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THEME: Purposeful Planning to Persevere
This year, Archimedean Middle Conservatory’s summer assignments will be focused on the theme of “Purposeful Planning to Persevere.” Perseverance is more than just refusing to give up—it starts with having a plan. When you take time to think ahead, set goals, and break a big challenge into smaller steps, obstacles become easier to overcome.
Purposeful planning helps you stay focused when things get difficult because you know what you are working toward and what to do next. Instead of feeling stuck, you can adjust your plan, keep moving forward, and continue making progress. Great achievements rarely happen by accident; they are the result of careful planning and the determination to persevere.
The books assigned this summer will help to prepare you for a successful year. With a solid foundation in grammar, your writing will be much improved. By mentally preparing for what’s coming, you will be calmer as you face the challenges of Middle School.
When you choose your novel, please be sure to think about how the protagonists (main characters or heroes) in your chosen novel plan ahead, and conquer the challenges they face.
Grade 6
The two (2) books marked as “Mandatory Reading” are required for all students.
Please see the Summer Assignments for specific directions on what to do for each.
Your first required book is Mastering Your Mental Health in Middle School: A Workbook to Deal with Stress, Manage Intense Emotions, Boost Confidence, & Cope with Whatever Comes Your Way by Lisa Shetler, MPsych.
ISBN 10: 648485634
ISBN-13: 978-164848563
In the age of social media and increased peer pressure, transitioning to middle school can be extremely challenging. Faced with this new environment—as well as the very real changes you are experiencing in your body and brain—you may find yourself struggling with anxiety, overwhelm, stress, or low self-esteem.
So, how can you successfully navigate this new landscape? Filled with powerful tips and tools, this book will supercharge your confidence, and teach you the skills needed to manage stress and be your best!
In Mastering Your Mental Health in Middle School, psychologist Lisa Shetler draws on years of experience to guide you safely and smoothly through this turbulent transition.
Based in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), this easy-to-follow guide offers evidence-based skills to help you build resilience, boost self-esteem, and survive and thrive in the middle school years.
Using the tips and tools outlined in this friendly go-to guide, you’ll feel fully prepared to weather the storm of physical, emotional, and mental changes that await.
Your second required book is The Dragon Grammar Book: Grammar for Kids, Dragons, and the Whole Kingdom by Diane Mae Robinson
ISBN 10: 198871401X
ISBN-13: 978-1988714011
Finally! An easy-to-understand English grammar book with fun grammar lessons for middle grades. An excellent education reference for classroom and homeschool grammar lessons.
The Dragon Grammar Book is the perfect grammar study guide to help readers learn the rules of grammar and improve language art skills with ease and enjoyment.
From multi-award-winning children’s fantasy author Diane Mae Robinson, The Dragon Grammar Book provides a fun and engaging approach to learning English grammar through easy-to-follow lessons, humorous example sentences, and chapter quizzes to conquer all those tricky grammar rules.
Easy-To-Understand Lessons organized to gradually build on the basic grammar rules toward an intermediate level.
The Call of the Wild by Jack London
ISBN: 9780812504323,0812504321
The Call of the Wild is the classic novel of wilderness adventure from one of the first American writers to achieve international fame, Jack London. Kidnapped from his safe California home. Thrown into a life-and-death struggle in the frozen Arctic wilderness.
Half St. Bernard, half shepard, Buck learns many hard lessons as a sled dog: the lesson of the leash, of the cold, of near-starvation and cruelty. And the greatest lesson he learns from his last owner, John Thornton: the power of love and loyalty. Yet always, even at the side of the human he loves, Buck feels the pull in his bones, an urge to answer his wolf ancestors as they howl to him.
Refugee by Alan Gratz (fiction)
ISBN: 9780545880879, 0545880874
A tour de force from acclaimed author Alan Gratz (Prisoner B-3087), this timely — and timeless — novel tells the powerful story of three different children seeking refuge. A New York Times bestseller!JOSEF is a Jewish boy living in 1930s Nazi Germany. With the threat of concentration camps looming, he and his family board a ship bound for the other side of the world . . .ISABEL is a Cuban girl in 1994. With riots and unrest plaguing her country, she and her family set out on a raft, hoping to find safety in America . . .MAHMOUD is a Syrian boy in 2015. With his homeland torn apart by violence and destruction, he and his family begin a long trek toward Europe . . .All three kids go on harrowing journeys in search of refuge. All will face unimaginable dangers — from drownings to..
