Hawtree Creek Middle School students will be required to read a minimum of 3 books during the summer and submit written responses on the first day of school for the 2020-2021 school year.

For a printable version of the information below, click on the following link:

Step 1: Choose your Novels

Below is a list of fiction and non-fiction novels recommended for your summer reading.  Please be sure to choose novels within your Lexile level. Some of these novels may be available at your local library.  Some novels you may need to purchase.  All of the books can be found at Barnes and Noble Booksellers, Amazon.com or Scholastic.com.  You may also choose to purchase these books on a tablet device. 

You must read:

City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau (680L)

The city of Ember was built as a last refuge for the human race. Two hundred years later, the great lamps that light the city are beginning to flicker. When Lina finds part of an ancient message, she’s sure it holds a secret that will save the city. She and her friend Doon must decipher the message before the lights go out on Ember forever.

 You may choose:

·       1 novel from the non-fiction list of your choice

·       1 novel from the fiction list of your choice

 Students are encouraged to read more than 2 books from this list if they choose!

 If you do not know your current Lexile level, the 6^th grade Lexile range is between 865 to 1165, so feel free to choose any novel in that range! If you know your reading letter (A-Z), you can visit the following website to convert your letter to your Lexile level:  https://www.readinga-z.com/learninga-z-levels/level-correlation-chart/

Step 2: Read your Novels

Enjoy your summer by kicking back in the shade with a great book!  On average, 8^th graders should be reading a minimum of 25-30 minutes per day. 

Step 3:Write Journal Responses

Below, students will find guidelines for writing journal entries after each book that is read.  Students may choose from a list of reading response prompts.

Students must complete 5 journal responses per book that is read, 15 total.

After each response, students must write 3-5 sentences answering the following question: What HCMS Character Value (Community, Leadership, Perseverance, Collaboration) is evident in this book?  Explain how this book demonstrates an HCMS Character value.

Students may choose to write their responses on loose-leaf OR typed and printed out from a computer. 

All typed responses must be in double-spaced, size 12, Times New Roman font.

Journal Format

Journal Prompts

Suggested Novels by Lexile

Suggested Novels for English Language Learners