In MCPS, summer reading has been an expected practice in middle and high schools since 1998.

Reading is a life-long skill that a person not only needs to succeed as a student and a worker, but is also an essential skill in civic and personal activities. Perhaps even more importantly, reading opens a student’s world through various types of literature. By reading, students have the opportunity to learn about people, times, religions, and ideas that may enhance their knowledge and development. Reading can also bring a lifetime of pleasure and mental acuity.

Research strongly suggests that reading, like most skills, improves with practice and decreases when we don’t engage in it for even a short time. Therefore, consistent with our commitment to prepare all students for success during school and after graduation, we continue in MCPS to expect all students to read over the summer.

6th grade summer reading brochure

7th grade summer reading brochure

8th grade summer reading brochure

Each year since 1992, the Black-Eyed Susan Book Award has been given in several categories. The purpose of this award is to promote literacy and lifelong reading habits by encouraging students to read quality, contemporary literature. The books selected to be placed on lists for each category are expected to broaden the human experience and provide accurate, factual information. The Black-Eyed Susan Book Award honors outstanding books, chosen annually by Maryland students. Committees of school library media specialists and other interested persons meet over the course of a year to determine which books will go on the lists. Here are the Black-Eyed Susan nominated books for 2007-2008 for grades 6-9:

We also recommend the following fiction authors:

* highly recommended by male students.

Grade 6 additional summer reading list

Grade 7 additional summer reading list

Grade 8 additional summer reading list