Incoming Seventh Grade Summer Reading and Activity
This summer reading can be worthwhile and fun. In order to keep your skills sharp and prepare you for the first day of school we have selected an exciting novel to read on the theme of “Power.” This book is a real page turner, guaranteed to keep you wondering what will happen next. We will do activities based on this reading on the first day of school!
Imagine living in a world where the government is so powerful that it could make a law that restricted couples to two children. Now, think about your life if you were a third child who had to be hidden. That is the situation for Luke. Will the government find him? Will he be able to stay hidden? What happens when he meets another third child who is also in hiding?
Read: Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix (Required)
Luke must never be seen. He can’t go to school; he can’t even go outside. He is a third child in a future world where each family can only have two children. One day Luke peeks out a window and thinks he sees another hidden child peeking back. Read this novel to find out what happens when these two shadow children meet.
Write a letter after you have read the novel -Select oneof these options. (Required) Be sure to use paragraphs as well as your best spelling and word choice. Use a computer to type your paper and print it out before you come to school. Remember to use friendly letter format. Bring this letter with you the first day of school.
1. Write a letter from Luke to his parents explaining the events that led up to his leaving home after accepting the false identification card. Remember that you are Luke, so write using first person. Be sure to use paragraphs. Aim for 1 ½ pages. Your letter should have very brief summaries of the events in the book. Don’t retell the whole story, but be sure to use details from the story. ·Tell what happened to Jen. ·Explain how Jen’s dad helped Luke to escape. ·Describe Luke’s thoughts and feelings (you can imagine this). ·Imagine what Luke thinks will happen in the future. Make sure your letter is in proper format and that you have responded to each of the above points. Take time to look at the rubric to see what is expected. Most of all have fun as you become Luke!
OR
2. Write a letter from Luke to Jen’s mom and step dad. Explain to them how important Jen was to you, and how Jen should be remembered. Remember that you are Luke, so write using first person. Be sure to use paragraphs. Aim for 1 ½ pages. Your letter should have very brief summaries of the events in the book. Don’t retell the whole story, but be sure to use details from the story. ·Tell how you met Jen. ·Explain how meeting Jen changed your life; include details of life before Jen. ·Describe Luke's thoughts and feelings about Jen (you can imagine this). ·Imagine how Jen can be remembered in the future. Make sure your letter is in proper format and that you responded to each of the above points. Take time to look at the rubric to see what is expected. Most of all have fun as you become Luke.
OR
3. Write a letter from Jen to Luke. The envelope says that Luke should only open this letter if something happens to Jen. You can be creative about what this letter says, just be true to the novel. Remember that you are Jen so write in first person. Be sure to use paragraphs. Aim for 1½ pages. · Tell Luke why meeting him was special for you. (Be specific!) · Apologize to Luke for things you did that you regret. (Be specific!) ·Include Jen's thoughts and feelings about meeting Luke. ·Give Luke advice about what to do next.
Additional Choice Menu-You are not obligated to do any of these. (Optional) If you are inspired to try one please bring the project toschool for a unique first day.
1. Make a model of a future city Think of the year 3000. Include transportation, housing, a school and a shopping and recreation district.
2. Research and gather statistics about “Perfect Games” in athletics. Create a PowerPoint, or just list the stats. Notice the idea of “A Perfect Game” is not defined for you.
3. Paint or draw a picture of a perfect place This can be a real place or an imaginary place. Think about what makes this place perfect in your eyes.
4. Watch a movie about a “perfectworld”and tell the class about the film. A few suggestions include: “City of Ember” “Cocoon" “Coraline”
5. Write a story about two children who fall through a time warp and end up in a “Perfect World.” Include a description of this world and one conflict the children face. You pick the length.
6. Read another book about a perfect society and provide the class with a book talk when you return in the fall.