Middle School Summer Reading List

Books on the Middle School Summer Reading List for Trumbull students.

Updated June 13, 2024
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Middle School Summer Reading List

Books on the Middle School Summer Reading List for Trumbull students.

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The American revolutionaries :
Paper Book
Letters, diaries, memoirs, interviews, ballads, newspaper articles, and speeches depict life and events in the American colonies in the second half of the eighteenth century, with an emphasis on the years of the Revolutionary War.
Little women /
Alcott, Louisa May,
Paper Book
If you love a good story, then look no further. Oxford Children's Classics bring together the most unforgettable stories ever told. They're books to treasure and return to again and again. Times are hard for the March sisters - their father's away at war and the family is short of money - but these...
The crossover /
Alexander, Kwame.
Paper Book
Series streaming now on Disney+, with executive producers including NBA great LeBron James! The Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award-winning middle grade bestseller! Basketball and heartache share the court in this slam-dunk novel in verse. "With a bolt of lightning on my...
Return to sender /
Alvarez, Julia.
Paper Book
After Tyler's father is injured in a tractor accident, his family is forced to hire migrant Mexican workers to help save their Vermont farm from foreclosure. Tyler isn’t sure what to make of these workers. Are they undocumented? And what about the three daughters, particularly Mari, the oldest...
Ashes /
Anderson, Laurie Halse.
Paper Book
Return to the American Revolution in this blistering conclusion to the middle grade Seeds of America trilogy. As the Revolutionary War rages on, Isabel and Curzon have narrowly escaped Valley Forge--but their relief is short-lived. Before long they are reported as runaways, and...
The last /
Applegate, Katherine.
Paper Book
In this first book of an epic middle grade series, Katherine Applegate takes us on an unforgettable journey. A New York Times bestseller from the beloved author of the action-packed Animorphs series and the award-winning The One and Only Ivan. Byx is the youngest member of...
Shipwreck at the bottom of the world :
Armstrong, Jennifer,
Paper Book
The extraordinary true story behind Ernest Shackleton's harrowing expedition to Antarctica on the Endurance-the ill-fated ship that became trapped in ice and sank to the ocean floor.Defying the odds, the crew made it back alive, bringing with them the astounding collection of photographs included...
Fantastic voyage /
Asimov, Isaac,
Paper Book
In this fabulous adventure into the last frontier of man, a team of scientists race to save vital information within a comatose man's brain-based on the original story by Otto Klement and Jay Lewis Bixby and on a screenplay by Harry Kleiner. Attention! This is the last message...
The thing about jellyfish /
Benjamin, Ali.
Paper Book
This stunning debut novel about grief and wonder was an instant New York Times bestseller and captured widespread critical acclaim, including selection as a 2015 National Book Award finalist! After her best friend dies in a drowning accident, Suzy is...
The blackbird girls /
Blankman, Anne,
Paper Book
Masterpiece /
Broach, Elise,
Paper Book
The secret garden.
Burnett, Frances Hodgson
Paper Book
After losing her parents, young Mary Lennox is sent from India to live in her uncle's gloomy mansion on the wild English moors. She is lonely and has no one to play with, but one day she learns of a secret garden somewhere in the grounds that no one is allowed to enter. Then Mary uncovers an old key...
Summerlost /
Condie, Allyson Braithwaite.
Paper Book
A tender and compelling contemporary novel for young readers about facing loss and finding friendship, from Ally Condie, international bestselling author of the Matched series. Nominated by the Mystery Writers of America for the 2017 Edgar Award   "Kids are...
New kid /
Craft, Jerry.
Paper Book
Winner of the Newbery Medal, Coretta Scott King Author Award, and Kirkus Prize for Young Readers' Literature!  Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Gene Luen Yang, New Kid is a timely, honest graphic novel about starting over at a new school where diversity is low and the struggle...
Raymie nightingale /
DiCamillo, Kate.
