Summer Reading         

2025

The only SMS summer assignment for 2025 is summer reading.  All students are encouraged to select a book that interests them and read it over the summer.  During advisory at the beginning of the school year, students will engage in discussion about their summer reading selection and write a response to a prompt about their summer reading book.  A list of recommended reading books appears below.    

Recommended Reading Books

• Tuck Everlasting

• Author: Natalie Babbitt
• Overview: Tuck Everlasting is a coming-of-age novel by Natalie Babbitt about Winnie Foster, a young girl who stumbles upon the secret of immortality held by the Tuck family. The Tucks, who have lived forever since drinking from a magical spring, grapple with the consequences of their eternal life, and Winnie is caught in the middle of their dilemma and the danger posed by a man in a yellow suit.

• The Sea of Monsters

• Author: Rick Riordan
• Overview: In The Sea of Monsters, the second book in the Percy Jackson series, Percy, Annabeth, and Tyson embark on a quest to save Camp Half-Blood. The magical borders protecting the camp have been compromised due to a poisoned tree, and Percy and his friends must retrieve the Golden Fleece from the Island of the Cyclops in the Sea of Monsters to restore them. Along the way, they face various challenges, including rescuing Percy's friend Grover, and uncover a secret about Percy's family that questions his status as the son of Poseidon.

• The Titan’s Curse

• Author: Rick Riordan
• Overview: "The Titan's Curse," the third book in the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, follows Percy and his friends as they embark on a quest to rescue Annabeth and the goddess Artemis, who have been kidnapped. They must also stop a Titan from rising and prevent a powerful monster from destroying Olympus. The journey takes them across the United States, facing mythical creatures and uncovering the secrets of the Titan's curse.

• The Battle of the Labyrinth

• Author: Rick Riordan
• Overview: In The Battle of the Labyrinth, the fourth book in the Percy Jackson series, Percy and his friends must navigate the Labyrinth, a sprawling underground world, to prevent Kronos's army from invading Camp Half-Blood. Their journey leads them to encounter powerful enemies, uncover the truth about Pan, and face Kronos's most sinister secret. The quest tests their friendship, their relationship with each other, and their individual quests.

• The Last Olympian

• Author: Rick Riordan
• Overview: The Last Olympian is the fifth and final book in the "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" series. It centers on Percy Jackson as he reaches his sixteenth birthday and faces a prophecy that could doom him and the world. The Titan lord, Kronos, has risen and is on the verge of taking over Mount Olympus, with New York City as his target. Percy and his friends must battle Kronos' forces and make difficult choices as they defend the gods and their city.

• My Side of the Mountain

• Author: Jean Craighead George
• Overview: My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George is a children's novel where Sam Gribley, a 12-year-old, leaves his city life to live independently in the Catskill Mountains. He builds a treehouse, learns survival skills, and befriends wildlife, experiencing the joys and challenges of living off the land. The story is a coming-of-age tale, exploring themes of independence, self-discovery, and the beauty of nature.

• Number the Stars

• Author: Lois Lowry
• Overview: The novel Number of Stars by Lois Lowry is a historical fiction story set in Copenhagen, Denmark during World War II when the Nazis were occupying Denmark. The story follows Annemarie Johansen, a ten-year-old girl, as she and her family help her Jewish friend Ellen Rosen and her family escape the Nazis. The novel explores themes of bravery, sacrifice, and the importance of human kindness during a time of great oppression.

• Holes Maddix Approved

• Author: Louis Sachar
• Overview: Holes by Louis Sachar tells the story of Stanley Yelnats, a young boy wrongly accused of stealing, who is sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention center, where he is forced to dig holes in the dry desert. Through flashbacks, the narrative reveals the interconnected stories of Stanley's family and the town's history, ultimately leading to a discovery of treasure and the lifting of a family curse.

