Louise A. Benton Middle School

"Cougar Country"

Summer Reading Program

IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

The purpose of the summer reading is to encourage students to enjoy quality literature and to continue developing their independent reading skills.  Student participation in the program is VOLUNTARY.  The Prince William County School Board has approved the following Summer Reading Program:

•      Students are strongly encouraged to read over the summer, but it is not required.
•      Students will receive extra credit for completing summer reading assignments.
•      Students entering grades 6 - 12 read two books of their choice.

Benton Middle School Summer Reading Program:

1.  In order to receive credit for participating in the Summer Reading Program, students must read a minimum of two books.  Students will provide the author, title, publishing information, and a summary of the book, along with a parent or guardian statement that the student has completed the reading.  Students who complete the summer reading will receive an extra credit grade of "A" (100) for each book completed for a total of two.  Books should not be from any grade level's Required Reading List.  Please visit the PWCS website for information on Required Reading Lists. (http://www.pwcs.edu/curriculum/la/requiredreading.pdf)

Students should use the following format for their Summer Reading assignment:

• Student's last name, first name & middle initial
• Student's grade level for the upcoming school year
• Author's last name, first name, and middle initial. Title of Book Read.  City/State of Publication: Publisher, date published. (Students should use proper punctuation for works cited.) 

Example:

• Fixx, James F.  The Complete Book of Running.  New York:  Random House, 1977.

• The student should then write a brief summary of the plot or an explanation of the general topic of the book. A good summary should be written in paragraph form and should contain an overview of the beginning, middle, and end of the book. A good paragraph should include a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and a closing statement.

• Parent or guardian signature.

2.  Alternatively, students may participate in Prince William County Public Library's Summer Quest Program or the Teen Quest Program.  In order to receive two extra credit grades of "A" for completion of either Quest program, students must submit documentation from the public library verifying completion of the program’s requirements.

These assignments must be turned in to the student's Language Arts teacher during the first week of school.

A suggested list of authors for grades 6-8 follows.  Students are encouraged to consider authors suggested for a grade level other than their own. Students may also contact the public library for additional guidance.

