One of the best ways to keep kids reading this summer is by exposing them to a variety of series. Popular picks include the intriguing Wild Survival series and the beloved The Baby-Sitters Club.
Engaging chapter books and graphic novels will keep your growing reader
entertained all summer long while improving their reading comprehension skills.
For another read that will have your middle schooler immersed in a book all summer long, check out the riveting Last Gate of the Emperor. This science-fiction story is about Yared Heywat and his adventures as he uncovers kingdoms in the sky and faces city-razing monsters. This action-packed book also has great lessons about courage and family.
From May 9 to August 19, kids can visit Scholastic Home Base to participate in the free, fun, and safe summer reading program. As part of the program, kids can read e-books, attend author events, and keep Reading Streaks™ to help unlock a donation of 100K books from Scholastic – distributed to kids with limited or no access to books by Save the Children.
Please use the following as a guide and realize that any age-appropriate reading material is acceptable. Books that are suggested may be found at many area bookstores and at our community libraries. Students also have access to our book program SORA throughout the summer.
In addition, you can visit the New York Public Library for summer reading resources or your local libraries to participate in the NY State Summer Reading Program:
Josephine Louise Public Library
(845)778-7621
5 Scofield Street
Walden, NY 12586
Maybrook- George C. Bullis Community Center
(845) 427-2914
10 Main Street
Maybrook, NY 12543
Montgomery Free Library
(845) 457-5616
133 Clinton Street
Montgomery, NY 12549
VCMS ELA Department Suggested Books
6th grade
Ground Zero by Alan Gratz (realistic fiction)
Red, White, and Whole by Rajani LaRocca (fiction)
Fallout:Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown by Steve Sheinkin (non-fiction)
When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson (Graphic novel)
7th grade
The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera (Science fiction)
Starfish by Lisa Fipps (realistic fiction)
Wolfpack (young reader’s edition) by Abby Wambach (non-fiction)
Astronauts: Women on the Final Frontier by Jim Ottaviani (graphic novel)
8th grade
The Port Chicago 50: Disaster Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights by Steve Sheinkin (Non-fiction)
Raven by Kami Garcia (graphic novel)
Anya’s Ghost by Vera Brosgol (graphic novel)
Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri (realistic fiction)
Refer to pages 13-14 of the NYS ELA Resource Guide for more suggestions.