Convent of the Visitation School
Grade 8 Summer Reading List
Seventh grade students are asked to read and report on the following books.
Reports are due on the first day of school.
Let the Circle Be Unbroken by Mildred Taylor
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi
The Pearl by John Steinbeck
Your report should consist of three paragraphs, seven to eight sentences each. Each paragraph should (1) begin with a topic sentence and (2) consist of the following main ideas:
1st paragraph:
Begin with a topic sentence, which includes the book’s title and the author’s name. The book’s historical and geographical setting should be mentioned next. The remainder of the paragraph should describe the main characters and describe the characters’ problem(s).
2nd paragraph:
Explain the book’s theme, using at least two examples of plot events to support your idea of the theme. Discuss plot and/or characters only as they help show the book’s theme. [Themes: survival, self-discovery, prejudice, growing up, courage, friendship, loss, and adventure.]
3rd paragraph:
Offer your personal response to the book, using specific details to support why you did/did not like the book.
In addition to the content listed above, pay attention to the following:
- The fullness of your content and explanations
- Inclusion of a header (name, date in top right corner)
- Title of your report (centered under the heading)
- Organization (i.e. logical sequence of sentences)
- Diction (word choice at 8th grade level)
- Spelling, grammar, and punctuation
