Seventh Grade Summer Reading Lists Program

Many seventh grade students will find themselves faced with summer reading assignments from school, requiring them to analyze literature for themes, character development, and story structure. Choosing books that have well-rounded characters and intricate plots with strong thematic elements will help students identify the components in preparation for middle school.

It is not unreasonable to strive to read at three books per month at this age. Encourage reading in the morning, at bedtime, or outside if the weather permits. A great answer to the dreaded summer refrain, "I'm booooored" is "Grab your book".

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (Must Read)

The nation of Panem is divided into districts. Each year, two teens from each district must compete in the Hunger Games - a fight to the death. The story is told wonderfully and will appeal to adults and teens. This is the first book in the trilogy, followed by Catching Fire and Mockingjay.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne (Must Read)

This is a Holocaust story like no other. Two boys meet on opposite sides of a prison camp's walls. Bruno and Shmuel form a friendship that becomes very dangerous. This may be disturbing to some students, but ultimately, it is a wonderful discussion starter.

The Girl Who Owned a City by O.T. Nelson

A plague sweeps the globe and kills everyone over the age of twelve. The remaining children must find a way to survive the chaos of gangs and violence that threaten their safety. Lisa is leader, but can she protect her group from violence?

Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse

During the Great Depression, life was particularly hard in Oklahoma's Dust Bowl. This story is particularly interesting as it is told in free verse. Great for discussion.

Surviving the Applewhites by Stephanie S. Tolan

The Applewhites run a home school program where Jake Semple ends up after being expelled from every other school he has ever attended. Will they be able to succeed where other schools failed?

When Zachary Beaver Came to Town by Kimberly Willis Holt

Zachary Beaver is the fattest boy in the world. It's a tough summer when Zachary Beaver shows up in Antler. Everyone lines up to take a look at him, including Toby Wilson, who is having the most difficult summer of his life.

Peak by Roland Smith

Peak Marcello, a fourteen year old climber, is arrested for scaling the Woolworth building to graffiti tag it. Before he can be sent to juvie, his estranged father takes him to Mount Everest, where he must document his experiences to complete his requirements for school.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Set during World War II, The Bok Thief follows Liesel Meminger, a girl who steals the one thing she cannot resist - books. Books feed the soul of the girl who loses everything else.

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

This is the first of a series of books that take place in a world where a kid's sixteenth birthday entitles them to an operation to make them beautiful and set them up for a perfect life. Tally is about to turn sixteen. She isn't sure she wants to be pretty...

Things Not Seen by Andrew Clements

One day Bobby Phillips wakes up invisible. The one person who is unaffected by his condition is Alicia, a blind girl. As people begin wondering where Bobby has gone, he tries to figure out how become visible again.

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

While many believe that The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe is the first volume, The Magician's Nephew was actually meant to be read first as it explains the origins of Narnia. These books are wonderful fantasy stories with clear depictions of good and evil.

The Little Prince by Anoine de Saint-Exupery

A small prince from a distant planet explains his adventures to an aviator who has landed in the desert. There are deep meanings behind the simple stories.