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls (fiction)
ISBN: 9780440412670, 0440412676
Read the beloved classic that captures the powerful bond between man and man’s best friend. This edition also includes a special note to readers from Newbery Medal winner and Printz Honor winner Clare Vanderpool. Billy has long dreamt of owning not one, but two, dogs. So when he’s finally able to save up enough money for two pups to call his own—Old Dan and Little Ann—he’s ecstatic. It doesn’t matter that times are tough; together they’ll roam the hills of the Ozarks. Soon Billy and his hounds become the finest hunting team in the valley. Stories of their great achievements spread throughout the region, and the combination of Old Dan’s brawn, Little Ann’s brains, and Billy’s sheer will seems unbeatable. But tragedy awaits these determined hunters—now friends—and Billy learns that hope can grow out of despair, and that the seeds of the future can come from the scars of the past.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer (non-fiction)
ISBN: 9781984816122, 1984816128
This is a gripping memoir of survival and perseverance about the heroic young inventor who brought electricity to his Malawian village. When a terrible drought struck William Kamkwamba’s tiny village in Malawi, his family lost all of the season’s crops, leaving them with nothing to eat and nothing to sell. William began to explore science books in his village library, looking for a solution. There, he came up with the idea that would change his family’s life forever: he could build a windmill. Made out of scrap metal and old bicycle parts, William’s windmill brought electricity to his home and helped his family pump the water they needed to farm the land.
I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Got Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb (non-fiction)
ISBN: 9780316322409, 031632240
When the Taliban took control of the Swat Valley in Pakistan, one girl spoke out. Malala Yousafzai refused to be silenced and fought for her right to an education. On Tuesday, October 9, 2012, when she was fifteen, she almost paid the ultimate price. She was shot in the head at point-blank range while riding the bus home from school, and few expected her to survive. Instead, Malala’s miraculous recovery has taken her on an extraordinary journey from a remote valley in northern Pakistan to the halls of the United Nations in New York.
Grade 7
From your Teacher:
Students will be required to read two (2) books. The first is the Mandatory Reading selection, The Playbook, and the second book should be chosen from the list below.
Students should bring their physical copies of both the Mandatory Reading novel and their second (choice) novel (worth a homework grade), as well as their completed summer reading annotations (worth a quiz grade), to class on the first day of school.
There will be an open-book (physical book only) multi-paragraph response test covering the summer reading novels within the first full week of school.
Your required book is The Playbook 52 Rules to Aim Shoot and Score in This Game Called Life by Kwame Alexander (Self-Help; Inspirational Non-Fiction)
Kindle: 978-0063288775
Paperback: 978-0063288775
Hardcover: 978-0544570979
From the Cover: What can we imagine for our lives? What if we were the star players, moving and grooving through the game of life? What if we had our own rules of the game to help us get what we want, what we aspire to, and what will enrich our lives?
Illustrated with photographs by Thai Neave, The Playbook is intended to inspire the court of life.
Each rule contains wisdom from inspiring athletes and role models such as Nelson Mandela, Serena Williams, LeBron James, Carli Lloyd, Steph Curry, and Michelle Obama.
Kwame Alexander also shares his own stories of overcoming obstacles and winning games in this motivational and inspirational book for readers of any age and anyone needing a little bit of encouragement.
From your Teacher:
Students will be required to read The Playbook and their second choice book over the summer.
Students should bring their physical (or Kindle) copies of the novels with them to class daily for the first 3 weeks of school.
Your required book is The Playbook 52 Rules to Aim Shoot and Score in This Game Called Life by Kwame Alexander (Self-Help; Inspirational Non-Fiction)
Kindle: 978-0063288775
Paperback: 978-0063288775
Hardcover: 978-0544570979
From the Cover: What can we imagine for our lives? What if we were the star players, moving and grooving through the game of life? What if we had our own rules of the game to help us get what we want, what we aspire to, and what will enrich our lives?
Illustrated with photographs by Thai Neave, The Playbook is intended to inspire the court of life.
Each rule contains wisdom from inspiring athletes and role models such as Nelson Mandela, Serena Williams, LeBron James, Carli Lloyd, Steph Curry, and Michelle Obama.
Kwame Alexander also shares his own stories of overcoming obstacles and winning games in this motivational and inspirational book for readers of any age and anyone needing a little bit of encouragement.
From your Teacher:
Students will be required to read The Playbook and their second choice book over the summer.
Students should bring their physical (or Kindle) copies of the novels with them to class daily for the first 3 weeks of school.
The Boys in the Boat (Young Readers Adaptation): The True Story of an American Team’s Epic Journey to Win Gold at the 1936 Olympics by Daniel James Brown (Biography)
Kindle: 978-0451475923
Paperback: 978-0147516855
Hardcover: 978-0451475923
From the Cover: “Out of the depths of the Great Depression comes the astonishing tale of nine working-class boys from the American West who at the 1936 Olympics showed the world what true grit really meant. With rowers who were the sons of loggers, shipyard workers, and farmers, the University of Washington’s eight-oar crew was never expected to defeat the elite East Coast teams, yet they did, going on to shock the world by challenging the German boat rowing for Adolf Hitler.”
