Summer
Reading Lists
Summer Reading Program
Entering Kindergarten
The purpose of the Summer Reading Program is to encourage students to enjoy quality literature and to continue developing their independent reading skills. Student participation in the program is voluntary. Students are encouraged to participate and if they choose to do so for extra credit they are required to complete a minimum number of readings over the summer. Students will receive an S+ for each book up to the required 5 books.
- Students who choose to participate are required to read 5 books.
- Participants are required to turn in documentation of their completed reading including title, author, and parent or guardian signature (see documentation log) by the second Friday of school.
- If so desired, students may participate in the public library’s Summer Quest Reading Program and turn in the documentation from that program.
ANY books may be chosen for summer reading. We are giving you suggestions from teachers, reading teachers, and librarian. This list is by no means complete.
Read any ALPHABET book for continuing letter sounds and name. A few titles we like:
a. Alphabet Adventure (2001) or Alphabet Mystery by Audrey Wood
b. Alphabet Under Construction by Denise Fleming (2002)
c. Alphabatics by Sue MacDonald
d. Eating the Alphabet by Lois Ehlert and other titles by this author
COUNTING books provide for digit recognition and one to one matching practice.
a. One, two, three, count with me by Catherine Anholt
b. M and M Counting book by Barbara McGrath
c. Counting on Frank by Rod Clement
d. Big Fat Hen by Keith Baker
e. Over in the Meadow by Olive Wadsworth
NURSERY RHYMES always fun and support rhyme and rhythm of reading.
a. The Neighborhood Mother Goose by Nina Crews
b. Once Upon a Time, The End: (Asleep in 60 seconds) by Geoffrey Kloske
c. Here Comes Mother Goose! Or My Very First Mother Goose by Ionna Opie
d. The Dish Ran Away with the Spoon by Janet Stevens
Stories your student can relate to:
a. Mouse Went Out to Get a Snack by Lyn McFarland; A mouse searches for a snack and finds a feast
b. School Bus by Donald Crews; School buses taking children to school and home again, any other stories by this author
c. Growing Vegetable Soup growing their own vegetables and making soup
d. The Door BellRang and Rosie’s Walk by Pat Hutchins; Rosie the hen takes a walk in her farmyard, any titles by this author
e. Knuffle Bunny; a cautionary tale by Mo Wilens, a trip to the laundry mat becomes much more when ….
f. Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann, The zoo animals try to go home with the zookeeper!
AUTHORS we love, search for other titles by them:
a. Eric Carle’s stories will entrance your student. Nature is a common theme; Very Hungry Caterpillar
b. Lois Ehlert is a well known primary level writer who will offer titles of interest to your child, Color Zoo
c. Bill Martin’s titles like Brown Bear, Brown Bear and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom are familiar family favorites
d. Ezra Jack Keats is another familiar author who writes for children such titles as Whistle for Willie and The Snowy Day
e. Leo Lionni is a favorite with stories like F is Fish
Summer Reading Program
Entering First Grade
The purpose of the Summer Reading Program is to encourage students to enjoy quality literature and to continue developing their independent reading skills. Student participation in the program is voluntary. Students are encouraged to participate and if they choose to do so for extra credit they are required to complete a minimum number of readings over the summer.
- Students who choose to participate are required to read 5 books. They will receive an S+ for each book up to the 5 books required.
- Participants are required to turn in documentation of their completed reading including title, author, and parent or guardian signature (see documentation log) no later than the second Friday of school.
- If so desired, students may participate in the public library’s Summer Quest Reading Program and turn in the documentation from that program.
- ANY books may be chosen for summer reading. We are giving you suggestions from teachers, reading teachers, and librarian. This list is by no means complete or in any kind of order.
Authors you may like:
- Eric Carle: known for his unusual art and kid friendly stories, Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Grouchy Lady Bug, The Mixed Up Chameleon, etc.