Paper Book
A #1 New York Times bestseller! A 2016 National Book Award Finalist! As featured on The Today Show's Read with Jenna Jr. Book Club Two-time Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo returns to her roots with a moving, masterful story of an unforgettable summer...
Out of my mind /
Draper, Sharon M.
Paper Book
A New York Times bestseller for three years and counting and now an original film on Disney+! "A gutsy, candid, and compelling story. It speaks volumes." --School Library Journal (starred review) "Unflinching and realistic." --Kirkus...
Amelia lost :
Fleming, Candace.
Paper Book
From the acclaimed author of The Great and Only Barnum-as well as The Lincolns, Our Eleanor, and Ben Franklin's Almanac-comes the thrilling story of America's most celebrated flyer, Amelia Earhart. In alternating chapters, Fleming deftly moves readers back and forth...
Old Yeller /
Gipson, Fred,
Paper Book
Old Yeller.
Gipson, Fred,
Paper Book
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's library /
Grabenstein, Chris.
Paper Book
THE START OF THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING SERIES WITH MORE THAN TWO MILLION COPIES SOLD! Can you escape from what James Patterson calls "the coolest library in the world"? Follow along and solve the clues in this interactive adventure! From the co-author of Murdle...
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's library /
Grabenstein, Chris.
Paper Book
THE START OF THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING SERIES WITH MORE THAN TWO MILLION COPIES SOLD! Can you escape from what James Patterson calls "the coolest library in the world"? Follow along and solve the clues in this interactive adventure! From the co-author of Murdle...
Ted & me :
Gutman, Dan.
Paper Book
With more than 1.5 million books sold, the Baseball Card Adventures series brings the greatest players in history to life! Joe "Stosh" Stoshack has an incredible ability. He can travel through time using baseball cards. But the FBI has learned of his talent, and now they have a mission for...
Uprising /
Haddix, Margaret Peterson.
Paper Book
Around her the workers were screaming out prayers and curses.... She herself was sobbing tearlessly.... Her only prayer was still, "I don't want to die." Oh, please, God, don't let me die, she thought. I've never even had a chance to live. Bella, newly arrived in New...
Turtle in paradise /
Holm, Jennifer L.
Paper Book
In Jennifer L. Holm's New York Times bestselling, Newbery Honor winning middle grade historical fiction novel, life isn't like the movies. But then again, 11-year-old Turtle is no Shirley Temple She's smart and tough and has seen enough of the world not to expect a Hollywood ending....
Claudette Colvin :
Hoose, Phillip M.,
Paper Book
"When it comes to justice, there is no easy way to get it. You can't sugarcoat it. You have to take a stand and say, 'This is not right.'" - Claudette Colvin On March 2, 1955, an impassioned teenager, fed up with the daily injustices of Jim Crow segregation, refused to give her seat...
Fish in a tree /
Hunt, Lynda Mullaly.
Paper Book
A New York Times Bestseller. An emotionally-charged, uplifting novel that will speak to anyone who's ever thought there was something wrong with them because they didn't fit in. "Fans of R.J. Palacio's Wonder will appreciate this feel-good story of friendship and...
The contract /
Jeter, Derek,
Paper Book
The debut book in the New York Times bestselling Contract series, The Contract is a middle grade baseball novel inspired by the youth of legendary sports icon and role model Derek Jeter. As a young boy, Derek Jeter dreams of being the shortstop for the New York...
Mistakes that worked /
Jones, Charlotte Foltz.
Paper Book
The greatest discoveries are made outside the classroom! Learn all about mistakes that changed the world with this collection of the strange stories behind everyday inventions! It's no accident that you'll love this book! SANDWICHES came about when an English earl was too busy...
Amina's voice /
Khan, Hena.
Paper Book
A Washington Post Best Children's Book of 2017 "For inspiring empathy in young readers, you can't get better than this book." --R. J. Palacio, author of #1 New York Times bestseller Wonder "Amina's anxieties are entirely relatable, but it's her sweet...