Chinese Cinderella: The True Story of an Unwanted Daughter by Adeline Yen Mah
(Autobiography).
Kindle: 978-0440228653
2010 Paperback: 978-0385740074
2001 Paperback: 978-0440228653
From the Cover: “A Chinese proverb says, ‘Falling leaves return to their roots.’ In Chinese Cinderella, Adeline Yen Mah returns to her roots to paint an authentic portrait of twentieth-century China, as well as to tell the story of her painful childhood and her courage and ultimate triumph over despair.
After her mother dies giving birth to her, Adeline’s affluent, powerful family considers her bad luck. Life does not get any easier when her father remarries. She and her siblings are subjected to their stepmother’s disdain, while her half brother and half sister are thoroughly spoiled. Although Adeline wins prizes at school, they are not enough to compensate for what she really yearns for — the love and understanding of her family.“
Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson (Historical Fiction)
Kindle: 978-0689848919
Paperback 2002: 978-0689848919
Paperback 2001: 978-0439355254
From the Cover: In 1793 Philadelphia, sixteen-year-old Matilda Cook, separated from her sick mother, learns about perseverance and self-reliance when she is forced to cope with the horrors of a yellow fever epidemic.
Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson (Historical Fiction)
Kindle: 978-0062069726
Paperback: 978-0061962790
Hardcover: 978-0061962783
From the Cover:
Inspired by the author’s childhood experience as a refugee—fleeing Vietnam after the Fall of Saigon and immigrating to Alabama—this coming-of-age debut novel told in verse has been celebrated for its touching child’s-eye view of family and immigration.
Hà has only ever known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, and the warmth of her friends close by.
But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Hà and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope—toward America.
This moving story of one girl’s year of change, dreams, grief, and healing received four starred reviews, including one from Kirkus, which proclaimed it “enlightening, poignant, and unexpectedly funny.
Peak by Roland Smith (Adventure Fiction)
Kindle: 978-0152062682
Paperback: 978-0152062682
Hardcover: 978-0545038133
From the Cover: “When fourteen-year-old Peak Marcello’s long-lost father presents the opportunity for them to summit Everest together, Peak doesn’t even consider saying no- even though he suspects there are a few strings attached. And if he makes it to the top before his birthday, he’ll be the youngest person ever to stand above 29,000 feet. It’s not a bad turn of events for a guy who’s been stuck in New York City with only skyscrapers to (illegally) scale.
Here, in Peak’s own words, is the exhilarating, gut-wrenching story of what happened on that climb to the top of the world- a climb that changed everything. Welcome to Mount Everest.
Grade 8
Students have a Mandatory Reading assignment and a Mandatory Workbook assignment.
From the optional reading selections, students should read at least one book, which will support their participation in Literature Circles and their individual book projects.
Additionally, students should choose a book from the Independent Reading List to read in class beginning in the third week of Quarter 1.
Students are not expected to begin reading one of these books during summer.
They are expected to choose a book to work on for Quarter 1 and will be given time in class daily to read their books starting the 3rd week of Quarter 2.
Physical books are a requirement for this segment of 8th Grade Language Arts. Having the physical book and silently reading are crucial requirements for their Silent Independent Reading Time and will go towards their weekly participation grade.
Independent reading will continue up to the Third Quarter with new lists and book options.
Your first required book is Mastering Your Mental Health in Middle School: A Workbook to Deal with Stress, Manage Intense Emotions, Boost Confidence, & Cope with Whatever Comes Your Way by Lisa Shetler, MPsych.
ISBN 10: 648485634
ISBN-13: 978-164848563
Amazon Link
In the age of social media and increased peer pressure, transitioning to middle school can be extremely challenging. Faced with this new environment—as well as the very real changes you are experiencing in your body and brain—you may find yourself struggling with anxiety, overwhelm, stress, or low self-esteem.
So, how can you successfully navigate this new landscape? Filled with powerful tips and tools, this book will supercharge your confidence, and teach you the skills needed to manage stress and be your best!
In Mastering Your Mental Health in Middle School, psychologist Lisa Shetler draws on years of experience to guide you safely and smoothly through this turbulent transition.
Based in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), this easy-to-follow guide offers evidence-based skills to help you build resilience, boost self-esteem, and survive and thrive in the middle school years.
Using the tips and tools outlined in this friendly go-to guide, you’ll feel fully prepared to weather the storm of physical, emotional, and mental changes that await.
Your second required book is Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
ISBN-13:978-0393356182
Amazon Link
The summer reading novel is a reanimation of ancient Scandinavian legends. The book will be the main focus for the majority of the First Quarter for character analysis and literary archetypes building up to a final character report with comparison with pop-cultural reanimations of the characters.
While reading the book, students should annotate character traits, examples which support character development and evidence of character traits, unfamiliar and/or new words, and trace the series of events. Students should focus on characters of Odin, Loki and Thor and choose to focus on two other side characters for their annotations.