- Tana Hoban: uses photography to support her text that is simple and content based, Is it Red? Is it Yellow? Is it Blue?
- Donald Crews: Topics are interesting to young readers, Freight Trains, Rain, We read A to Z
- Mercer Mayer: “Just Me” books are perfect for discussions of family and events that happen to young children, Just Grandma and Me, Just Dad and Me, etc.
- Jan Brett: beautiful illustrations and stories make these books collectibles, The Mitten, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Gingerbread Boy, etc.
- Margret & H.A. Rey’s: popular series of Curious George is always entertaining
- Peggy Parish: another classic series is Amelia Bedelia. Children love the situations she gets into.
- Shel Silverstein: Poetry that will make kids laugh and laugh, Where the Sidewalk Ends, A Light in the Attic
- Jack Prelutsky: wonderful poetry for the young, Read-aloud Rymes for the Very Young
Books you may like:
- In the Tall, Tall Grass by Denise Fleming, rhymed text about creatures found in the grass.
- Are you my Mother? by P.D. Eastman, a bird searches for his mother.
- Chameleon, Chameleon by Joy Cowley, searching for a tasty insect dinner this chameleon meets friends and foes.
- Leo, the Late Bloomer by Robert Kraus, a young tiger finally “blooms” to his parent’s joy.
- Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy Shaw, a fun filled ride in a jeep with 5 sheep.
- Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems, a pigeon who wants to drive a bus gets his chance.
- A Panda’s World, A Killer Whales’s World, A Penguin’s World, A Zebra’s World series by Caroline Arnold is award winning world or black and white animals. Illustrations are paper cut.
Any Folktale Books:
Little Red Hen by Jerry Pinkney
You Read to Me, I’ll Read to You: Very Short Mother Goose Tales to Read Together by Mary Ann Hoberman
Rumpelstiltskin by Paul Zelinsky
Summer Reading Program
Entering Second Grade
The purpose of the Summer Reading Program is to encourage students to enjoy quality literature and to continue developing their independent reading skills. Student participation in the program is voluntary. Students are encouraged to participate and if they choose to do so for extra credit they are required to complete a minimum number of readings over the summer. Upon successful completion, teachers will record an extra credit grade of S+ for the first quarter.
- Students who choose to participate are required to read 5 books.
- Participants are required to turn in documentation of their completed reading including title, author, and parent or guardian signature (see documentation log) no later than the second Friday of school.
- If so desired, students may participate in the public library’s Summer Quest Reading Program and turn in the documentation from that program.
- ANY books may be chosen for summer reading. We are giving you suggestions from teachers, reading teachers, and librarian. This list is by no means complete or in any kind of order.
Books you will love:
- Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing by Judi Barrett, read to find out why not!
- Titch by Pat Hutchins, the youngest child never seems to get what he wants.
- Emma’s Turtle by Eve Bunting, read others by this author. Emma’s box turtle imagines he’s on an adventure
- Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type by Doreen Cronin, is only one adventure of this farm. The unusual animal talents will make you laugh.
- Exploring the Deep, Dark Sea by Gail Gibbons is one non-fiction title by this author. Read to find what is below the ocean’s surface.
- Horrible Harry has a series of adventures written by Suzy Kline. They start in 2nd grade, but that is not the end for Harry. (He always does end up on the good side of things!)
- Frog and Toad Together by Arnold Lobel, starts the friends off with adventures that carry into other books by Lobel.
- In the Dinosaur’s Paw is by Patricia Reilly Giff author of other easy chapter books. Richard loses his ruler with magic powers, but what about the bully he wished to become ill?
- Henry and Mudge series by Cynthia Rylant, or any books by this author. Henry and Mudge and the Great Grandpas is about visiting Grandpa Bill in a home with a lot of Grandpas. A wonderful adventure ensues.
- Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester is about a penguin that doesn’t fit in with the other penguins but manages to be helpful when hunters arrive. Series of books.