Stand up, Yumi Chung! /
Kim, Jessica,
Paper Book
One lie snowballs into a full-blown double life in this irresistible story about an aspiring stand-up comedian. On the outside, Yumi Chung suffers from #shygirlproblems, a perm-gone-wrong, and kids calling her "Yu-MEAT" because she smells like her family's Korean barbecue...
The hypnotists /
Korman, Gordon.
Paper Book
An all-new, mesmerizing adventure from the masterful Gordon Korman!Is it a gift . . . or is it a curse? Jax Opus can use his color-changing eyes to make people do things they don't want to do. (Only his color-blind best friend, Tommy, seems immune.) At first, Jax doesn't know what he's doing --...
Pop /
Korman, Gordon.
Paper Book
Pop delivers suspense, humor, sports action, and a compelling look at the damage those "pop"s in football can cause Gordon Korman's books appeal to a wide range of kids and adults and can pull in even reluctant readers. Share Pop in your home or classroom; sports fans in particular won't...
Inside out & back again /
Lai, Thanhha.
Paper Book
Inside Out and Back Again is a #1 New York Times bestseller, a Newbery Honor Book, and a winner of the National Book Award! Inspired by the author's childhood experience as a refugee--fleeing Vietnam after the Fall of Saigon and immigrating to Alabama--this coming-of-age debut novel told...
Steve Jobs thinking differently :
Lakin, Patricia,
Paper Book
This must-read biography of Steve Jobs provides an "absorbing, detailed account of Apple's first heady days" (School Library Journal) and beyond, and is specially written for a younger audience. Visionary. Pioneer. Little terror. Entrepreneur. Inventor. College dropout. Creative...
The boy on the wooden box :
Leyson, Leon,
Paper Book
In the #1 New York Times bestseller, Leon Leyson (born Leib Lezjon) was only ten years old when the Nazis invaded Poland and his family was forced to relocate to the Krakow ghetto. Leon Leyson (born Leib Lezjon) was only ten years old when the Nazis invaded Poland and his...
A snicker of magic /
Lloyd, Natalie.
Paper Book
Introducing an extraordinary new voice---a magical debut that will make your skin tingle, your eyes glisten . . .and your heart sing.Midnight Gulch used to be a magical place, a town where people could sing up thunderstorms and dance up sunflowers. But that was long ago, before a curse drove...
Heat /
Lupica, Mike.
Paper Book
The #1 New York Times bestseller inspired by the true-life story of a former little leaguer Twelve-year-old Michael Arroyo lives in the shadows of Yankee Stadium, home of his heroes, but a place that might as well be on a different continent since he can't afford to see...
The secret garden :
Marsden, Mariah,
Paper Book
Green-growing secrets and powerful magic await you at Misselthwaite Manor, now reimagined in this bewitching graphic novel adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett's beloved tale.  From Mariah Marsden, author of the critically acclaimed Anne of Green...
Rain reign /
Martin, Ann M. (Matthews), 1955-
Paper Book
From the beloved creator of the Baby-Sitters Club comes this New York Times bestselling novel about a neurodiverse girl and the dog she loves, soon to be a feature film starring Paul Rudd and Jeremy Sisto. Rose Howard is obsessed with homonyms. She's thrilled that her...
Anne of Green Gables /
Montgomery, L. M.
Paper Book
A girl with spunk and dreams in search of a place to call home . . . Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert planned to adopt a boy to help out around the farm, but waiting at the train station is a freckle-faced, red-headed eleven-year-old orphan named Anne Shirley. From the minute Anne sets foot in Matthew's...
Anne of Green Gables /
Montgomery, L. M.
Paper Book
A girl with spunk and dreams in search of a place to call home . . . Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert planned to adopt a boy to help out around the farm, but waiting at the train station is a freckle-faced, red-headed eleven-year-old orphan named Anne Shirley. From the minute Anne sets foot in Matthew's...
Anne of Green Gables /
Montgomery, L. M.
