4 Books for your 6th Grade Summer School Reading Program

Reading summer school programs can be a very effective way to bring struggling students up to speed. However, students won’t get as much out of their summer reading if they aren’t interested in the books. Below are four books that are sure to keep students engaged and paying attention during a 6th grade summer reading program.

The Harry Potter Series

The Harry Potter series is one of the most popular book series ever written. It has been publicized, used to make movies and discussed in the media all over the world. For this reason, it is one of the best choices for teachers leading a 6th grade summer reading program. The series engages students, keeps them guessing and provokes many questions about morality and friendship.

‘A Wrinkle in Time’

This book follows the journey of a young girl, her friend and her baby brother as they travel through time to rescue her father, who had mysteriously disappeared while experimenting with time travel. “A Wrinkle in Time” is very exciting, and its storyline is ideal for 6th grade students who can often identify with the characters in the book.

‘Bridge to Terabithia’

Another popular book that has translated well on film, “Bridge to Terabithia” is the touching story of two unlikely friends, a city girl and a country boy, who have a secret hiding place called “Terabithia.” When the girl is killed on the bridge to Terabithia, the boy must find the strength to move on. Not only will this book be entertaining for sixth graders, but it will also move them emotionally and ignite many thought-provoking discussions.

‘Chronicles of Narnia’

“The Chronicles of Narnia” is one of the best books for teachers attempting to introduce their sixth graders to symbolism. This book follows the story of a group of four children who travel to a magical land and come face-to-face with evil. Like some of the other novels on this list, the Chronicles of Narnia books have also spawned a popular film series that students can watch and discuss after they have finished reading the books.

If you aren’t sure which book to choose for your summer reading program, consider asking students to choose from a list or vote on the book they would most like to read. Whatever books you choose for your students, you should also try to find ways to help your students connect to them. Ask students to discuss concepts in books, answer key comprehension questions or complete class projects based on the stories. By involving students in the learning process as much as possible, you can ensure that they get the most out of their reading assignments.