Summer Reading Program 7-12

Summer Reading Goal

Students in grades 7-12 will engage with quality literature at their reading level over the summer break and produce two meaningful projects to share with the class upon returning to school. (Note – Students new to CRICS complete one project.)

Required as part of next year's first quarter Language Arts grade:

New CRICS students entering grades 7-12 are required to choose one book for summer reading. The book must be chosen from the CRICS book list for the grade the student is entering or the grade level above. 

Returning CRICS high school and middle school students are required to choose two books for summer reading. 

  • One of the book choices must be from the CRICS book list for the grade level the student is entering or the grade level above. 
  • The second book may be of the student’s own choice, approved by their LA teacher and at or slightly above their current reading level (Lexile).
    • For this choice book, the minimum total page length must be at least your grade level times 25 pages. [example- Grade 7: 7 x 25 = 175 pages minimum per book]
  • If students would like to read 1 longer book in place of 2 smaller novels, they must have this book choice approved by their teacher and the LA department head before summer break starts.
    • The page length is calculated as at least twice the minimum length of the choice book. (example- Grade 7: 175 x 2 = 350 pages minimum)
    • Two distinct projects must be completed related to this one book.

Important: Graphic novels do not qualify for the summer reading projects. 

After reading, students are required to present evidence that they have read and understand what they have read from the summer reading books. This can be done in one of the 15 ways listed below. Also, each student will briefly share one of their book choices and its project with the class when school resumes.

Due Date & Grading:

During the first week of school you will submit your projects either in hard copy form or electronically through Google Classroom. The in-class presentation will take place when the teacher assigns those, sometime during the first week of school. Presentations must be between 1-2 minutes in length. You can view the rubrics to see how your projects and the presentation will be graded. 

Projects - Important Notes: 

Complete two different projects:
Returning students should complete different types of projects for the two books. For example, for book 1 you complete a podcast and for book 2 you complete a timeline. You may not complete the same type of project for both of your books; for example, you may not submit 2 redesigned book covers – one for each book.

Creativity & Analysis
Projects should demonstrate a full reading of the text and depth of understanding. Focus on analysis, author inference or purpose, themes, motifs, etc. Avoid summarizing (unless that is one specific component of the project). 

No Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Use of AI is not permitted for project creation. Please demonstrate your own understanding of the text and let your creativity shine through the summer reading projects. Some research or editing assistance (up to two word changes per sentence) from AI is allowed, but any projects that are created by or altered significantly by AI will be scored as 0.

Optional Helpful Tool
You can choose to use a story chart to help you formulate your ideas as you plan your projects. The story chart is optional and will not be submitted to your LA teacher.

Project Types:

  • Create a decorated box that represents your novel and fill it with objects that symbolize key elements of the story. This project will demonstrate your understanding of characters, events, and themes through symbolism.
  • Your project must include the following:
    • The outside of the box should reflect the book’s cover or overall mood and must include:
      • The book’s title and author
      • Visual elements (images, colors, symbols) that represent the story
      • A neat and creative design that is clearly connected to the book
    • The inside of the box should include 5–7 symbolic objects
      • Objects may be physical items or carefully crafted representations.
      • Each object must symbolize an important event, character, or theme.
      • Include a variety of symbols. Avoid choosing objects for just one category, such as only characters.
    • A written explanation for each object that must:
      • Be 3-5 sentences in length.
      • Clearly identify what the object represents.
      • Explain the connection to the story.
      • Include a specific detail or example from the book.
  • Read or view the book in another media format (play, movie, graphic novel) and compare and contrast the two. Be aware of ratings; you must have parent permission before viewing the adaptation. The project format is your choice: Venn diagram, t-chart, other types of graphic organizers, a slide presentation, a video recording of yourself, etc.
  • Your commentary must include the following:
    • The title and author of the novel
    • The title, author or producer of the adaptation, and an identification of the format of the media adaptation you chose (play, movie, graphic novel, etc.)
    • Plot comparison: Include the major events that are the same; those that were changed, added, or removed in the adaptation
    • Character comparison: Include how the main characters’ traits, motivations, or development differ; characters who appear in one version but not the other; and any changes in relationships or roles
    • Setting comparison: Include how the setting (time and place) is portrayed in each version (time period, place, world-building details)
    • Mood comparison: Include the mood of each version and whether the mood is the same or different in the adaptation
    • Theme comparison: Identify at least one theme present in both versions and explain if the adaptation handles the theme differently or emphasizes a different message
    • Analysis: At least 3-5 sentences explaining why you think the changes might have been made to the adaptation (time, audience, clarity, pacing, film limitations, etc.)
  • Design a simple, fully functional board game based on the conflicts in your novel. Your game should reflect the story’s characters, setting, and central struggles while being engaging and easy to play.
  • Your game must include the following:
    • Game Board with:
      • A visually clear path or layout (spaces, zones, or progression system)
      • A design that reflects the setting or journey in the book
      • Clearly marked start and end points
      • A clear goal tied directly to the plot (e.g., survival, reaching a destination, solving a problem)
      • The objective should connect to the main conflict of the story
      • Player tokens or markers (can represent characters or roles)
      • At least one additional element (dice, spinner, counters, etc.)
    • Challenge cards (minimum of 15 cards). Each card must:
      • Represent a conflict or challenge from the book
      • Include a clear action (move forward/back, lose a turn, gain advantage, etc.)
    • Step-by-step instructions that include:
      • Set-up instructions
      • Turn sequence
      • How to win
      • Explanation of any special rules or cards
    • A short written explanation (1–2 paragraphs) that explains:
      • How the game board represents the setting or plot
      • How the challenges connect to specific conflicts in the book
      • How the objective reflects the theme or central struggle
  • Redesign both the front and back covers for your novel, including a summary (without giving away or spoiling the ending), thematic imagery, and a brief author biography.
  • Your book cover must include the following:
    • Front cover text: book title, author’s name 
    • Front cover design: meaningful, attention-grabbing images
    • Back cover summary: a 1-paragraph summary that
      • Hooks the reader
      • Includes the main characters, setting (time and place), conflict or problem, & a main theme
      • Includes a reason for reading the novel
    • Back cover author biography: a 1-paragraph summary of his/her life, awards, other writing, & possibly other notable information. (optional- include a photo)
    • Components to include (you decide where they fit best):
      • The book’s genre with an explanation of how you know it fits that genre
      • A quote from someone endorsing the book and why
  • Find a friend to discuss the book with and create an audio recording of your discussion. This flow map might help you organize your podcast. If you and your friend both read the book, then you may work together and submit one project. No more than 2 students may work together on and submit the same project. If your friend hasn’t read the book, he/she could ask the questions you provide, and you can give the answers; in this situation, you would submit the project only for yourself and not for your partner.
  • Your podcast must include the following:
    • Minimum length: 20 minutes
    • An introduction of the people speaking in the podcast
    • An engaging hook at the beginning to draw your listeners in within the first minute
    • A clear definition of the purpose of your podcast
    • The book’s title and author
    • A brief summary of the book (without spoilers)
    • Your opinion of the book – supported with specific examples
      OPTIONAL: you may include how you reacted to different parts of the book
    • What type of audience may enjoy the book and why
    • Speaking that is able to be heard (volume) and easily understood (pace) throughout the podcast
  • Write a script that is based on your book, cast your friends, and make the movie. You will submit the movie file. Be creative and have fun!
  • Your skit must include the following:
    • Minimum length: 6 minutes and 3 or more key plot scenes
    • The book’s title and author
    • Your scenes should be chosen from throughout the novel (not 3 chapters in a row).
    • Speaking that is able to be heard (volume) and easily understood (pace) throughout the skit
  • Create an original digital map showing the journey that the book took using Google Earth, Google Maps, Google My Maps, etc. At each stop on the map include brief explanations of why those locations are important. Include numbers with each location so that those who haven’t read the book know in what order to track the journey.  
  • Your map must include the following:
    • The book’s title and author
    • Minimum of 10 locations
    • Minimum 3-sentence explanations at each location
    • Characters and key events at each location
    • Numbers for each location
  • A detailed one-page artistic representation of the major ideas and themes of the novel. If you’ve never seen one before, feel free to Google “one-pager” and you’ll see lots of examples! Start with a blank piece of paper and use the following prompt to inspire the design of your page: What is the central theme of the text and how do the characters, plot, and setting reveal and shape this theme?