Paper Book
A girl with spunk and dreams in search of a place to call home . . . Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert planned to adopt a boy to help out around the farm, but waiting at the train station is a freckle-faced, red-headed eleven-year-old orphan named Anne Shirley. From the minute Anne sets foot in Matthew's...
Kensuke's Kingdom
Morpurgo, Michael.
Paper Book
A spellbinding tale of survival and self-discovery from award-winning author Michael Morpurgo, who is poised for breakthrough U.S. success. When Michael's parents lose their jobs, they buy a boat and decide to sail around the world with their son and their beloved dog. It's an...
Kensuke's kingdom /
Morpurgo, Michael.
Paper Book
A spellbinding tale of survival and self-discovery from award-winning author Michael Morpurgo, who is poised for breakthrough U.S. success. When Michael's parents lose their jobs, they buy a boat and decide to sail around the world with their son and their beloved dog. It's an...
An American plague :
Murphy, Jim,
Paper Book
Powerful and riveting, this Newbery Honor-winning narrative describes the illness known as yellow fever, the toll it took on the nation's capital--and the eventual triumph over the disease. Long before Covid and the West Nile virus, yellow fever was a medical mystery that forced thousands...
Faith, hope, and Ivy June /
Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds,
Paper Book
During a student exchange program, seventh-graders Ivy June and Catherine share their lives, homes, and communities, and find that although their lifestyles are total opposites they have a lot in common.
A single shard /
Park, Linda Sue.
Paper Book
The Newbery Medal-winning tale of an orphan boy whose dream of becoming a master potter leads to unforeseen adventure in ancient Korea. Tree-ear is an orphan boy in a 12th-century Korean village renowned for its ceramics. When he accidentally breaks a delicate piece of pottery, he...
A wolf called Wander /
Parry, Rosanne
Paper Book
A New York Times bestseller! "Don't miss this dazzling tour de force."--Katherine Applegate, Newbery Medal winning author of The One and Only Ivan This gripping novel about survival and family is based on the real story of one wolf's incredible journey to...
Village of scoundrels :
Preus, Margi.
Paper Book
Newbery Honor recipient Margi Preus tells the incredible true story of a group of French teenagers who helped save refugees in WWII Based on the true story of the French villagers in WWII who saved thousands of Jews, this novel tells how a group of young teenagers stood up for what is right. Among...
Black brother, Black brother /
Rhodes, Jewell Parker.
Paper Book
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection! From award-winning and bestselling author, Jewell Parker Rhodes comes a powerful coming-of-age story about two brothers, one who presents as white, the other as black, and the complex ways in which they are...
Becoming Naomi LeOon /
Ryan, Pam Muonoz.
Paper Book
The highly anticipated new novel from the Pura Belpre and Jane Addams Peace Award-winning author of ESPERANZA RISING. Naomi Soledad Le#65533;n Outlaw has had a lot to contend with in her young life, her name for one. Then there are her clothes (sewn in polyester by Gram), her...
Esperanza rising /
Ryan, Pam Muonoz.
Paper Book
**CELEBRATING 25 YEARS IN PRINT!** A modern classic for our time and for all time―this beloved, award-winning bestseller resonates with fresh meaning for each new generation. Perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo, Christopher Paul Curtis, and Rita Williams-Garcia. ...
Imprisoned :
Sandler, Martin W.
Paper Book
While Americans fought for freedom and democracy abroad, fear and suspicion towards Japanese Americans swept the country after Japan's sneak attack on Pearl Harbor. Culling information from extensive, previously unpublished interviews and oral histories with Japanese American survivors of...
Just Like That /
Schmidt, Gary D.
Paper Book
In this unforgettable, gently humorous novel, New York Times bestselling, award-winning author Gary D. Schmidt tells two poignant, linked stories: that of a grieving girl and a boy trying to escape his violent past. Meryl Lee Kowalski is sent to a girls' boarding school in fall...
Okay for now /
Schmidt, Gary D.