- If you give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff starts off with a simple kind gesture and becomes a hilarious. Others books by Numeroff will entertain the entire family.
- Iris and Walter by Elissa Haden Guest is one of a series. Iris moves to the country but misses the city. Walter helps her to adjust to her new home.
- Amazing Grace, Grace proves she can be anything she wants, and Boundless Grace, Grace goes to Africa to visit her father and his new family, by Mary Hoffman.
Informational Books: Read any titles!
- Bats by Natashya Wilson will teach you about these interesting creatures.
- Giraffes or Snakes by JoAnn Macken are full of facts you’ll enjoy reading.
- Saving the Liberty Bell by Megan McDonald tells how the Liberty Bell was saved from the British during the Revolutionary was.
Poetry:
a. Little Dog Poems by Kristine George represents a day in the life of a dog and its owner.
b. Animals, Animals by Eric Carle is a collection of poems on pets and wild animals.
c. Jack Prelutsky has a number of poetry books sure to entertain everyone.
d. Shel Silverstein is sure to amuse on boring days with Where the Sidewalk Ends and A Light in the Attic.
Summer Reading Program
Entering 3rd Grade
The purpose of the Summer Reading Program is to encourage students to enjoy quality literature and to continue developing their independent reading skills. Student participation in the program is voluntary. Students are encouraged to participate and if they choose to do so for extra credit they are required to complete a minimum number of readings over the summer. Upon successful completion, teachers will record an extra credit grade of A (100%) for each book completed for a total of three A’s for the first quarter.
- Students who choose to participate are required to read 3 books.
- Participants are required to turn in documentation of their completed reading including title, author, and parent or guardian signature (see documentation log) no later than the second Friday of school.
- If so desired, students may participate in the public library’s Summer Quest Reading Program and turn in the documentation from that program.
- ANY books may be chosen for summer reading. We are giving you suggestions from teachers, reading teachers, and librarian. This list is by no means complete or in any kind of order.
For information on Lexile levels go to: http://www.lexile.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?view=ed&tabindex=5&tabid=67
Books by Author’s we like:
Ann Cameron is the author of Julian Stories. Julian and friends get into and out of trouble using wit and words. Try Julian Stories, More Julian Stories, and Julian, Secret Agent.
Bruce Coville author of fantasy stories such as: Aliens Ate my Homework and Juliet Dove, Queen of Love.
Beverly Cleary writes realistic fiction. Many of her stories feature Ramona and sister Beezus with their friends, these include: Beezus and Ramona and Muggie Maggie.
Suzy Kline authors Horrible Harry series of short chapter books and his adventures at school.
David Adler writes Cam Jansen series. Cam and friends will entertain readers with many adventures.
Paula Danziger’s Amber Brown books are funny and provide readers with situations they are familiar with.
Bruce Lansky author of My Dog Ate my Homework and other fun filled books.
Mary Pope Osborne is a prolific author of the wonderful Magic Tree House series. These titles cover many historical events with an adventurous look at them.
Marjorie Sharmat directs the adventures of Nate the Great in a series of mysteries.
Ron Ray mysteries are titled A to Z Mysteries enjoy them all.
Jon Scieszka’s fun filled Your Mother was a Neanderthal (or others in series) about the Time Warp Trio and their adventures in prehistoric times. Cave art graffiti and “rock” music fun!
Content Ideas:
Young Amelia Earhart by Susan Alcott is a biography of Amelia’s early years.
Shark Snacks by Louise Spilsbury is a book about food chains.
Math for All Seasons and other titles by Greg Tang are creative and fun.
The Story of the White House by Kate Waters gives history about the White House and people who have lived there.
I am Rosa Parks by Rosa Parks is an autobiography about her actions and what led to 1956 Supreme Court order to desegregate buses in Alabama.
Any multicultural book, Anansi tales, Folktales, fairytales, fables, legends, etc.
Poetry:
If you’re Not Here Please Raise Your Hand by Kallie Dakos. Poetry about school for students to enjoy.
