Summer Reading Information 

At D. R. Hill, we believe continuous reading and writing is not only beneficial but necessary for success in academics and careers.  Our program is designed to ensure success for all our students.  Students will find a list of 100 books from which they may choose to read during the summer, a description of activities to demonstrate their learning, and opportunities for celebration.   This list is published by the State Department of Education.

100 Best Books for Middle School Students List

Students should turn in the activities to their Language Arts teacher on the first day of school in August. 

In addition to the celebration activities, students may also earn an extra credit grade.  Students may either purchase the book(s) of interest in a bookstore or check the book out from a public library. You can find sample descriptions of books listed on this blog under the category summer reading – located on the right toolbar. We hope that you and your child will have a restful break this summer, but most importantly, we hope you will discover together an interesting new author, a new pastime, or a new appreciation for the joy of reading! 

Sample Projects: 1. Prepare a PowerPoint® presentation with ten slides about the following: Characters, Character traits, Setting, Theme, Conflict, Resolution. If possible, include biographical information about the author.

2. Pretend you are a character in the book you read and write five journal entries that the character might have written at the end of the story.  In your entries, describe a conflict in the book, the resolution of the conflict, and the character for whom you have chosen to write.

3.  Write a child’s storybook based on the book you read complete with illustrations or computer graphics.

4. Create a literary project with a visual such as a poster, PowerPoint®  presentation, diorama, puppet show, etc. Be prepared to present your reading selection to the class in an entertaining way which will encourage others to read the book themselves. Be sure to discuss the major characters, conflict, conflict’s resolution, and setting.

5.  Design a board game based on the book you read.  Include everything necessary to play the game along with detailed instructions.  The game may be based on a game you already know and enjoy.

6. Write a letter to the author of the book you read explaining your opinion on a theme, the characters, and the setting (including time period) of the book.  Be sure to include what this book taught you.    

 In appreciation of the satisfactory completion of the summer reading activities, you will be rewarded with one of the following: 

One book read with one completed activity: Ice cream sundae party 

Two books read with two completed activities: Ice cream sundae party and a free ticket to the first school dance 

Three books read with three completed activities: Ice cream sundae party, free ticket to the first school dance, and lunch off campus! 

 Requirements for rising 8th graders enrolled in Honors English I @ D.R. Hill:

Summer Reading is required for all Honors English classes.  Read the assigned book during the summer.  Written and/or oral assignments/projects will be assigned and completed during the first week of your English course.  
 

Honors English I Selection:

Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns Description from Titlewave.com:  In 1906, the citizens of the small Georgia town of Cold Sassy are scandalized when Grandpa, the owner of the general store, marries a Yankee many years his junior only three weeks after becoming a widower.