Paper Book
2011 National Book Award FinalistAs a fourteen-year-old who just moved to a new town, with no friends and a louse for an older brother, Doug Swieteck has all the stats stacked against him. So begins a coming-of-age masterwork full of equal parts comedy and tragedy from Newbery Honor winner Gary D....
Orbiting Jupiter /
Schmidt, Gary D.
Paper Book
In this riveting novel, two boys discover the true meaning of family and the sacrifices it requires. Two-time Newbery Honor winner Gary D. Schmidt delivers the shattering story of Joseph, a father at thirteen, who has never seen his daughter, Jupiter. After spending time in a...
The great wall of Lucy Wu /
Shang, Wendy Wan Long.
Paper Book
Lucy Wu, aspiring basketball star and interior designer, is on the verge of having the best year of her life. She's ready to rule the school as a sixth grader and take over the bedroom she has always shared with her sister. In an instant, though, her plans are shattered when she finds out that...
Bomb :
Sheinkin, Steve.
Paper Book
New York Times bestselling author Steve Sheinkin presents the fascinating and frightening true story of the creation behind the most destructive force that caused the arms race and the Cold War ★ A Newbery Honor book ★ A National Book...
Most dangerous :
Sheinkin, Steve.
Paper Book
Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War is New York Times bestselling author Steve Sheinkin''s award-winning nonfiction account of an ordinary man who wielded the most dangerous weapon: the truth. "Easily the best study of the...
The notorious Benedict Arnold :
Sheinkin, Steve.
Paper Book
New York Times bestselling author, Newbery Honor recipient, and National Book Award finalist Steve Sheinkin presents both the heroism and the treachery of one of the Revolutionary War''s most infamous players in his biography of Benedict Arnold. Winner of the...
Every thing on it :
Silverstein, Shel
Paper Book
From New York Times bestselling Shel Silverstein, celebrated creator of Where the Sidewalk Ends, A Light in the Attic, and Falling Up, comes an amazing collection of never-before-published poems and drawings. Have you ever read a book with everything on it? Well, here it is! You will say...
Longitude :
Sobel, Dava.
Paper Book
Anyone alive in the eighteenth century would have known that "the longitude problem" was the thorniest scientific dilemma of the day--and had been for centuries. Lacking the ability to measure their longitude, sailors throughout the great ages of exploration had been literally lost at sea as soon...
All thirteen :
Soontornvat, Christina.
Paper Book
Winner of the 2021 Kirkus Prize for Young People's Literature A 2021 Newbery Honor Book A 2021 Robert F. Sibert Honor Book A 2021 YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Finalist A 2021 Orbis Pictus Honor Book A unique account...
Almost astronauts :
Stone, Tanya Lee.
Paper Book
They had the right stuff. They defied the prejudices of the time. And they blazed a trail for generations of women to follow. What does it take to be an astronaut? Excellence at flying, courage, intelligence, resistance to stress, top physical shape -- any checklist would include...
The hobbit, or, There and back again /
Tolkien, J. R. R.
Paper Book
"In a hole in the ground, there lived a hobbit." So begins one of the most beloved and delightful tales in the English language. Set in the imaginary world of Middle-earth, at once a classic myth and a modern fairy tale, J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit is one of literature's most enduring and...
The hobbit, or, there and back again /
Tolkien, J. R. R.
Paper Book
The journey through Middle-earth begins here with J.R.R. Tolkien's classic prelude to his epic fantasy Lord of the Rings trilogy. "A glorious account of a magnificent adventure, filled with suspense and seasoned with a quiet humor that is irresistible... All those, young...
Brown girl dreaming /
Woodson, Jacqueline.
Paper Book
NATIONAL BOOK AWARD WINNER * NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * The acclaimed author of Red at the Bone tells the moving story of her childhood in mesmerizing poems. A NEWBERY HONOR BOOK * WINNER OF THE CORETTA SCOTT KING BOOK AWARD * A KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST MIDDLE GRADE BOOK OF THE CENTURY...
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