Something Big Has Been Here is one of the great titles by Jack Prelutsky. Enjoy them all.
Make a Joyful Sound by Deborah Siler is a collection of high interest poems for students.
Summer Reading Program
Entering 4th Grade
The purpose of the Summer Reading Program is to encourage students to enjoy quality literature and to continue developing their independent reading skills. Student participation in the program is voluntary. Students are encouraged to participate and if they choose to do so for extra credit they are required to complete a minimum number of readings over the summer. Upon successful completion, teachers will record an extra credit grade of A (100%) for each book completed for a total of three A’s for the first quarter.
- Students who choose to participate are required to read 3 books.
- Participants are required to turn in documentation of their completed reading including title, author, and parent or guardian signature (see documentation log) no later than the second Friday of school.
- If so desired, students may participate in the public library’s Summer Quest Reading Program and turn in the documentation from that program.
- ANY books may be chosen for summer reading. We are giving you suggestions from teachers, reading teachers, and librarian. This list is by no means complete or in any kind of order.
For information on Lexile Levels go to: http://www.lexile.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?view=ed&tabindex=5&tabid=67
Authors and series we like:
Judy Blume:
Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great. Summer in Tarrytown is not what she wanted, but it is an event filled one for Sheila.
Freckle Juice is supposed to give Andrew freckles. Does it really work?
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, and Fudge series including Fudgemania, and Double Fudge tell about Peter and his younger brother.
Beverly Cleary:
Ramona Quimby and Henry Huggins series. Humorous stories for boy and girls, Henry and Ramona are the main characters.
Andrew Clements:
Room One: A Mystery or Two. Ted is a sixth grader in a one-room schoolhouse in Nebraska. He looks for clues to explain why a homeless family is missing.
No Talking. Can boys or girls really not talk? Find out when the challenge is made to see who can win a “no talking” contest.
No Talking. Can boys or girls really not talk? Find out when the challenge is made to see who can win a “no talking” contest.
Lunch Money. Greg, 12, teams up with his rival, Maura, to create a series of comic books to sell at school.
Roald Dahl ‘s Matilda is classic! A genius, Matilda must prove herself and be accepted for who she is.
BFG (Big Friendly Giant) kidsnatches Sophie from her orphanage and together they concoct a plan to save the world!
Louis Sachar is a writer of great tween fiction. There’s a Boy in the Girl’s Bathroom and Holes are two of his books. Enjoy also Wayside School series books where the school’s construction is just one of the weird things that make it a great read.
Lemony Snicket’s Series of Unfortunate Events. Each book highlights misfortunes of the
Beaudelaire orphans.
Centerfield Ballhawk by Matt Christopher tells about Jose Mendez and his fears of disappointing his father, a former ball player.
Runaway Ralph by Beverly Cleary is the story of a mouse who is looking for freedom but ends up a summer camp prisoner.
Encyclopedia Brown series gives opportunities to solve many mysteries by Donald J. Sobol.
Poetry:
Jack Prelutsky, Pizza the Size of the Sun is a collection of humorous poetry.
Judith Viorst, If I were In Charge of the World and Other Worries, humorous poetry.
Shel Silverstein, Falling Up. Humor!
Content Ideas:
The Tarantula Scientist by Sy Montgomery is an invitation to learn about this field of study.
The Boy Who Drew Birds: a Story of John James Audubon is a biography of John Audubon written by Jacqueline Davies.
Mistakes That Worked by Charlotte Jones tells about inventions that were made by mistake… very fun!
Our Strange New Land: Elizabeth’s Jamestown Colony Diary by Patricia Hermes takes place in 1607 when 9 year old Lizzie Barker keeps a journal for her brother, Caleb, who is still in England.
The Starving Time: Elizabeth’s Jamestown Colony Diary continues her journals and tells of starvation and disease in Jamestown.
