Summer Reading – 5th Grade

Dear Class of 2025 Families,

It’s time for a well-deserved summer break, and many of you have already inquired about summer reading. Rising 5th Grade students are tasked with reading ONE book of their choice for summer reading.

Students are encouraged to choose a book that truly interests them. The Rhode Island Middle Grade Book Award Nominees List offers engaging and diverse choices; your local library will have excellent recommendations as well. Students should also feel free to select books that do not appear on any of these lists – the important thing is that they read, read, read!

All the books on the suggested reading list are middle grade fiction, which is generally recognized as fiction written for readers aged 8-12. Common themes in middle grade literature are: friendship, family relationships, physical changes, school experiences, and a growing awareness of the world outside oneself. Though often identified as most interesting to young adolescents, many adults enjoy this genre as well; as such, I encourage you to read and discuss the books your child chooses to explore this summer. Common Sense Media is an excellent website that offers tools, such as parent guides and discussion questions, to help you talk about these books with your child.

I encourage students to summarize each chapter as they read; a sticky note at the end of each chapter is one strategy that is helpful for remembering main ideas upon our return in September!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email me; I will be checking my email periodically throughout the summer. I wish you all a relaxing summer break!

Courtney Huth