Grade 8 Summer Reading: Assignment Description
All students entering 8th grade at CMS will read two (2) books that are grade-level appropriate and that they haven’t read before. We are offering student choice because we believe that reading should be enjoyable, especially in the summer. Corresponding tasks are outlined below and must be completed before returning to school in the fall. (***Grade 8 Accelerated Students - see note at the bottom of this page.***)
Although there is a minimum requirement, students are encouraged to read as much as they can! Reading helps with writing skills, critical thinking skills, and even better news: reading what you LOVE helps to do this.
Summer Reading Blogs
What: Write two blog entries for BOTH books you read (a total of 4 blog entries) documenting the reason for your choice as well as a review with connections. It’s also a VERY good idea to respond to your classmates’ posts!
- Before Reading Posts: In a short paragraph, explain:
- Why did you choose this book? Were you drawn to its genre, author, and/or premise?
- How did you discover it - recommendation, online browsing, found it in a store/library?
- What do you anticipate and hope to experience while reading this book?
- After Reading Posts: In a paragraph of eight (8) sentences minimum:
- Explain the book’s premise/main plot, including what you thought of its characters and conflict.
Please do not give away the entire plot! - Rate the book on a scale of 1-10 and explain why you chose this rating.
- How does this book help you view your life and/or the lives of others differently than before you read it?
- Support your ideas with clear details from the book to show your understanding.
- Explain the book’s premise/main plot, including what you thought of its characters and conflict.
Why: We feel readers should have an opportunity to share their thoughts on what they read in an authentic, community-building setting (like a book club, goodreads.com, etc.).
When: Posts are due by the end of the first week of school, but we recommend completing the blogs during the summer.
***Grade 8 Accelerated Students: In addition to the four posts above, you will write one additional post that will be a compare/contrast of the two summer reading books you read. You may have liked one book much more that the other - explain why. If you liked both equally, explain why. Consider the similarities and differences between the books’ protagonists, setting, and conflict to cause your preferences/reaction to the books. Make sure that your comments drawn upon details from the books and include substance and meaning.