Summer is the time for some well-earned R&R for your students. While we are fully supportive of our children taking time to unwind and relax after the school year, they can also take some time to improve their minds while having fun. With this goal, the St. Cecelia Interparochial Catholic School has compiled a short reading list that middle school students can enjoy during their break.

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Summer Reading List for Middle School Students

Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery – Set in the 19th century, Anne of Green Gables recounts the adventures of Anne Shirley, an 11-year old orphan who is accidentally adopted by siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert. With a beautiful setting and relatable characters, Anne of Green Gables is a classic work of fiction.

Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis – Narnia is beloved by people all over the world thanks to the fantastical world, riveting drama, and incredible characters. The series of seven novels follows the Pevensie children as they discover the world of Narnia and play central roles in its history.

Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift – The story of Lemuel Gulliver, an English surgeon who takes to the seas and discovers incredible adventures and lands. Many readers are first exposed to satirical writing with Gulliver’s Travels, making it a great summer reading addition.

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen – If your child is interested in action and survival, consider having them read Hatchet. The story of Brian Robeson, a thirteen-year-old boy who finds himself stranded in the wilderness after a plane crash. Using a hatchet that was gifted to him by his mother, he must learn to survive against all odds.

I, Juan de Pareja by Elizabeth Borton de Treviño – If your child is a fan of historical fiction or art, I, Juan de Pareja could be an excellent addition to their summer reading list. I, Juan de Pareja tells the story of the rise of Juan de Pareja from a slave in 17 century Spain to a well-respected artist. This novel is touching and a real page-turner.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott – Recounting the lives of the four March sisters as they grow from adolescence to adulthood — Little Women is a timeless story about romance, family drama, career choices, and so much more. 

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee – Perhaps the most enduring work of American literature, To Kill a Mockingbird addresses issues of race, class, compassion, and gender roles through the eyes of six-year-old Scout Finch. 

The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien – The Hobbit is a genre-defining novel and a must-read for any young lover of fantasy. Unlike the more famous Lord of the Rings series, the Hobbit was written for children resulting in language that is light and spirited. 

The Lord of the Flies by William Golding – The Lord of the Flies focuses on a group of British boys stranded on an uninhabited island as they attempt to govern themselves. The Lord of the Flies is a masterpiece for many reasons. The language and vocabulary are captivating and vivid, the pace is nearly perfect, and the allegory is still relevant today. 

Watership Down by Richards Adams – Adams classic adventure novel follows an anthropomorphized group of rabbits as they seek to find a new home after the destruction of their burrow. Filled with perils, terror, and hope, Watership Down covers themes of exile, survival, heroism, leadership, and political responsibility.

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Encourage Your Student to Read This Summer

Regardless of what they choose to read, getting your child to pick up a book and spend some time reading is a crucial part of their education. Children that develop a love of reading will improve a skill that will serve them for the rest of their life. To learn more about St. Cecelia Catholic School, visit our website today.