Summer Reading Grade 8
Middle School Summer Reading
Once registered, students will keep track of each book read by completing the form for their school. Students who participate will be eligible for prizes both at the library and at school in the fall.
Students and their families are encouraged to attend the All-Ages Summer Reading Kick-Off on Friday, June 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 at the library.
John Wallace student Maddy Ellis reads the last chapters of her independent novel during "Drop Everything and Read" on the last day of Read Across America Week!
Finding a Great Book
This website lists the Teen Nominees for the 2019 Nutmeg Book Award. Keep in mind that students can read fiction or nonfiction, including books of poetry or short stories, narrative nonfiction, and informational texts. These great titles and many others are available at the public library in a variety of print and audio formats.
Note: The descriptions of these books were written by members of the Nutmeg Committee.
All We Have Left by Wendy Mills
Muslim teen Alia is trapped in the World Trade Center as chaos descends on 9/11. Years later, Jesse is doing community service as punishment for hateful graffiti. Her brother died in the Towers, her family shattered. Alternating chapters tell the girls' stories, eventually connecting them across time.
Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova
Peppi, a teenager who only fits in with her art club, embarrasses herself and ends up hurting the feelings of Jaime, the nerdiest kid in school. Jaime, joins the art club's rival: the science club. As the clubs battle it out at school, Peppi and Jaime fight on an emotional level, both learning important lessons in the process.
The Bitter Side of Sweet by Tara Sullivan
Amadou and his brother, Seydou, need to harvest more and more cacao pods in order to survive the plantation bosses. Hope arrives with Khadija, the first girl to ever appear on the plantation. She has been forced into labor just like the boys, but as a girl she has even more reason to escape the bosses than they do.
Ghost by Jason Reynolds
Castle Crenshaw, a.k.a. Ghost, has been running ever since he and his mom escaped from his father's violent anger. After Ghost inadvertently earns a spot on an elite track team, his mother agrees to let him join, but only if he can stay out of trouble. However, Ghost can't stay on the straight and narrow. Will Coach help him out, or turn him in and cost Ghost his dream?
Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Cordova
In her attempt to rid herself of her bruja powers, Alejandra accidentally banishes her family to the underworld, known as Los Lagos. In order to make things right, Alex joins up with Nova, a powerful brujo boy, and her non-magical best friend, to make the dangerous journey to find them.
Need by Joelle Charbonneau
Everyone is joining the hottest new social media site, NEED. Answer one simple question (What do you need? New phone? Concert tickets?), perform a minor task, and you get what you asked for. Kaylee's brother needs a new kidney. It's a long shot, but she figures she'll try NEED - and quickly realizes the high price she'll have to pay.
OCDaniel by Wesley King
Daniel has some strange habits, like flipping light switches, avoiding certain numbers, and more. He doesn't know exactly what's going on, but he tries very hard to make sure no one notices—until someone does. Soon Daniel is caught up in a friendship and then a mystery that will change his life.
Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee
In the early 1900s, 15-year-old Mercy Wong is determined to escape the poverty of China-town by getting an education. Mercy convinces admissions officers to allow her into St. Clare's School for Girls, and she stands strong until a historic earthquake hits San Francisco. Charged with a mission to help others, Mercy searches for a way to make an impact during a tragedy.
The Six by Mark Alpert
Virtual reality games are Adam’s only escape. Muscular dystrophy has stolen his mobility and will soon take his life. When an Artificial Intelligence threatens the world, Adam and five other terminally ill teens are asked to abandon their bodies and have their minds uploaded into robots. Will the team be able to master their new forms and take down Sigma before he destroys humanity?
Lily and Dunkin by Donna Gephart
Lily and Dunkin tell the story of their on-again, off- again friendship in alternating chapters. Lily, who was born Timothy, is transgender and negotiating a new relationship with her father, while dreading puberty and the unwanted changes it will bring. Dunkin is bipolar and trying to control his manic episodes while making friends in a new school. Their own issues help them to accept each other for who they really are.
Need More Book Suggestions?
Remember, your teachers, school librarians, and public librarians would love to give you suggestions about what to read. For more information and recommendations, please check out the summer reading pro-grams at the Lucy Robbins Wells Library: www.newingtonct.gov/library.
You can also check out the Connecticut State Department of Education’s Summer Reading pages at portal.ct.gov/SDE/CTRead/Connecticut-Reads.
Get Caught Reading!
Submit a photograph of yourself reading this summer to be posted on the District’s Facebook page. Students who submit images will be eligible to win a prize at the end of the summer!
Send your photos using this Google Form.
MK Principal, Mr. Lambert, loves to read a good book at the beach!
Kellogg students even find time in the hallway to dive into their books! Included in the photo above are: Katie Ziomek, Marc Pantano, Isabella Presutti, Elisa Taylor and Mariapia Asca.