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

Requirements

Each rising 6th, 7th, and 8th grade student is required to read one book over the course of the summer.
Each student selects the book that they want to read. Check out all of the amazing book recommendation resources on this page! There are so many great books out there just waiting to be read!
Middle School English teachers will integrate summer reading into classes during the first weeks of school for accountability. All students will be required to give a book talk on the book they read.

Choice Book Lists for Middle Schoolers

Not sure what to read for your choice book? Check out the following lists for some great suggestions!

ALSC 2023 Summer Reading List 6-8
"The books on this list come highly recommended by kid readers from all over the country and may also be
available in ebook, audio book, braille, and large print formats."
We Are Kid Lit 2023 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 so that they can be free of microagressions, stereotypes, or vestiges of imperialism."

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.

RIMSBA Nominees

The 2024 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.