Purpose for Summer Reading
Reading during the summer is important for everyone! It helps readers keep and improve the reading skills they developed during the school year. Stephen Krashen, author of "The Power of Reading", concludes that “reading is the most powerful tool available for building vocabulary as well as the ability to read, write, spell, and comprehend.” Independent reading has been proven to positively impact literacy development.
**All texts included on suggestion links are compiled by outside parties and should serve only as potential resources for suggestions; not to be required. Allen ISD has no control over, nor is responsible for texts listed.
SUMMER READING BY GRADE LEVEL
Middle School Summer Reading
Incoming Courses:
- 7th Grade (On-Level, Advanced, Humanities):
- Free Choice
- 8th Grade (On-Level, Advanced, Humanities):
- Free Choice
This site will provide students with a plethora of options for choosing fiction and nonfiction, graphic novels, and blogs. Watch clips of young adult authors! See pictures of your favorite celebrities reading! Get Twitter handles of famous authors!
English I Summer Reading
Incoming Courses:
- English I and ESL I
- Free Choice- Please read at least one grade appropriate book
Students should choose books for summer reading that have not been previously read or used for prior ELA instruction.
- English I Advanced
Students are encouraged to bring a copy of their book the first two weeks of school.
Students should choose books for summer reading that have not been previously read or used for prior ELA instruction.
- English I GT/Advanced
- Students will need to bring a copy of their book the first two weeks of school.
Students should choose books for summer reading that have not been previously read or used for prior ELA instruction.
Please do not read The Great Gatsby or Of Mice and Men.
This site will provide students with a plethora of options for choosing fiction and nonfiction, graphic novels, and blogs. Watch clips of young adult authors! See pictures of your favorite celebrities reading! Get Twitter handles of famous authors!
English II Summer Reading
Incoming Courses:
- English II and ESL II
- Free Choice
- English II Advanced
- English II GT/Advanced Phoenix
Read ONE HISTORICAL FICTION novel written at an appropriate or challenging reading level.
What is historical fiction? Historical fiction transports readers to a bygone era, typically set at least 50 years in the past, within a culturally recognizable period. Within this genre, authors blend factual elements with imaginative storytelling, weaving together authentic historical events with their own creative narrative. Characters may be entirely fictional or inspired by real individuals, often representing a blend of both.
An extensive list of historical fiction novels can be found HERE.
Please bring your novel to class with you when school begins.
This site will provide students with a plethora of options for choosing fiction and nonfiction, graphic novels, and blogs. Watch clips of young adult authors! See pictures of your favorite celebrities reading! Get Twitter handles of famous authors!
English III Summer Reading
Incoming Courses:
- English III and ESL III
- Free Choice
- AP English III
- AP/GT English III Phoenix
- IB English and IB/GT English III
This site will provide students with a plethora of options for choosing fiction and nonfiction, graphic novels, and blogs. Watch clips of young adult authors! See pictures of your favorite celebrities reading! Get Twitter handles of famous authors!
English IV Summer Reading
Incoming Courses:
- English IV
- Free Choice
- AP English IV
- AP/GT English IV Phoenix
You will read two novels (work of fiction). It is suggested you read one from the list provided here, though you may read any two novels of literary merit written at an age appropriate or challenging reading level.
- IB English IV and IB/GT English IV
- Free Choice- Nonfiction
Students will select a nonfiction book of historical and/or literary merit and should be prepared for further analysis when the school year begins.
This site will provide students with a plethora of options for choosing fiction and nonfiction, graphic novels, and blogs. Watch clips of young adult authors! See pictures of your favorite celebrities reading! Get Twitter handles of famous authors!
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Consider accessing the City of Allen Library, Overdrive from your school library website, and/or local book stores. New, used, or electronic books are acceptable.
Note: It is not required that the book be purchased. Library checkout is an acceptable option.
AS YOU READ
Readers should consider these questions as they read:
- Why did I choose this text?
- What about it holds my interest?
- What about it did I like?
- How/why would I recommend this text to someone?
- How could I summarize this text to share it with others?
WHEN SCHOOL BEGINS
When school begins, students will need to know:
- Title
- Author
- Genre
- Summary of the text