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Resources
Lit C.R.E.W. Falling into Reading (Middle School Focus)
Core Texts (Project/Discussion-Ready)
“A Monster Calls” by Patrick Ness
At seven minutes past midnight, thirteen-year-old Conor wakes to find a monster outside his bedroom window. But it isn’t the monster Conor’s been expecting – he’s been expecting the one from his nightmare, the nightmare he’s had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments. The monster in his backyard is different. It’s ancient. And wild. And it wants something from Conor. Something terrible and dangerous. It wants the truth.
“A Tale Dark and Grimm” by Adam Gidwitz
Hansel and Gretel walk out of their own story and into eight other classic Grimm (and Grimm-inspired) fairy tales. An irreverent, witty narrator leads us through encounters with witches, warlocks, dragons, and the devil himself. As the siblings roam a forest brimming with menacing foes, they learn the true story behind the famous tales, as well as how to take charge of their destinies and create their own happily ever after. Because once upon a time, fairy tales were awesome.
“Chasing Vermeer” by Blue Balliett
When a book of unexplainable occurences brings Petra and Calder together, strange things start to happen: Seemingly unrelated events connect; an eccentric old woman seeks their company; an invaluable Vermeer painting disappears. Before they know it, the two find themselves at the center of an international art scandal, where no one is spared from suspicion. As Petra and Calder are drawn clue by clue into a mysterious labyrinth, they must draw on their powers of intuition, their problem solving skills, and their knowledge of Vermeer. Can they decipher a crime that has stumped even the FBI?
“How to Survive Middle School” by Donna Gephart
It’s all about being funny in this appealing, savvy novel that feels like a story your best friend might tell you. David is only 11 years old, but he dreams of becoming a TV superstar like his idol, Jon Stewart. He spends his free time making wacky videos with his beloved hamster, Hammy, and posting them on YouTube. Then Sophie, the new girl, starts sending out links to David’s videos, and David becomes an Internet superstar; his videos are even going to be on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart!Fame is great and all, but in real life, David’s still dealing with a runaway mom, a school bully, a girl-crazy best friend, and more problems.
“The City of Ember” by Jeanne DuPrau
The city of Ember was built as a last refuge for the human race. Two hundred years later, the great lamps that light the city are beginning to flicker. When Lina finds part of an ancient message, she’s sure it holds a secret that will save the city. She and her friend Doon must decipher the message before the lights go out on Ember forever!
“The Giver” by Lois Lowry
Jonas’ world is perfect. Everything is under control. There is no war or fear of pain. There are no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the community.
December is the time of the annual Ceremony at which each twelve-year-old receives a life assignment determined by the Elders. Jonas watches his friend Fiona named Caretaker of the Old and his cheerful pal Asher labeled the Assistant Director of Recreation.
But Jonas has been chosen for something special. When his selection leads him to an unnamed man — the man called only the Giver — he begins to sense the dark secrets that underlie the fragile perfection of his world.