2011 Summer Reading List for Eighth Grade English
	Required Summer Reading: An assessment on these two novels will occur when the students return to school:  Lubar, David               Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie  Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie is the story about the high school experiences of a fourteen-year old boy named Scott Hudson. While generally light-hearted in tone, the novel explores heavier issues such as bullying, peer-pressure and teenage suicide. Everyone, young and old, will see a little bit of themselves in Scott, the awkward, somewhat socially impaired teenager with a unique love for reading and writing. As Scott grows up and tries to find himself, his humorous narration keeps us engaged until the very end. Cisneros, Sandra             House on Mango Street Written in a series of vignettes, House on Mango Street follows the trials and tribulations of a young girl named Esperanza as she struggles to grow up in an impoverished Chicago neighborhood. As Esperanza matures, she encounters the harsh realities of being a teenager. The stories of Esperanza's neighbors and childhood friends give a full picture of the neighborhood and show the many possible paths Esperanza may aspire to follow in her life.         *Recommended Reading for Summer: Students are encouraged to read further works from the recommended summer reading list: Hautman, Pete Fiction   Godless Teen Jason Bock comes up with a new god - the town's water tower. As his new religion grows, it begins to take a life of its own. An ALA Best Book for Young Adults and Minnesota Book Award winner for young adult fiction. Hamilton, Edith Mythology   Mythology The legends, tales, and myths of ancient Greece come to life in this collection of famous stories. The book is a worthy overview of widely read stories from the past for students of Latin, English, and world history. Lowry, Lois Fiction   Number The Stars Voted the Newbery Medal in 1990, this fictional selection portrays neighbors aiding neighbors in Denmark amid WWII. A daring escape to Sweden adds suspense to this powerful novel about courage and friendship. Paolini, Christopher Fantasy Eragon The first book in the Inheritance Trilogy. This is the story of a young boy who discovers that his destiny is to become one of the legendary Dragon Riders and is fated to play a part in the coming war. This was also made into a movie in 2006. Martel, Yann Fiction Life of Pi The story of a young boy set adrift with a Bengal Tiger. Winner of the 2002 Mann Booker Prize. Crutcher, Chris Fiction   The Sledding Hill Narrated by a young man from "beyond the grave." This story explores the idea of censorship with the author using himself as a character who pens "evil drivel." Takahashi, Kazuki Graphic Novel Yu-Gi-Oh! The story of Yugi who solves the mysterious Millenium Puzzle, an Egyptian artifact containing a spirit from the age of pharos. Pattou, Edith Fantasy   East A retelling of the old "East of the Sun and West of the Moon" story, set in Norway. In the book, it is believed that children follow the direction in which they were born. An ALA Best books for Young Adults pick. Bernstein, Judy Historical Account   They Poured Fire on us from the Sky Story of the journey of Lost Boys who now reside in the U.S. Winner of numerous awards including 2005 Christopher Award, ALA "Many Voices" honoree and National Conflict Resolution Center Peacemakers Award.