6^th Grade	7^th Grade	8^th Grade
Lloyd Alexander Lloyd Alexander is best-known for his fantasy fiction and modern fables: imaginative and adventurous stories often rooted in historical fact and legend, which explore universal themes such as good versus evil and the quest of individuals for self-identity.	Avi Writer of mystery, adventure, historical, coming-of-age, and fantasy. Even reluctant readers are swept away by Avi's fast-paced, adventurous, and imaginative plots.	Nancy Farmer Author of juvenile novels and picture books that demonstrate her interest in other cultures.
Natalie Babbitt Natalie Babbitt is categorized as a writer of fantasy. Her stories are highly individual, notable for their humor, which is never condescending, and for their unusual themes.	James Lincoln and Christopher Collier The brothers Christopher and James Lincoln Collier have been writing historical fiction for young people since the early 1970s and are generally recognized as masters of the genre.	Brian Jacques Jacques takes as his heroes the small, gentle animals of nature and pits them against rapacious predators in epic fantasy tales of battle and quest, but this fantasy world has become incredibly real to the fans of the "Redwall" series.
Eve Bunting Bunting has entertained children in genres ranging from mystery to science fiction to contemporary problem stories.	Caroline B. Cooney Cooney's books feature young protagonists struggling to come to terms with a wide range of concerns, from troubles in school to problems of identity, all told in a fast-paced, entertaining style.	Robert Lipsyte His books feature characters who experience a transformation through a combination of hard work and adherence to ethics.
Betsy Byars Betsy Byars has written many highly acclaimed books for young people. Her teenage characters are carefully drawn, their concerns in growing up clearly and sympathetically presented.	Russell Freedman This respected non-fiction author has written on subjects such as famous teenagers, animal behavior, and American presidents.	Robin McKinley McKinley's renditions of classic fairy tales have a feminist twist, for they feature empowered girls and young women.
Eleanor Cameron Cameron's stories for children involve fairly complex space or time fantasies that incorporate elements of humor, suspense, mystery, and the skillful fusion of fictive, historical, and scientific detail.	Jean Fritz Jean Fritz is a highly regarded author of historical biographies for young people.	Milton Meltzer As a nonfiction children's author, Milton Meltzer single-mindedly focuses upon the explication of lives devoted to the continuing struggle for human rights and social reform, effectively portraying the plights of downtrodden people oppressed by the results of acts perpetuated by man for political and economic gain.
Andrew Clements Among Clements' most well-known works is the award-winning Frindle, a book about the power of words.	Jim Haskins Haskins was a prolific author of nonfiction works for children, many of which focused on drawing attention to the African American experience and biography..	Walter Dean Myers Myers is perhaps best known for his novels that explore the lives of young Harlem African Americans, he is equally adept at producing modern fairy tales, ghost stories, and adventure sagas.
Sharon Creech Known for writing with a classic voice and unique style, Sharon Creech is the best-selling author of the Newbery Medal winner WALK TWO MOONS, and the Newbery Honor Book THE WANDERER.	Mary Downing Hahn Hahn writes closely detailed stories that explore family issues such as loss of a parent or loved one, the struggle for identity and acceptance, and the blending of families.	Richard Peck Peck has written over a dozen very popular books for young adults, books that help young readers to develop self-confidence.
Karen Cushman Cushman provides readers with compelling coming-of-age tales as well as history primers noted for their accuracy and attention to detail.	Eva Ibbotson She has written numerous books including The Secret of Platform 13, Journey to the River Sea, Which Witch?, Island of the Aunts, and Dial-a-Ghost. The books are imaginative and humorous, and most of them feature magical creatures and places.	William Sleator William Sleator is regarded as a particularly original and imaginative author whose works use the genres of fantasy, mystery, and science fiction to explore personal relationships and growth.
Margaret Peterson Haddix Writer of modern-day science fiction and reality-based fiction.	Joan Lowery Nixon Over two-thirds of her works are young adult mysteries, noted for their emphasis on both characterization and plot.	J.R.R. Tolkien J. R. R. Tolkien is best known to most readers as the author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Writer of fantasy stories
Anthony Horowitz Many of Horowitz's books feature young teens who find their mundane lives suddenly turned upside down by an evil force.	Scott O'Dell His settings are usually historical, with rich and carefully researched details. O'Dell was raised in California, and most of his novels are set on the West Coast or in the southwestern United States.	Cynthia Voigt Cynthia Voigt depicts adolescents with dignity and compassion in her impressive novels; her characters generally possess a streak of independence or self-reliance enabling them to succeed in tangible endeavors and in creating bonds of friendship and family ties despite serious hardships.
Madeline L'Engle L'Engle's novels combine elements of science fiction and fantasy with constant themes of family love and moral responsibility.	Katherine Patterson Katherine Paterson believes children's books should deal with contemporary, realistic themes. Some of her books feature difficult themes such as the death of a loved one.	Laurence Yep Laurence Yep is noted for penning fiction that brings the history and culture of Chinese Americans into realistic view.
Gail Carson Levine Telling fairy tales with a twist is a hallmark of Levine's writing.	Gary Paulsen Paulsen's books are frequently set in wilderness areas, where his protagonists deepen their self-awareness through their experiences in nature and often undergo challenging tests of their survival skills.	Jane Yolen Jane Yolen is best known as a writer of fantasy, written in the style of folk and fairy tales.
Lois Lowry Lois Lowry has written more than 20 books for young readers and received many citations and awards, including Newbery Medals for her novels Number the Stars (1989) and The Giver (1993). Her books deal largely with families; with a great deal of importance to friendships.	Cynthia Rylant Cynthia Rylant is an award-winning children's and young adult author whose work includes picture books, poetry, short stories, and novels. Rylant often focuses on relationships between the old and the young and between people and animals. Cynthia Rylant often bases her works on her own background, especially on her childhood in the West Virginia mountains.
Patricia and Frederick McKissack The authors of historical fiction and biographies for children, They focus on religious as well as African-American themes.	William Sleator William Sleator is regarded as a particularly original and imaginative author whose works use the genres of fantasy, mystery, and science fiction to explore personal relationships and growth.
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor Writings are notable for their great diversity, ranging from books about her own life to fiction exploring contemporary problems. facing young people.	Mildred Taylor Mildred D. Taylor shares pride in her racial heritage and provides historical fiction about life for African Americans.
Barbara Park Barbara Park tackles subjects from peer pressure to divorce to dealing with the death of a sibling to facing the devastation caused by Alzheimer's--all with a distinctly sardonic and light touch.	Cynthia Voigt Cynthia Voigt depicts adolescents with dignity and compassion in her impressive novels; her characters generally possess a streak of independence or self-reliance enabling them to succeed in tangible endeavors and in creating bonds of friendship and family ties despite serious hardships.
Ellen Raskin All of Raskin's novels are thematically related, focusing on eccentric outsiders who learn to value their own unique qualities and move beyond the stereotypical roles that society has imposed on them.
Louis Sachar Louis Sachar is best known as the author of poignant, humorous stories.