Seventh graders will be required to read three books of their choice; some suggested reading is listed below, but any book can be chosen. A reading journal, which will be turned in the first day of class, should be kept for each book and address the ideas suggested by the following questions:
1) What incident, problem, conflict, or situation does the author use to get the story started?
2) What kind of person is the main character? How do you know?
3) What clues did the author build into the story that helped you to anticipate the outcome?
4) How does the author create the mood or feeling of the story?
5) What idea or ideas does this story make you think about?
Rather than requiring short answers, journal writing provides the opportunity for reflection of the reading and thoughtful responses. Also, consider taking an adventure into a new genre!
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Mark Twain. The story of an exuberant, high-spirited boyhood by the Mississippi River that captures the magical years of the very young.
Missing May, Cynthia Rylant. When May dies suddenly while gardening, Summer assumes she’ll never see her beloved aunt again. But then Summer’s Uncle Ob claims that May is on her way back — she has sent a sign from the spirit world.
The Island, Gary Paulsen. Fourteen-year-old Wil Newton finds a “private island” where he looks deep into reality and begins to unlock the essence of himself.
The Outsiders, S.E. Hinton. This story, written when the author was sixteen, is a book for teenagers about teenagers
Dandelion Wine, Ray Bradbury. This is a story of the strange and wonderful world of Douglas Spalding, the supernatural, and the unknown.
Dicey’s Song, Cynthia Voigt. This moving story of the Tillerman family, safe at last with their newfound grandmother, is a testament to love, persistence, and courage.
My Brother, My Sister, and I, Yoko KawashimaWatkins. Yoko, her brother, and her sister live in abject poverty in Japan at the end of World War II.
A Single Shard, Linda Sue Park.
Shiva’s Fire, Suzanne Fisher Staples. Newbery Honor author Suzanne Fisher Staples turns to India for her newest novel, published to starred reviews, about a young girl whose destiny calls her to dance.