RILINK Schools: Rocky Hill Country Day School Library: Middle School Summer Reading

Requirements

Rocky Hill Country Day School middle schoolers will participate in the Lighthouse Games in Spring 2025. The Lighthouse Games engage students in fun activities related to the Rhode Island Middle School Book Award nominees. To kick off our inaugural RHCD Lighthouse Games:

Each rising 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade student will read at least one book from the 2025 Rhode Island Middle School Book Award (RIMSBA) list.
Books can be checked out from the RHCD school library before leaving on summer break or accessed via Sora over the summer. Print, eBook, and audiobook versions can also be found at all Rhode Island public libraries.
In September, students will complete their first Lighthouse Games activity (for points) based on the 2025 RIMSBA book they read over the summer.

RIMSBA Nominees

The 2025 Rhode Island Middle School Book Award nominees make great summer reading! There is something for everyone on this list!

All RIMSBA nominees are available on SORA. Check out complete descriptions of the nominees HERE.

Book Lists for Middle Schoolers

Looking for more summer reading suggestions? Check out the following lists!

ALSC 2024 Summer Reading List 6-8
"ALSC reading lists are created by children’s librarians as a resource to share with patrons. These titles may also be available in ebook, audio book, braille, and large print formats. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to explore this list to find resources that may match or spark their child's interest. Connect with your local library to find out what’s happening this summer."
We Are Kid Lit 2024 Middle Grade Summer Reading
"Are you looking for a curated summer reading list that celebrates diversity, inclusivity and intersecting identities? The We Are Kid Lit Collective selects books by and about BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color), with attention to their intersecting identities. Chosen books are thoroughly selected, discussed, and vetted by two or more members to select stories that are free of biases and microaggressions."

Award Winners

Consider trying an award winner this summer!

Caldecott Winners
"The Caldecott Medal was named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. "
Newbery Award Winners
"The Newbery Medal was named for eighteenth-century British bookseller John Newbery. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children."
Coretta Scott King Book Award Winners
"Designed to commemorate the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and to honor Mrs. Coretta Scott King for her courage and determination to continue the work for peace, the Coretta Scott King Book Awards annually recognize outstanding books for young adults and children by African American authors and illustrators that reflect the African American experience. Further, the Award encourages the artistic expression of the black experience via literature and the graphic arts in biographical, social, and historical treatments by African American authors and illustrators."
Pura Belpré Award Winners (picture book)
Pura Belpré Award Winners (chapter book)
"The Pura Belpré Award, established in 1996, is presented to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth."
Robert F. Sibert Information Book Winners
"The Sibert Award is presented annually to the author, author/illustrator, co-authors, or author and illustrator named on the title page of the most distinguished informational book for children published in the United States in English during the preceding year."

eBooks and Audiobooks

Click here to access the Sora app.

All RHCD students have free and easy access to thousands of eBooks and audiobooks on Sora! Check out the RIMSBA nominees, graphic novels, horror stories, historical fiction, non-fiction, and more!

To Access SORA from your own device:

Install the Sora app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store or go to soraapp.com.
In Sora, find your school (first select RISOCKS, then choose Rocky Hill from the drop-down menu) then sign in using your RHCD email credentials.
Browse the Explore tab and borrow a book. The book will open so you can start reading right away.
Tap Options to renew or return a book. Be sure to go to Options and mark a book as DONE when you’ve completed it so that you can earn achievements.