  • The one-pager must include the following:
    • The book’s title and author
    • Text (This can include quotes from the novel, individual words, etc.)
    • Images (This can include symbols, characters, setting elements, etc.)
    • Color (Think about mood and tone.)
    • A thematic statement that represents the reading
    • Textual evidence 
    • Use paper that is A3 size or larger.
  • When we are reading we often find quotes that stand out to us. For example, a quote might capture a key moment within the plot, reveal the personality of a major character, or include well-crafted figurative language or important symbolism. Also, the passage may inspire thought, draw an emotional connection, have a personal connection to your own life, or have a connection with real life and/or current events.
    For this project you will choose 4 direct quotations from the book, design a poster for each one that relates to and enhances the meaning of the quote, and include a paragraph with each poster explaining why the quote matters and your reason for selecting it. You may choose to use this organizer to help you track quotes as you read. 
  • Your project must include the following:
    • 4 separate posters (the size for each poster should be larger than one A4 paper)
    • Front of each poster: direct quotation, page number, title and author of the book
      (The main focus of the poster should be the quote. You’ll also include the design and colors of your choice to go along with the quote.)
    • Back of each poster: your name; a paragraph (minimum 5 sentences) explaining the significance of the quote (why it matters and your reason for selecting it)
  • Create an artistic log of the book including a minimum of 10 images. Each image represents a key element of the story either symbolically or literally. You may create your graphic novel by hand or through digital drawing software, but all images must be original.
  • Your graphic novel retelling must include the following:
    • The book’s title and author
    • Minimum of 10 original images 
    • You should have all characters represented in the retelling.
    • Include a caption for each image that briefly explains what is represented (consider an explanation written for someone who hasn’t read the book).
  • Design a travel brochure advertising the setting, the characters (including descriptions), plot, and theme statements of the book. Each “flap” of the brochure should represent different parts of the novel. Consider how the design (color, images, etc.) relates to key plot and thematic elements. 
  • Your brochure must include the following:
    • The book’s title and author
    • Literary elements including setting, characters (with accompanying descriptions of their traits and roles in the story), plot, and theme statement (with an explanation of how the theme is developed throughout the novel)
    • Text and images
    • Thoughtful design related to key literary elements of the novel
  • Create a timeline of important events from the book. You must include at least 10 events and illustrations for each event. Be able to defend why you chose these events as the most significant in the story. 
  • Your timeline must include the following:
    • The book’s title and author
    • A minimum of 10 events with both illustrations for each one and brief explanations of why the events are important for the plot.
  • Convert the events of the story into a ballad or a song. Write the lyrics and adapt the words to a well-known melody (like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”). Retell the story through your lyrics. Make sure you state what melody you used when writing your lyrics. You should have at least 20 lines to your song.
  • Your song must include the following:
    • Minimum of 20 lines
    • A song title
    • The known melody for the song
    • The book’s title and author in a footnote as the inspiration for the song
    • OPTIONAL for possible bonus points: Submit a video or audio recording of you performing the song you created.
  • Create a poem, song, or any creative writing piece inspired from the book that shows depth of understanding, not just surface-level observations that anyone can make from skimming. Use the following prompt to inspire the design of your product: What is the central theme of the text, and how do the characters, plot, and setting reveal and shape this theme? You must include a paragraph explaining the connection between the book and your writing piece.
  • Your writing piece must include the following:
    • Minimum 5-sentence paragraph explaining the connection between the book and your writing piece
    • Consider how the text (and possibly images and color) you include relates to the meaning of the novel.
    • Thoughtfully design each element you choose to include.
  • Design any original piece of art that is inspired by your book. Be creative with your artwork; it could be a drawing, painting, diorama, mixed media collage, baked and decorated cake, etc. This project is all about you showcasing both your reading and your talents. Choose a medium that is fun for you to work with, then, let it showcase what you’ve learned in the reading.
  • Use the following prompt to inspire the design of your product: What is the central theme of the text and how do the characters, plot, and setting reveal and shape this theme? You must include a paragraph explaining the connection between the book and your artwork.
  • Your artwork must include the following:
    • Minimum 5-sentence paragraph explaining the connection between the book and your artwork. Consider how color relates to mood and tone, and how the images/text you include relate to the meaning of the novel.
    • Thoughtfully design each element you choose to include.

Not Required! but fun:

Read books on your own! Read every week! Read every day! Read anywhere and everywhere! Save up yummy snacking experiences for next year! Every 100 pages of books read can be redeemed for 10 baht at CRICS Snack Shop. Please be honest when you report your reading on the reading log (neatly please, no exceptions). Books read for book baht should be quality literature (if you have a question about that, ask Mrs. Cora or your English teacher).

*Please note that we might need to put a maximum on the amount of book baht that you can earn due to keeping within our budget.

Multiply your Baht*:

If you would like to get more bang for your baht, continue reading books from the reading list provided for your grade level (or one grade level up). For every 100 pages read, you will receive 10 Book Baht instead of just 5. On the Recording Form for Book Baht, place an * next to the title of the book if it is on the reading list provided.

Book Lists

7th-8th Grade
9th Grade
10th Grade
11th Grade
12th Grade

Audiobooks/E-books

You may be able to find audiobooks/e-books of classic titles on your reading list to download and listen to anywhere.

http://www.loyalbooks.com/

Reading Log

Print off the Reading Log and record the books you read. Return this page to your English teacher on the first day of school.

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