During the second week of school, students will be writing a character report which will go in as a Test Grade (open book). Physical book is required in class.
Neil Gaiman’s Norse Mythology is a witty and gripping retelling of ancient Scandinavian legends. Gaiman fashions the primeval stories into a novelistic arc that tracks the Norse pantheon from the creation of the Nine Worlds to the apocalyptic events of Ragnarök.
The book reimagines the great northern myths with Gaiman’s signature blend of deft storytelling and dark wit with well-known characters like Odin, Thor and Loki.
Your required book is No-No Boy by John Okada.
ISBN-13: 978-0295994048
Amazon Link
“No-no boys” were Japanese American young men who, after being drafted to enter the US military during WWII, answered “no” to two questions about their willingness to serve. They were imprisoned until the end of the war and then resumed their rights as US citizens.
Okada’s fictional novel focuses on the story of one no-no boy, Ichiro Yamada, who returns home from his imprisonment two years after the war ends. Throughout the novel, Ichiro struggles emotionally as he tries to understand the familial aspects of his conflicted decision not to serve. From early in the story, he is shown as believing this decision destroyed any chance for a happy future. He struggles with the destructive belief that he does not deserve the rights of other Americans or even anyone’s respect. Especially since the Vietnam War, Ichiro’s decision, if not universally respected in the United States, would seem much more honorable to many.
The novel shows many situationally specific as well as universal aspects of the effects of war, racial prejudice, and the immigrant experience. One remarkable example in the novel is that of Ichiro’s mother who, two years after the end of the war, still maintains and defends the delusional belief that Japan has won.
Along with the workbook, students should read a significant portion, if not all, of this novel. Assignments based on this novel will focus on the historical lens in literature and the significance of the novel in recording historical events.
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
ISBN-10 : 9781451673319
Amazon Link
Nearly seventy years after its original publication, Ray Bradbury’s internationally acclaimed novel Fahrenheit 451 stands as a classic of world literature set in a bleak, dystopian future. Today its message has grown more relevant than ever before.
Guy Montag is a fireman. His job is to destroy the most illegal of commodities, the printed book, along with the houses in which they are hidden. Montag never questions the destruction and ruin his actions produce, returning each day to his bland life and wife, Mildred, who spends all day with her television “family.” But when he meets an eccentric young neighbor, Clarisse, who introduces him to a past where people didn’t live in fear and to a present where one sees the world through the ideas in books instead of the mindless chatter of television, Montag begins to question everything he has ever known.
The Summer assignments are in Archie. We will have a Zoom Book Talk to review the “Hero’s Journey” and the assignment due Friday, August 11th in Archie.
The Outsiders. by S. E. Hinton
ISBN: 978-0142407332
Amazon Link
Hinton is a coming-of-age novel set in Oklahoma, focusing on the struggles of teenage Greasers (working-class kids) and their rivalry with the Socs (rich, upper-class teenagers). The story centers on, a 14-year-old Greaser, and his experiences as he and his friends navigate gang violence, social prejudice, and the search for their own identities. The novel explores themes of class conflict, search for Identity and Belonging, and Love and Loyalty.
The Graveyard Book Novel by Neil Gaiman
ISBN-10: 0060530944
Amazon Link
Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book follows Nobody “Bod” Owens, a perfectly normal boy who lives in a graveyard and is raised by ghosts.
As he grows up under their protection, he faces thrilling supernatural dangers but must eventually confront the very real, mortal danger of the man who murdered his family.
A Pinch of Magic by Michelle Harrison
ISBN-10 : 0358446295
Amazon Link
A Pinch of Magic by Michelle Harrison is a spellbinding fantasy about three sisters—Betty, Fliss, and Charlie—who inherit three enchanted objects.
Trapped by an ancient family curse that means death if they leave their island home of Crowstone, they must embark on a perilous quest to break the curse forever.
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
ISBN-10: 9780486415864
Amazon Link
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens follows the journey of the orphan Pip from a humble, abused childhood on the Kent marshes to the upper echelons of London society.
Driven by wealth, ambition, and unrequited love, Pip must learn the true meaning of gentility, loyalty, and self-discovery. The narrative plunges the reader into the life of young Pip, who lives with his harsh sister and kind brother-in-law, Joe, the local blacksmith.
His destiny shifts after two pivotal encounters: Pip helps an escaped prisoner named Magwitch, a courageous act that will echo throughout his life.
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
ISBN-10: 0380807343
Amazon Link
Coraline by Neil Gaiman follows a brave and curious young girl who unlocks a mysterious door in her new home, stepping into an eerie parallel world.
There, she meets an “Other Mother” and “Other Father” who cater to her every whim—until she discovers their sinister plan to sew black buttons over her eyes and keep her forever.