2026-2027 Summer Reading

Fifth Grade

Below is a list of the recommended readings for incoming 5th grade students. In order to complete the fifth grade summer reading project, choose two books that you would enjoy reading and choose an activity option listed below for EACH book.  Be sure to complete the provided reading projects (a different one for each book you choose to read).

If you complete your projects and turn them in on time, you will be eligible for a special reward.  I will also give you a free one hundred in my class, too. Simply return your assignments on the FIRST FULL DAY OF SCHOOL. LATE PROJECTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. 

 * My email address is carla.sexton@newportgrammar.org. Please make sure you tell me your full name in the email if you choose to email me any eligible projects.   If I do not respond to the email, this means I did not receive it.  It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that I receive the work.  Again, I will not accept any late projects.  This includes electronic projects as well.  

Books

Ms. Bixby's Last Day by: John David Anderson

Because of Mr. Terupt by: Rob Buyea

The War that Saved My Life by: Leslie Connor

The Thing About Jellyfish by: Ali Benjamin

Echo by: Pam Ryan

Lions & Liars by: Kate Beasley

The Bad Beginning by: Lemony Snicket

Gregor the Overlander by: Suzanne Collins

Midnight by: Erin Hunter

The Hatchet by: Gary Paulsen

Island of the Blue Dolphins by: Scott O'Dell

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by: E.L. Konigsburg

The Sign of the Beaver by: Elizabeth George Speare

All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook by: Leslie Connor

Among the Hidden by: Margaret Peterson Haddix

Maniac Magee by: Jerry Spinelli

Dear Mr. Henshaw by: Beverly Cleary

The Westing Game by: Ellen Raskin

Frindle by: Andrew Clements

  Summer Reading Project Choices   

1.  Poem: Write a poem summarizing the story. Your poem does not have to rhyme, but it does have to be 1 1/2 to 2 pages in length and include information on the characters, plot, and setting. 

2.  Sequel: Write a sequel to the story. Your story needs to include aspects of the book you read (story, plot, characters, setting, etc.) and be at least 2-3 pages in length.  

3. Scrapbook: Create a scrapbook about your book. Your scrapbook must include pictures and descriptions of the characters, plot, setting, and a reflection. The scrapbook should be at least 4 pages in length. Each page should contain at least 3 pictures (can be hand drawn) and a description of each.  

4. Story Cube:  Use a box (or create your own) to tell about the story.  You should dedicate one side of your cube to each of the following elements: (1) Title and author, (2) setting, (3) characters, (4) problem, (5) solution and (6) your reflection (Did you like the book? Would you recommend it to someone else?  Why or why not)? Your cube should also include at least one picture per side. 

5. Book in a Bag: You must include at least 10 items that represent your book. You must include 3 items to represent the characters, 3 items to represent the plot, and 2 items to represent the setting.  The remaining 2 items can represent any aspect of the book you choose.  You must include a written description of each item, what it represents, and how it relates to the story/book.

6. PowerPoint: Create a PowerPoint presentation to go along with your book.  Your presentation should include at least 5 slides and each slide should include at least 2 pictures.  You need to include the following information in your presentation:  

Title, author, and your name

Characters (include descriptions about the most important characters)

Setting

Plot (You may have to include more than one slide to tell about the plot. Be sure to tell all the important events that happened in the story).

Reflection (Did you like the book? Would you recommend it to someone else? Why or why not)?

You may email me this project or bring it to school on a flashdrive.