2015 Summer Reading for 6th Grade

Challenge 1: You need to read one of the four Challenge 1 choices. During the first week of school, you will take a reading comprehension test on this book. If you read the book early in the summer, you should definitely allow time to review it at the end of the summer. You might even want to wait to read itduring the last week of summer so that it is fresh when you take the test.

Challenge 2: The entire Middle School will be reading Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. We will have a book discussion at some point during the first week or two of school. I would advise you to take notes as you read so that you are able to contribute to the discussion.

Challenge 3:Book Jacket Project

This is the description of the project that will be completed after you return to school in the fall. I am giving you the information now so that you can gather information while you are reading your book. Do NOT assemble the project until you come back to school in the fall. I will go over all of the instructions at that time, and we will assemble the book jacket at that time.

  • Paper will be provided to you for the project
  • We will do all of the measuring, folding, and numbering the panels in class so that you know exactly how to assemble the book jacket
  • You may start typing the information for the panels(you are not required to do this now), but keep in mind the panels will vary in size and the text will need to be formatted to fit onto the panels (panel sizes are given below – the panels are all 9 inches long, but the width varies; I’ve also attached a photo of the book jacket to give you a better idea)
  • See specific instructionsabout what to put on each panel
  • Again, I am giving this info to you now so that you can gather it as you read. You do not need to do anything more than that.

Outside Panels:

Panel #1 (4x9) - Setting - Time and Place (may have more than one location)

Panel #2 (7x9) - Author’s Name and Biographical Info - “About the Author” (include photo)

Panel #3 (2x9) (spine) - Title of Book, Author’s Name, Publisher

Panel #4 (7x9) - Title of Book; Author’s Name; Cover Illustration

Panel #5 (4x9) - Your Name & Color Group – Biographical Info – include photo of yourself

Inside Panels:

Panel #6 (4x9) - Theme (This is not the same thing as plot. It is the point the author is trying to make or the message in the story. A theme is a big idea that might apply to many different books.)

Panel #7 (7x9) - Characters

Panel #8 (2x9) - Free Choice – Be creative!

Panel #9 (7x9) - Plot (What are the main events? No spoilers please!)

Panel #10 (4x9) - Your Opinion of the Book – Would you recommend it to friends?