Virginia Bound by Amy Butler tells about a 13 year old who is kidnapped from London to the New World and a cruel tobacco farmer.
Read any biography of famous Virginians or figures in history that shaped our nation.
Stonewall Jackson
Thomas Jefferson
Robert E Lee
James Madison
George Mason
Pocahontas
John Smith
George Washington
Arthur Ashe
Harry F. Byrd, Sr.
Patrick Henry
Abraham Lincoln
Nat Turner
Maggie L Walker
L. Douglas Wilder
Christopher Columbus
Ulysses S. Grant
Harriet Tubman
John Brown
James A. Lafayette
Summer Reading Program
Entering 5th Grade
The purpose of the Summer Reading Program is to encourage students to enjoy quality literature and to continue developing their independent reading skills. Student participation in the program is voluntary. Students are encouraged to participate and if they choose to do so for extra credit they are required to complete a minimum number of readings over the summer. Upon successful completion, teachers will record an extra credit grade of A (100%) for each book completed for a total of three A’s for the first quarter.
- Students who choose to participate are required to read 3 books.
- Participants are required to turn in documentation of their completed reading including title, author, and parent or guardian signature (see documentation log) no later than the second Friday of school.
- If so desired, students may participate in the public library’s Summer Quest Reading Program and turn in the documentation from that program.
- ANY books may be chosen for summer reading. We are giving you suggestions from teachers, reading teachers, and librarian. This list is by no means complete or in any kind of order.
For information on Lexile Levels go to: http://www.lexile.com/
Favorite Authors and Series:
Andrew Clements, A Week in the Woods (Lexile 820) (other titles, Frindle, Lunch Money) tells about a fifth grade camping trip. Tests of survival and relationships are the focus.
Esme Raji Codell is the author of Sahara Special. (Lexile 660) Sahara meets challenges with the help of a new teacher who supports her writing talent.
Kate DiCamillo wrote Because of Winn-Dixie (Lexile 610) about ten-year old India Opal Buloni and her summer in Naomi, Florida with a big ugly dog named Winn-Dixie.
Patricia Reilly Giff, Eleven (Lexile 600)(other titles, too) is about a boy who can barely read, an old newspaper clipping, and events he hardly remembers. A new friend helps uncover the past.
Jean Craighead George wrote My Side of the Mountain Trilogy (My Side of the Mountain (810L), The Far Side of the Mountain (760L), and Frightful’s Mountain (640L) about Sam who spends a year alone in the Catskill Mountains. Does he need human companionship?
Dan Gutman’s Baseball Card Adventures uses time travel to uncover the truth about iconic baseball players of the past.
C.S. Lewis tells of the mystical world of Narnia in Chronicles of Narnia (870L) series. Battles between good and evil are entertaining and thought provoking.
Eoin Colfer writes about Artemis Fowl, a young but evil genius, his battles with fairies. They use magic, technology, and a troll to defeat him. This is a series.
David Wisniewski has the reasons adults have rules for children in The Secret Knowledge of Grown-Ups (L 810) and The Secret Knowledge of Grown-Ups: The Second File (L810). Can this be true? Check it out!
Gordon Korman (610L) describes the life of six children who try to survive on a desert island in the Pacific Ocean in Island series Book One; Shipwreck.
Bruce Coville takes you into the life of 12 year old Jeremy who buys a dragon’s egg in Jeremy Thatcher: Dragon Hatcher (610L).
Avi tell of Poppy, a deer mouse and her family adventures in the series books, Poppy (670L), Poppy and Rye (620L) and Ragweed (690L).
Content:
Scholastic’s series Dear America or My Name is America are fictionalized journals about important historical times.
Patricia McKissack’s historical fiction story, A Picture of Freedom (790) is a diary written by Clotee a slave girl in 1859 Virginia.
Thomas Edison: a Brilliant Inventor by the editors of Time for Kids with Lisa deMauro.
Any other biography or autobiography could be read.
