How many books do I need to read this summer?
Please plan to read at least two books this summer. You are required to read one book from the Rockport Middle School Community Reading List and complete Book Notes. We challenge all students to read widely and deeply.
You are required to read one book of your preference. Complete the Book Talk assignment.
How do I choose a summer reading book?
All students will choose ONE book from the Community Reading List. Challenge yourself to explore a new title, topic, or genre. It is helpful to read the reviews provided by Bookshop.org. For your second book, read a title of interest to you.
Is every book on the summer reading list appropriate for me to read?
No. The themes, subject matter, format, language usage, and text difficulty vary widely. Select your book with the guidance of your family, teachers, and/or librarians. A book that is right for you may not be right for a classmate.
How do I find a copy of the book?
Students may visit the Rockport Public Library to find the book. With your Rockport Public Library card, you can also access the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium -- OverDrive Digital Library. This provides you with options for ebooks or audio versions of the text.
Students and staff can borrow ebooks and audiobooks through the school library using the Sora app. The Sora app provides access to the MA Library System's Commonwealth EBook Collection.
When do I need to make my selection?
Sign-ups begin on June 1st and end on June 10th. Please submit a Commitment to Read Form with preferences for your first and second book choices. If your first-choice book is unavailable, you will receive an email from Kriisten Fauci. Otherwise, plan to read your first-choice book.
If you are signing up after June 1st, please e-mail Kriisten Fauci at kfauci@rpk12.org.
What do I do while I read the book?
Students should complete Book Notes to submit to next year’s English teacher. These notes will help you prepare for the community discussion. Your Book Notes will be graded using the rubric.
Book Notes (Digital Version) -- Please make a copy of the digital notes. Add your name (e.g., Your Name, Book Notes 2025).
When will I be discussing the Community Read book?
You will participate in a book discussion with interested staff and students on September 3, 2025. In groups of 5-15 members, you will be asked to discuss your summer reading book early in September. You will use your Book Notes during this discussion. These groups will consist of mixed ages and grades. Staff members who have also read the book will facilitate the discussion.
What can I do if I dislike the book I am reading? Can I change groups?
The book selections are meant to spur lively discussions. For book discussions, it is great to have mixed opinions about the title. You may contact Kriisten Fauci (kfauci@rpk12.org) with questions and/or concerns about a particular book. Because the groups have been made in advance, it is difficult to change titles midway through the summer.
When will this discussion take place?
Students will participate in a book discussion early in September. You will submit your Book Notes to your English Language Arts teacher after the discussion. They will be graded using the rubric.