• The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman

• Author: Genniger Choldenko
• Overview: The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman by Gennifer Choldenko tells the story of 11-year-old Hank, who becomes the primary caretaker of his 3-year-old sister, Boo, after their mother disappears. Hank struggles to cope with the lack of parental guidance, financial hardships, and the looming threat of foster care, all while trying to keep Boo safe and find their mother. The story explores themes of resilience, family, and the importance of finding support systems when needed

• Chasing Vermeer

• Author: Blue Balliett
• Overview: Chasing Vermeer is a 2004 middle-grade mystery novel by Blue Balliett and illustrated by Brett Helquist. The story revolves around two sixth-grade students, Petra Andalee and Calder Pillay, who become entangled in an art theft involving a famous Johannes Vermeer painting.

• Loophole

• Author: Rebecca Weber
• Overview: Loophole by Rebecca Weber is a middle-grade novel centered around Maybelline "Maybe" Reed, a sixth-grader who has been homeschooled due to her anxiety and struggles with speaking aloud after her mother's departure. The story follows Maybe as she enters middle school, forms an unlikely friendship with Oliver, and discovers that her safe haven, the Salem Public Library, is facing closure. The book explores themes of anxiety, OCD, finding your voice, and the importance of community.

• The Miscalculations of a Lightning Girl

• Author: Stacy McNulty
• Overview: The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl is a middle-grade novel by Stacy McAnulty about Lucy Callahan, a 12-year-old girl who was struck by lightning at age 8 and gained genius-level math skills as a result. Lucy is homeschooled and enjoys online math discussions, but her grandmother insists she attend middle school, join a club, and make a friend. Lucy's journey navigating middle school, while struggling with her OCD, and building friendships with Windy and Levi, while working on a service project at a shelter, is the core of the story.

• A Night Divided

• Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen
• Overview: A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen is a historical fiction novel set in post-World War II East Berlin, following 12-year-old Gerta as her family is torn apart by the construction of the Berlin Wall. Gerta and her mother and brother Fritz are trapped on the East side, while her father and brother Dominic are stranded in the West. Gerta, inspired by her father's hidden clues, embarks on a dangerous journey to reunite her family and escape to freedom.

• The Boy in Striped Pajamas

• Author: John Boyne
• Overview: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a Holocaust novel by John Boyne about the unlikely friendship between Bruno, the son of a Nazi commandant, and Shmuel, a Jewish prisoner at Auschwitz. The story unfolds through Bruno's innocent perspective, exploring themes of prejudice, innocence, and the impact of hatred.

• The Last Book in the Universe

• Author: Rodman Philbrick
• Overview: The Last Book in the Universe is a dystopian science fiction novel by Rodman Philbrick, set in a future where civilization has been destroyed and people primarily use mind probes for entertainment. The story follows Spaz, a boy who cannot use mind probes due to epilepsy, as he embarks on a quest to save his foster sister. Along the way, he encounters Ryter, an old man who cherishes the lost art of reading and writing, and other interesting characters. The novel explores themes of consciousness, memory, and the value of stories in a world where they are almost forgotten.

• The Misfits

• Author: James Howe
• Overview: "The Misfits" is a middle school novel by James Howe focusing on a group of unconventional students who band together to combat name-calling and societal pressures. The book follows Bobby, a quiet, overweight student, and his friends Skeezie, Addie, and Joe, who form a political party to run for student council and challenge the status quo. Through humor and heartfelt moments, the book explores themes of identity, self-acceptance, and the importance of standing up for what you believe in.

• The Picture Visitors: A Case for the Van Gogh Agency

• Author: Christina Wolff
• Overview: The Picture Visitors: A Case for the Van Gogh Agency is a novel by Christina Wolff about a group of children who can dive into paintings and explore the worlds within. The story centers on 13-year-old Vincent, who possesses this unique ability and is tasked with tracking down a stolen painting, "zzz and The Thunderstorm," by an old Dutch artist. His journey leads him to meet Holly, another child with the same ability, and they embark on a quest to find the stolen artwork.

