Dr. Kevin M. Hurley Middle School
2007 Summer Reading List
1 - Easy / 2 - Moderate / 3 - Advanced
1 - Balliett, Blue -- Chasing Vermeer
When a book of unexplainable occurrences brings Petra Andalee and Calder Pillay together, strange things start to happen--seemingly unrelated events connect, an eccentric old woman seeks their company, and an invaluable Vermeerpainting disappears.
1 - Birdsall, Jean -- The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy
This summer the Penderwick sisters have a wonderful surprise: a holiday on the grounds of a beautiful estate called Arundel. Soon they are busydiscovering the summertime magic of Arundel’ s sprawling gardens, treasure-filled attic, tame rabbits, and the cook who makes the best gingerbread inMassachusetts. But the best discovery of all is Jeffrey Tifton, son of Arundel’ s owner, who quickly proves to be the perfect companion for their adventures.
3 - Bradbury, Ray -- Fahrenheit 451
This is Bradbury's best-known novel. The science fiction tale concerns censorship and anti-intellectualism, carried on in an alternate society that conducts huge book burnings as part of the social agenda. It is a spooky and yet uplifting book.
2 - Bruchac, Joseph -- Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two
Bruchac brings to life for young adults the stories of some of the unsung heroes of World War II--the young Navajo men who were a crucial part of the American effort in sending and receiving messages that used their native language.
3 - Crutcher, Chris -- Ironman
Bo Brewster has been at war with his father for as long as he can remember. Following angry outbursts at his football coach and English teacher that have cost him his spot on the football team and moved him dangerously close to expulsion from school, he turns to the only adult he believes will listen--Larry King.
1 - DeCamillo, Kate -- Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup and a Spool of Thread
In this delightful novel, a tiny mouse risks all to save the princess he loves from the clutches of a devious rat and a slow-witted serving girl. With memorable characters, brief chapters, and inventive plot twists, this fast-paced romp is perfect for reading alone or sharing aloud. 2004 Newbery Medal winner.
1 - DuPrau, Jeanne -- City of Ember
Built as an underground refuge for the human race, the city of Ember begins to deteriorate as its lights start to flicker. When Lina finds part of an ancient message, she's sure it holds a secret that will save the city. She and her friend Doon must decipher the message before the lights go out on Ember forever.
2 - Hale, Shannon -- Princess Academy
All the teenage girls from a small mountain village must attend the academy to learn how to become a princess. Miri soon finds herself confronted with a harsh academy mistress, bitter competition among the girls, and her own conflicting desires to be chosen. 2006 Newbery Honor book.
3 - Joravsky, Ben -- Hoop Dreams: A True Story
Award-winning journalist Ben Joravsky vividly brings to life all the richness and subtlety of the experiences of Arthur Agee and William Gates, two gifted urban hoopsters determined to make it to the NBA, in this intimate, suspenseful, and heart-wrenching adaptation of the award-winning, commercially successful film documentary.
1 - Lisle, Janet Taylor -- Art of Keeping Cool
Soon after Robert arrives at his grandfather's home in Rhode Island in 1942, just after the U.S. enters World War II, he learns of a German painter living in the woods who raises the community's suspicions, and of the mystery his RAF pilot father left behind after fleeing his home.
1 - Lupica, Mike -- Heat
Baseball is young Michael Arroyo's only salvation, but his dream of playing in the Little League World Series is soon threatened.
3 - Mazer, Harry – Boy at War: A Novel of Pearl Harbor
In the chaos of the attack on Pearl Harbor, a boy searches for his father who was on a ship that was bombed.
3 - Patterson, James -- Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment
Patterson's explosive debut in the young adult market. From Death Valley, California, to the bowels of the NYC subway system, 14-year-old Max leads her five feisty "family" members on a journey of action, adventure, and soul-seeking.
2 - Peck, Richard -- Long Way from Chicago
Each summer throughout the nine years of the Great Depression, Joey and his sister Mary Alice from Chicago visit their grandmother's sleepy Illinois town. Each summer they discover a visit to Grandma Dowdel's is far from typical. 1999 Newbery Honor book.
2 - Perkins, Lynne Rae -- Criss Cross
Debbie wished something would happen. Something good. To her. Looking at the bright, fuzzy picture in the magazine, she thought, Something like that. Checking her wish for loopholes, she found one. Hoping it wasn't too late, she thought the word soon. 2006 Newbery Medal winner.
2 - Philbrick, Nathaniel -- Revenge of the Whale: the True Story of the Whaleship Essex
Philbrick brings to life the tale of how in 1820, the "Essex" was rammed by an enraged sperm whale and sunk in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Only eight of the men survived after months in a leaky lifeboat.
1 - Ryan, Pam Munoz -- Esperanza Rising
For the first 12 years of her life, Esperanza Ortega is pampered by servants and sheltered by her doting parents on their ranch in Aguascalientes, Mexico. But a sudden tragedy shatters that world of wealth and privilege. Homeless and destitute, she and her mother emigrate to California to work in the fields and start a new life.
3 - Shusterman, Neal -- Schwa was Here
Anthony, also known as "Antsy," is fascinated by "The Schwa Effect"--the fact that no one ever sees Calvin Schwa. The two boys form a partnership and get away with all kinds of mischief., from conducting experiments at school to confounding opponents on the basketball court. Any kid who's ever felt unnoticed will identify with Schwa and Antsy and their quest for notoriety.
2 - Spinelli, Jerry -- Stargirl
In this story about the perils of popularity, the courage of nonconformity, and the thrill of first love, an eccentric student named Stargirl changes Mica High School forever.
2 - Stroud, Jonathan - The Amulet of Samarkand (The Bartimaeus Trilogy, Book 1)
Set in modern-day London, this first book in a gripping trilogy introduces young magician's apprentice Nathaniel. Humiliated by a hotshot wizard, Nathaniel summons the not-so-tame djinni, Bartimaeus, and sends him to steal the Amulet of Samarkand.
2 - Westerfield, Scott -- Uglies (Uglies Trilogy, Book1)
In Tally's world, a 16th birthday brings an operation, transforming one from a repellent Ugly to an attractive Pretty. Turning Pretty is all Tally has ever wanted. Her friend Shay would rather risk life on the outside. When Shay runs away, Tally must make a terrible choice.
1 - Wolff, Virginia Euwer – Bat 6
In small town, post-World War II Oregon, twenty-one sixth grade girls tell the story of an annual softball game, during which a racial incident occurs.
