Summer Reading 2024
Bethel Middle School summer reading criteria: We ask that you read one age appropriate book this summer. What do we mean by age appropriate? Read a book at YOUR reading level- not too easy, not too hard. Check out our optional reading challenge for a chance at some great prizes. Details are below- scroll down!
Do graphic novels count for summer reading? Of course they do! What we ask is if you choose to read a graphic novel and it is on the shorter side- then read two! Or read even more than that The more reading the better!
Why do I have to read in the summer? School is out! Well, think of your brain as a muscle. If you went to the gym and lifted weights every day, you would get strong. Then, if you stopped going to the gym for over two months, you would lose a lot of your gains. When you finally go back to the gym to lift weights, you would NOT be able to lift what you had been lifting previously. You would have to go down to lighter weights, and kind of start over. This is the same as your brain academically. It is well documented and known as the "summer slide". The more you read over the summer, the better for your brain.
Can you recommend some titles I should read? Yes! I linked this year's Nutmeg nominees down below. Browse this year's top ten for intermediate level (grades 4-6) and middle school (grades 7&8). Of course, you don't have to be in eighth grade to read from the middle school list, and you don't have to be in sixth grade to read from the intermediate list. Choose books that interest you and that are appropriate for you! I also listed some books that I have enjoyed and some books that I will be reading THIS summer, just like you!
Please scroll down to check out the awesome programs and challenges that the Bethel Public Library is offering this summer! Some seriously awesome things are happening at the BPL this summer- and it is all FREE!
Optional Reading Challenge: For those who love a challenge, love to read, or just want to win good stuff! If you read 7 or more books age appropriate books this summer, fill out this form. Turn it in to Mrs. Chamberlain or Mrs. Egan during the first week of school. You will be entered in a raffle to win some gift cards to local places like Byrd's Books, Famous Pizza, etc! The summer reading challenge log is linked here! Even if you don't win the gift cards, you will get to pick from the treasure box of little goodies.
Nutmeg Nominees for Intermediate Grades (grades 4-6) What a fantastic mix of choices! Almost every type of fiction genre is represented here!
Nutmeg Nominees for Middle School (grades 7 & 8) A great mix of options for students. Please note- these books are more mature than the "intermediate" level books. Choose the book that is right for you.
The Bethel Public Library is offering some awesome choices for summer reading and for summer fun! All of the awesome programs they are offering are FREE! Also, they are offering amazing prizes for participating in summer reading. Set a goal, log it, earn raffle tickets for prizes!
*Check out the summer program calendar here. Note that it is best to sign up in advance so a spot is saved for you! Teen means grades 6-8.
Here is all the information for the summer reading challenges offered at the BPL!
Here are some books that Mrs. Egan loves and recommends! Again, some of these books are middle grades level and some are young adult level. Always choose a book that is right for you.
A Galaxy of Sea Stars: realistic fiction- wonderful story of friendship (MG)
Witches of Brooklyn: Fun graphic novel series (MG)
Salt to the Sea: historical fiction an amazing story based on real events during WW2! (YA)
Here are some books that I am going to read THIS summer!
Mexikid: Tween Martín is having a tough time overcoming insecurities surrounding his Mexican heritage while on a road trip from California to Mexico in this 1970s-set graphic novel memoir. Equal parts hilarious and tear-jerking moments are rendered in vibrantly hued cartoon-style illustrations, making for an artistically inventive read, teeming with lively characters and emotion, that is a joy to behold. (Middle Grades)
Starfish: To avoid the bullying she’s long endured, 11-year-old Ellie lives by the unspoken Fat Girl Rules—the rules one learns “when you break them—/ and suffer/ the consequences.” Finding solace in her pool, and growing support from new friends, her father, and a therapist, aspiring poet Ellie discovers her voice in Fipps’s triumphant verse novel centering self-acceptance and self-advocacy. (Middle Grades)
The Last Cuentista: Centuries after boarding one of the last ships off-world, an aspiring storyteller discovers that she alone remembers life on Earth and must use her wits and her knowledge of Mexican folklore as protection against a cultlike group. Gripping, euphonious, and full of storytelling magic, Higuera’s suspenseful speculative novel explores how story can awaken empathy, hope, and even resistance. (YA)
