English 6 Summer Reading Assignment

(Click HERE for pdf version. Click HERE for the Overlake Library Summer Reading webpage.)

What is the assigned reading?

Pick ONE of the following books and read it carefully:
Holes by Louis Sachar
The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat
The Labors of Hercules Beal by Gary D. Schmidt
The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly
Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams

What questions should I consider while I read?

Be prepared to discuss the following questions in class:

Which character in the book do you most relate to in the novel and why?
Integrity is one of Overlake’s community values and is defined as “exhibiting honesty and consistently acting according to one’s own values while taking responsibility for the impact of one’s words and actions.”
- How do characters demonstrate integrity in your selected novel?
- How does a character's integrity (or lack thereof) influence the story’s arc and our perception of them?
In addition, choose at least ONE other book from the list below and read it this summer:
Lei and the Fire Goddess by Malia Maunakea
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling
When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller
City of the Plague God by Sarwat Chadda
The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle by Leslie Connor
Across So Many Seas by Ruth Behar
Stand Up, Yumi Chung! by Jessica Kim
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
Red, White, and Whole by Rajani LaRocca
Blended by Sharon M. Draper
Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor
Mexikid by Pedro Martín
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

What else is required?

Read the assigned texts before the first day of school. I suggest reading the books in August so that they are fresh in your memory by the first day of school. Be prepared to discuss and analyze the texts in class — this might include talking about characters, themes, structure, or the text’s relationship to our discussion questions.

Should I take notes while I read?

Note-taking is not required. You might find it helpful to mark key passages, jot down questions or connections in the margins, or record initial thoughts about the books. These notes are for you — they won’t be collected, but they may support your learning and confidence during discussions.

Anything else?

That’s it. There is no formal written assignment due on the first day. Just come to class ready to dive in and discuss the guided questions. I’m excited to begin the year with you!

Warmly,

Ms. Balin

6^th Grade English