional book required for entering seventh and eighth graders selected from list below:

The Hot Zone, by Richard Preston A highly infectious, deadly virus from the central African rain forest suddenly appears in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. There is no cure. In a few days, 90 percent of its victims are dead. A secret military SWAT team of soldiers and scientists is mobilized to stop the outbreak of this exotic "hot" virus. The Hot Zone tells this dramatic story, giving a hair-raising account of the appearance of rare and lethal viruses and their "crashes" into the human race. Shocking, frightening, and impossible to ignore, The Hot Zone proves that truth really is scarier than fiction. The true story of how a deadly virus from the central African rain forest suddenly appears in a Washington, D.C., animal test lab. In a matter of days, 90% of the primates exposed to the virus are dead, and secret government forces are mobilized to stop the spread of this exotic "hot" virus.

Ender’s Game, by Orson Scott Card Once again, the Earth is under attack. Alien "buggers" are poised for a final assault. The survival of the human species depends on a military genius who can defeat the buggers. But who? Ender Wiggin. Brilliant. Ruthless. Cunning. A tactical and strategic master. And a child. Recruited for military training by the world government, Ender's childhood ends the moment he enters his new home: Battleschool. Among the elite recruits, Ender proves himself a genius among geniuses. In simulated war games, he excels. However, is the pressure and loneliness taking its toll on Ender? Simulations are one thing. How will Ender perform in real combat conditions? After all, Battleschool is just a game. Right?

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, by Betty Smith The American classic about a young girl's coming of age at the turn of the century. "A profoundly moving novel and an honest and true one. It cuts right to the heart of life...If you miss A Tree Grows in Brooklyn you will deny yourself a rich experience...It is a poignant and deeply understanding story of childhood and family relationships. The Nolans lived in the Williamsburg slums of Brooklyn from 1902 until 1919...Their daughter Francie and their son Neely knew more than their fair share of the privations and sufferings that are the lot of a great city's poor. Primarily this is Francie's book. She is a superb feat of characterization, an imaginative, alert, resourceful child. And Francie's growing up and beginnings of wisdom are the substance of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn." —New York Times

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Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand On a May afternoon in 1943, an Army Air Forces bomber crashed into the Pacific Ocean and disappeared, leaving only a spray of debris and a slick of oil, gasoline, and blood. Then, on the ocean surface, a face appeared. It was that of a young lieutenant, the plane's bombardier, who was struggling to a life raft. So began one of the most extraordinary odysseys of the Second World War. The lieutenant's name was Louis Zamperini. In boyhood, he had been a cunning and incorrigible delinquent. As a teenager, he had channeled his defiance into running, discovering a prodigious talent that had carried him to the Berlin Olympics. However, when war had come, the athlete had become an airman, embarking on a journey that led to his doomed flight, a tiny raft, and a drift into the unknown. Ahead of Zamperini lay thousands of miles of open ocean, leaping sharks, a foundering raft, thirst and starvation, enemy aircraft, and, beyond, a trial even greater. His fate, whether triumph or tragedy, would be suspended on the fraying wire of his will. Unbroken is a testament to the resilience of the human mind, body, and spirit.

Boy’s Life, by Robert McCammon Do not miss the thrilling novel from #1 New York Times bestselling award-winning author Robert McCammon, in a book that Publishers Weekly calls “both a mystery that will satisfy the most finicky aficionado and a boisterous travelogue.” Zephyr, Alabama, is an idyllic hometown for eleven-year-old Cory Mackenson—a place where monsters swim the river deep and friends are forever. Then, one cold spring morning, Cory and his father witness a car plunge into a lake—and a desperate rescue attempt brings his father face-to-face with a terrible vision of death that will haunt him forever. As Cory struggles to understand his father’s pain, his eyes are slowly opened to the forces of good and evil that are manifested in Zephyr. From an ancient, mystical woman who can hear the dead and bewitch the living, to a violent clan of moonshiners, Cory must confront the secrets that hide in the shadows of his hometown—for his father’s sanity and his own life hang in the balance. This tale of an 11-year-old's struggle between innocence and evil begins with the discovery of a gruesome murder and ends with the revelation that, even in Zephyr, Alabama, life is not safe and simple--and most things and people are not what they seem to be. "Recaptures the magic of being a child in a world of possibilities and promise. . . .” --Atlanta Journal Constitution.

The Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night. However, behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love—a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands. True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus performers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead.

Ella Minnow Pea: A Novel in Letters, by Mark Dunn Ella Minnow Pea is a girl living happily on the fictional island of Nollop off the coast of South Carolina. Nollop was named after Nevin Nollop, author of the immortal pangram,* “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.” Now Ella finds herself acting to save her friends, family, and fellow citizens from the encroaching totalitarianism of the island’s Council, which has banned the use of certain letters of the alphabet as they fall from a memorial statue of Nevin Nollop. As the letters progressively drop from the statue, they also disappear from the novel. The result is both a hilarious and moving story of one girl’s fight for freedom of expression, as well as a linguistic tour de force sure to delight word lovers everywhere.

Out of the Dust, by Karen Hesse This gripping story, written in sparse first-person, free-verse poems, is the compelling tale of Billie Jo's struggle to survive during the dust bowl years of the Depression. With stoic courage, she learns to cope with the loss of her mother and her grieving father's slow deterioration. There is hope at the end when Billie Jo's badly burned hands are healed, and she is able to play her beloved piano again. The 1998 Newbery Medal winner.

Ann and Nate Levine Academy Summer Reading 2015 · during story time, splashes at the pool, ... by...

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