Dear Students and Families,
Welcome to 8th grade! Over the summer, students are expected to complete a required summer reading assignment. This assignment is designed to help students stay engaged with reading, prepare for the upcoming school year, and practice important reading and writing skills.
Book Selection
Students must choose ONE of the following books from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s approved list to read over the summer:
I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb (Young Readers Edition)
Malala Yousafzai's memoir about her courageous campaign for girls' education in Pakistan. It tells the story of her life in the Swat Valley, the Taliban's takeover, her near-fatal shooting, and her journey to become a global advocate for education right. ©2017 Grade Level 5-8. 2015 Grammy Award for Best Children's Album
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwanba (Young Readers Edition)
A memoir by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer about a young boy in Malawi who, facing a devastating drought, learns to build a windmill from scrap materials using his knowledge gained from library books. ©2009 Grade Level 6-8. CCBC Choices, Junior Library Guild Selections, Outstanding Science Trade Book
The Red Bandanna by Tom Rinaldi (Young Readers Edition)
Welles Crowther always kept a red bandanna with him, a gift from his father. Little did he know how that bandanna would help him in a time of crisis, during the fall of the South Tower of the World Trade Center. Readers will be fascinated by the story of an ordinary man who did extraordinary work to save lives of others while sacrificing his own. ©2017 Grade Level 6–8, Winner of the Christopher Award, Notable Social Studies Book
Students should choose the book they feel is most appropriate for their reading level and interest. All books will be used for the same type of assessment and project when school begins.
Assessment Overview
This summer reading assignment will be worth a total of 50 points, divided into two parts:
1. Reading Test (25 points)
Students will take an open-book test during the first week of school based on their selected book.
2. Project (25 points)
Students will complete ONE project from the options listed below.
Students will demonstrate understanding of the book by using textual evidence and showing thoughtful engagement with the book. Textual evidence means including quotes and a page number.
Project Options (Choose ONE)
Students will select one of the following:
All projects must:
Typed and printed work is strongly preferred.
Handwritten work is acceptable only if it is clearly legible. Illegible work may not be accepted/graded.
1. Character Diary / Journal
Write 6 diary entries.
Option A: Write journal entries from the real person’s perspective
Option B: Write journal entries as yourself reacting to key events
Requirements:
2. Double Entry Journal
Create a chart with 10 entries total.
Format:
Requirements
Response Expectations:
3. Reflection Analysis Essay
Write a 1–2 page essay analyzing an important idea from your book.
Your essay should answer the following:
Requirements:
4. Slideshow:
Include relevant visuals
5. Written Comprehension Questions
Answer 10 questions about the book in complete sentences:
1. Who is the central figure in the book, and what is their situation at the beginning?
2. What is one major challenge or obstacle the person faces? Explain how it affects them.
3. Describe an important event or turning point in the book. Why is it significant?
4. What is one important lesson, message, or idea in the book, and how does the author develop this idea throughout the text?
5. Choose two important or unfamiliar words from the book. Define each word using context clues, and explain how understanding these words helps you better understand the text.
6. What qualities (character traits) does the main person show? Use at least one example.
7. How does the person change, grow, or respond to challenges over time?
8. What impact does this person have on others or the world around them?
9. What did you learn from this book? Be specific and explain.
10. Would you recommend this book? Why or why not? Support your answer with details.
Requirements:
Summer Reading Rubric (25 Points – Project)
1. Literacy Understanding (5 points)
2. Following Directions (5 points)
3. Content and Textual Evidence (5 points)
4. Writing Quality (5 points)
5. Effort and Presentation (5 points)
Important Notes
If you have any questions about the assignment, please contact the teacher before the start of the school year.
Thank you.