Summer 2016

Dear Rising Third Grader,

I am so excited for summer! I have a whole stack of books to read during those long days off. J I have thought a lot about some good summer reading books for you, too! Please read this letter slowly with a parent so you understand what is EXACTLY expected of you entering third grade.

1.  There is one book that the entire class will read over the summer. The book is The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling. On the first day of third grade, we will talk A LOT about this book! It must be read CAREFULLY! Enjoy it! It’s a lot of fun!

2.  You must also read two other fiction books. Here is a list from which you may choose the other two required books:

A-Z Mysteries (series) By Ron Roy

Amber Brown (series) by Paula Danziger

The Stories Julian Tells (series) Ann Cameron

Amelia Bedelia (series) Peggy Parish

Cam Jansen (series) David A. Adler

Judy Moody (series) Megan McDonald

Horrible Harry (series) Suzy Kline

Magic Treehouse (series) Mary Pope Osborne

Sports Stories (series) Matt Christopher

Berenstain Bears (series) Stan and Jan Berenstain

3.  Finally, you must read one non-fiction picture book. I know you read Spic-and-Span! Lilian Gilbreth’s Wonder Kitchen by Monica Kulling. I want you to read a book like that one! Please choose one book to read with a parent from the list below:

*The Watcher by Jeanette Winter

*Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear by Lindsay Mattick

*Queen of the Falls by Chris Van Allsburg

*Roberto Clemente: Pride of the Pittsburgh Pirates by Jonah Winter

*Crossing Niagara:The Death Defying Tightrope Adventures of the Great Blondin by Matt Tavares

*Eleanor by Barbara Cooney

*Growing Up Pedro: How the Martinez Brothers Made it from the Dominican Republic all the Way to the Major Leagues by Matt Tavares

*Abe’s Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln by Doreen Rappaport

*Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin

*A Splash of Red by Jen Bryant

I can’t wait to talk about The Chocolate Touch as a class when you all come into third grade. We will also be doing other activities based on your three other *choice* books. So, to conclude, this summer you must read: The Chocolate Touch, two other fiction books from the listed series, and one non-fiction picture book for a total of FOUR books this summer, minimum. J You may always read more once you have finished your third grade requirements. Our summer reading list can be found at: school.stbartholomew.org.

Have a great summer, and I’ll see you all soon!

Ms. Parker J