The Summer Reading List for 8th Grade
Most schools publish a list of required or recommended reading for children in the eighth grade to read during the summer. The books on the list will vary by school, but many schools require the same or similar books. Use this list of summer reading as a supplement to your school's reading list or you can use the list as a home school reading list for students home-schooled through the eighth grade.
Other People Are Reading
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Non-Fiction
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Most reading lists require a few non-fiction books for students to read. Some schools allow the children to choose one or two books from the recommended list. Most schools want children to read at least one historical, non-fiction book and one book about a different culture. Popular choices include: "To Be a Slave" by Julius Lester, "Angela's Ashes" by Frank McCourt, "The Diary of Anne Frank" by Anne Frank and "The Motorcycle Diaries" by Ernesto Che Guevara.
Classic Fiction
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Classic fiction is always on a list of reading for eighth grade. There is a wide range of choices for classic fiction and children can usually choose one or two based on a topic they find interesting -- although it can be difficult for young children to identify with classic fiction. Classic books for eighth grade often include: "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Forbes, "The Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum, "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott and "The Red Badge of Courage" by Stephen Crane.
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Modern Fiction
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Modern fiction is anything written after 1950. For most children, they will gravitate toward the modern fiction, as it is easier for them to identify with. However, just because the books are written more recently does not mean they have less quality than classic fiction. Quality modern fiction books include: "Peter and the Starcatchers" by Dave Barry, "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer, "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke and "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madaline L'Engle.
Child's Choice
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In addition to required reading, the child should be allowed to pick a few books that he wants to read on his own. This can be anything, from graphic novels, to non-fiction to fiction. Some books that children may pick out for themselves include: "The Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney, "Twilight" by Stephanie Meyer, "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan or "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins.
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References
- Photo Credit books image by Dianne_61 from Fotolia.com
