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6th Grade
Choose one book from the list to read this summer. 6th grade ELA teachers would like you to be ready to discuss this book on the first few days of school.
All books are available at the Lake Forest Library and the Book Store!
After some trouble in school Ava's parents whisk her off to her mother’s alma mater, the Academia del Forte, a mysterious international boarding school in Venice. There, Ava and her brother, Jax, discover that the Olympian gods founded the Academia to teach the descendants of mythological monsters how to control their emotions and their powers and become functioning, well-adjusted members of society. But not everything at the Academia is as it seems. After her friend Fia is almost expelled for challenging a teacher, Ava realizes the school is hiding a dangerous secret. To uncover the truth, Ava and her new friends embark on an adventure that could change the way they view history, mythology—and themselves—forever…or end their lives.
*Rebecca Caudill nominee 2026
The year is 1915 and the world is at war. Marta and her father are passengers on the Lusitania, desperately trying to get back home from the US. But there is a problem, they are German and are using false papers. Then the Lusitania is attacked by a German submarine. Marta and her father are discovered and her father is arrested. On land, she must hide who she is to survive and get home. She fortunately meets Clare, a young Irish girl who can talk a mile a minute, and her kind family. Believing that Marta is a Dutch refugee, they welcome her into their home. She can't risk letting her new friends know she's actually from Germany-the very nation that the Irish and English are fighting against. But could these people who have shown her nothing but kindness truly be her enemy? Sweeping from the Irish Sea to a cathedral city in England, this story shows us that friendship, especially in times of war, may be the greatest gift of all.
*School Library Journal starred review
"What Happened to Rachel Riley?" is a story about a girl named Anna who is facing some tough times at school. She notices that Rachel, who's smart and curious and used to be the most popular girl in 6th grade is now isolated and bullied by her classmates. Anna decides to investigate and write about her experiences to understand why Rachel's being treated this way. As she digs deeper, she discovers important lessons about friendship, standing up for herself, and the power of speaking out. The story is all about bravery, resilience, standing up to sexual harrassment and the importance of kindness and support in overcoming challenges.
*Booklist starred review, School Library Journal Xpress starred, Rebecca Caudill nominee 2026
"Final Season" by Tim Green is an engaging story about family, sports, and growing up. The book follows Brock, a young football player, who is faced with a big decision when he learns his dad, who is also his coach, has a serious illness called ALS. As Brock goes through high school, he deals with the pressure of making his dad proud while adjusting to changes at home. The story highlights the importance of teamwork, being strong in tough times, and how much families mean to each other. Through Brock's experiences, Tim Green tells a heartfelt tale of love, sacrifice, and the lasting power of family.
*Kirkus Starred Review, Rebecca Caudill nominee 2026
"Simon Sort of Says" by Erin Bow is a heartwarming story about Simon, a young boy who moves with his family to a quirky town where there's no cell phone reception or internet. This new place offers Simon a chance to start fresh and make new friends. Simon was the only survivor in a school shooting and is still dealing with the notoriety and trauma, but finds joy in laughter and fun adventures in his new town. The book shares important messages about friendship, healing, and finding hope, showing how we can overcome challenges with the help of those around us.
*National Book Award Longlist, Schneider Family Book Award, Newberry Honor Book, Rebecca Caudill nominee 2026