May, 2005

Dear Incoming Sixth Grade Parents and Students:

Welcome to Seabury Hall from your sixth grade English teacher! This summer, the very best way to prepare for the exciting opportunities and challenges ahead is to READ! Seabury Hall is committed to the habit of reading: it creates academic success--and opens exciting new worlds as well! All you need to do is read any FOUR books of your choice. They may be fiction or non-fiction by any author, as long as they meet the following guidelines:

• Your books should each be about 200 pages long.
• Your books should be at a middle school--not elementary--level of difficulty.
• Please choose books that you have never read before.

Here's what you need to do with your books:

1. Keep a list of your four titles and authors.
2. Pick your favorite of the four books and list three to five specific reasons why it is a great book. In other words, how does the author keep you reading? You might think about the following:
   • Is there a character that is particularly funny or cool or memorable?
   • Is there a moment of plot action that is especially powerful or edge-of-your-seat exciting?
   • Is there a meaning, message, or theme that speaks to you in some way?
   • Is there a fascinating setting?
   • Is the author skilled at pulling you right inside the story--and if so, how? Copy down a sample passage!

Be sure to bring your reasons and your title/author list to class on the first day!

Have a terrific summer--and HAVE FUN choosing and reading your books! I'll see you in August. We're going to have a great year!

Sincerely, Gayle Martelles, English 6

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A SPECIAL NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT READ the following titles:

Freak, the Mighty by Philbrick

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Taylor

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles by Edwards

And Then There Were None by Christie

The Outsiders by Hinton

The Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen by Alexander

We may be using these books in class, so if you have not yet read them, please wait so we can experience them together. (THANK YOU! THANK YOU!)

Mrs. Martelles' 6th Grade Cubby
Castle Library