Sixth Grade Summer Reading Lists Program

In preparation for middle school, students should read daily during the summer. It is important to emphasize the value of comprehension over speed. Rather than strive for a certain number of pages, set a goal to read for a minimum of thirty minutes per day and ensure that students understand what was read by spending a few moments discussing the content. Have them identify the main idea or theme and explain it in their own words.

I Am the Cheese by Robert Cormier (Must Read)

Adam is riding his bike from Massachusetts to a hospital in Vermont to see his father. The trip is frightening and exhausting - for both Adam and the reader. This is an amazingly powerful book.

Skellig by David Almond (Must Read)

This is an amazing book on many levels. Michael has just moved to a new house. His sister is very ill and his parents are very upset. When he finds Skellig, a mysterious being, in his garage, everything begins to change. Do not miss this one.

Kit's Wilderness by David Almonde

Kit's family has moved to an old coalmining town to care for his grandfather. Kit falls in with some strange kids and begins to play a game called Death, where he connects with the ghosts of those who lost their lives in the mines. Chilling and mysterious, this novel will appeal to those looking for something a little scary.

Belle Prater's Boy by Ruth White

Belle Prater vanished in October 1953. Her niece, Gypsy is bothered by the fact that nobody knows what happened to her Aunt Belle. When her cousin Woodrow moves in next door, she is puzzled by the fact that he seems calm about his mother's disappearance.

Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett

Petra and Calder are following the clues and may just solve an international art scandal. The novel encourages readers to attempt to decipher the clues along with the characters.

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

The first in the Books of Ember series, introduces Ember, the city that was built as a last refuge for humans. Two hundred years after the city was created, their lights are dimming. Lina and Doon must figure out how to save the city.

The Giver by Lois Lowry

This futuristic novel looks at a seemingly utopian society based on sameness and order. Jonas faces his disillusionment when he is chosen to keep the memories for the entire group.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

This novel begins with murder. A small child's parents are killed, but he escapes into a nearby graveyard. There, the ghosts name him Nobody and raise him. Part ghost story, part mystery, this book is all intriguing.

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

If you knew that there was a well that would give you everlasting life if you drank from it, would you? This is one of the central themes of this intriguing and thought-provoking novel.

Weasel by Cynthia DeFelice

A story of frontier life in Ohio, Weasel centers around Nathan Fowler as he learns about an ex-Indian fighter - the ruthless Weasel.

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Artemis Fowl is a criminal genius. He is also only twelve years old. As he plans to kidnap a fairy to demand gold in ransom, the reader is taken on a journey to meet trolls, dwarfs, LEPrecons, and more. Perfect for those who enjoy fantasy.

Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz

This is the first in the Alex Rider series of books. Alex is much like a young James Bond, working for British Intelligence at MI6. Action-packed and filled with spy intrigue, this will appeal to many readers, especially boys.