7th Grade Summer Reading Assignment - Homewood City Schools

2013 Summer Reading for Rising Seventh Graders
Dear Parents and Students,
The seventh grade language arts teachers have designed a summer reading program which will
Serve as a springboard for this year’s literary discussion and analysis
Serve as a preview of the types of classroom activities and assessments which students
will have during the school year
Reinforce plot and literary elements studied in previous years
Introduce plot and literary elements not previously studied
Provide scaffolding, support, and enrichment for at-risk readers, competent readers, and
superior readers
Vertically align our summer reading program with the high school
Create a community of readers
Encourage reading for enjoyment
Required Summer Reading Assignment
Students will read ONE book from the list below or ONE book of their choice:
H.I.V.E. by Mark Walden
HIGHER INSTITUTE OF VILLAINOUS EDUCATION: Otto Malpense may only be thirteen
years old, but so far he has managed to run the orphanage where he lives, and he has
come up with a plan clever enough to trick the most powerful man in the country. He is
the perfect candidate to become the world's next supervillain. That is why he ends up at
H.I.V.E., handpicked to become a member of the incoming class. (amazon.com)
The Death Catchers by Jennifer Anne Kogler
Lizzy Mortimer is a Death Catcher, one who must prevent fate from taking its course
when an unjust death is planned. Her first case lands her in the middle of a feud
between Morgan le Fay and her sister Vivienne le Mort. Vivienne hopes to hasten the
end of the world by preventing Lizzy from saving King Arthur’s last descendant—
humanity’s greatest hope for survival. Can Lizzy outwit fate before it’s too late
(barnesandnoble.com)
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
August Pullman was born with a facial deformity that, up until now, has prevented him
from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants
nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get
past Auggie’s extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and
included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie’s point of view,
but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These
perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy,
compassion, and acceptance.

Be advised parents may wish to read the following book before or with their
student due to violence and mature language and themes.
Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Lena Haloway is content in her safe, government-managed society. She feels (mostly)
relaxed about the future in which her husband and career will be decided, and looks
forward to turning 18, when she’ll be cured of deliria, a.k.a. love. She tries not to think
about her mother’s suicide (her last words to Lena were a forbidden “I love you”) or the
supposed “Invalid” community made up of the uncured just beyond her Portland, Maine,
border. There’s no real point—she believes her government knows how to best protect
its people, and should do so at any cost. But 95 days before her cure, Lena meets Alex,
a confident and mysterious young man who makes her heart flutter and her skin turn
red-hot. As their romance blossoms, Lena begins to doubt the intentions of those in
power, and fears that her world will turn gray should she submit to the procedure. In
this powerful and beautifully written novel, Lauren Oliver, the bestselling author of
Before I Fall, throws readers into a tightly controlled society where options don’t exist,
and shows not only the lengths one will go for a chance at freedom, but also the true
meaning of sacrifice. --Jessica Schein (amazon.com)
Students should complete the SUMMER READING GRAPHIC ORGANIZER to record their
thoughts as they read over the summer. The graphic organizer will not be graded, but it will be
a useful tool to have as we begin our class activities and assessments.
Students will report to class on the FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL having read ONE of the
above books, with completed graphic organizer, and -- preferably -- with the book
in hand.
Students are NOT required to purchase new copies of the books, but it will be beneficial to
them if they have the books with them in class. Each teacher will have a few copies for
students to use during class. The Homewood Public Library, as well as local bookstores, will be
given the summer reading book list, so they will know which books students will need. The
books can also be found online and in used bookstores.
The first few weeks of language arts class will include the following assignments
and assessments:
Comprehension quizzes on the book read
Small group and whole class discussions with others who read the same book
Review and re-teaching of literary and story elements
Introduction of literary and story elements from the seventh grade learning targets
Introduction to citing and supporting analysis with appropriate passages from the text
Culminating assessment
In an effort to encourage and reward reading over the summer, we are asking students who
read beyond the minimum requirement to complete a reading list to submit the first week of
school. A sample reading list form is attached. Classroom teachers will have drawings and prizes
for students who participate.
We are looking forward to a great year!
Happy Reading!
HMS seventh grade language arts teachers

Name ______________________________
My Summer Reading List
In the chart below, record the titles and authors of the books you read over the
summer. Ask your parent or guardian to initial next to each book to verify that you read it.
Title Author Parent’s /
Guardian’s Initial
Continue on another page if necessary.