• Side Quest: A Visual History of Roleplaying Games

• Author: Samuel Sattin
• Overview: Side Quest: A Visual History of Roleplaying Games is a graphic novel by Samuel Sattin and Steenz that explores the history of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) in a conversational and engaging manner. It's designed to be an accessible introduction to the hobby, covering everything from the origins of wargaming to the modern era of TTRPGs, including popular games like D&D. The book also delves into personal stories and experiences related to TTRPGs, making it a valuable resource for both new and experienced players.

• The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe

• Author: C.S. Lewis
• Overview: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is the first book in C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia series. It tells the story of four siblings, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, who find a wardrobe in a strange country house that leads them to the magical land of Narnia. Narnia is under the spell of the evil White Witch, who has always made it winter and never Christmas. The Pevensie children, along with talking animals and other magical creatures, must help Aslan, the lion and rightful king of Narnia, defeat the Witch and restore spring to Narnia.

• The Bridge to Terabithia

• Author: Katherine Paterson
• Overview: The Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson is a coming-of-age story about friendship, loss, and imagination. It follows the unlikely friendship between Jesse Aarons, a boy who excels at drawing, and Leslie Burke, a bright and artistic new girl in town. They create a magical kingdom called Terabithia in the woods where they escape their real-life problems and anxieties.

• Tangerine

• Author: Edward Bloor
• Overview: In Tangerine, by Edward Bloor, the plot revolves around twelve-year-old Paul Fisher, who is legally blind and recently moved to Tangerine, Florida. He's struggling to fit in and deal with his brother Erik's football-star status. As Paul explores his new surroundings, he uncovers a dark secret about his blindness and his brother's involvement in it. He also becomes involved in the local citrus industry and forms strong friendships, ultimately finding acceptance and courage.

• Where the Red Fern Grows

• Author: Billy Coleman
• Overview: Where the Red Fern Grows tells the story of Billy Coleman, a young boy who lives in the Ozark Mountains during the Great Depression. He dreams of owning a pair of redbone coonhounds and works diligently to save enough money to purchase Old Dan and Little Ann. Billy and his dogs become a close-knit trio, experiencing many adventures and forming a strong bond as they hunt raccoons in the woods. However, tragedy strikes when a mountain lion attacks, leading to a heartbreaking end.

• The Wing Feather Saga

• Author: Andrew Peterson
• Overview: The Wingfeather Saga is a four-book fantasy-adventure series by Andrew Peterson about the Igiby family. The story follows the three children, Janner, Kalmar ("Tink"), and Leeli, as they discover their mysterious heritage and are thrust into an adventure to protect their family and their world, Aerwiar, from the evil Fangs and their leader, Gnag the Nameless. The series explores themes of family, love, and the struggle against darkness while offering a heartwarming and engaging read for both children and adults.

• The Watsons Go to Birmingham

• Author: Christopher Paul Curtis
• Overview: The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 is a historical fiction novel by Christopher Paul Curtis, told from the perspective of ten-year-old Kenny Watson, a member of a middle-class African American family living in Flint, Michigan, during the summer of 1963. The story follows the Watsons as they journey to Birmingham, Alabama, to visit Kenny's grandmother, partly to address Byron's disruptive behavior, and also to experience the South and its stark contrast to their Northern life. The narrative culminates with a devastating event, the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church, which forces Kenny to confront the brutal realities of racism and the Civil Rights Movement.

• Fish in a Tree

• Author: Lynda Mullaly Hunt
• Overview: Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt is a coming-of-age story about Ally, a sixth-grade girl who struggles with dyslexia and learns to embrace her unique strengths with the help of a supportive teacher, Mr. Daniels, and newfound friends. Ally, who has moved frequently due to her father's military career, initially hides her difficulty reading by creating distractions, but Mr. Daniels recognizes her intelligence and helps her overcome her fears and self-doubt.