Saint John Academy Summer Reading
For Rising 6th Graders
Greetings Parents and Students
The books, stories and poems have been carefully selected to foster an enjoyable and thoughtful reading experience. Enjoy this special time with your child. These assignments are meant to be enriching and meaningful. Be sure to balance the assignments with lots of fun, enjoyable time outside with family and friends.
Best to you and your family.
Mrs. Karen Tessier
Assistant Head Master
Saint John Academy
Core Elements for Rising 6th Graders
- You will need a writing journal (a leather journal that you can use over time).
Read 2 books (The Black Arrow by Robert Louis Stevenson is the mandatory read, and you may choose 1 other book from the list).
You are encouraged to read as many as you like.
- For each book draw a picture of something interesting or an image that reminds you of what you read. Think about the characters, the setting and the sequence of events as your draw. Sketch the picture and color it.
- Write a 1-2 paragraph(s) describing each picture inside of your journal (pictures may be drawn and placed inside journal if you would like).
Big Red by Jim Kjelgaard (Fiction)
Crash by Jerry Spinelli (Fiction)
Icefall by Matthew J. Kirby (Fiction/Fantasy)
The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury (Science Fiction)
The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss (Adventure Fiction)
The Yearling by Marjorie Rowlings
Old Yeller by Fred Gipson
Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery
Invincible Louisa by Cornelia Meigs
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea- Jules Verne
Journey to the Center of the Earth- Jules Verne
- Poems
Read all four recommended poems, copy one and memorize one and recite one at home and in school.
“A Light Exists in Spring” by Emily Dickinson
“As Kingfishers Catch Fire” by Gerard Manley Hopkins
“Blackberry-Picking” by Seamus Heaney
“The Village Blacksmith” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
- Spiritual
- Read the Gospel:
Road to Emmaus Luke 24: 13-35
Read the Miracle at Cana Passage John 2: 1-11
Also view Carravaggio’s painting “Supper at Emmaus” and Rembrandt's "Supper at Emmasus" to help you understand the Gospel stories.
These pictures to help you visualize the Gospel scenes. Choose one of the Gospel passages to narrate and retell the narrative in your own words into your journal. Write a paragraph about the other Gospel passage imaging you are a servant or creature observing what is going on. Describe what you see and hear around you. What are others in the Gospel story doing or observing in the passage.