Summer is slipping away, and that means it’s time for students to make sure they get their assigned summer reading done by the first day of school which is, as of right now, September 1. Timing is essential. Read the books too early in the summer, and memories of plot, theme, and character development fade. Leave it too late, and the stress of finishing the books overshadows the enjoyment of curling up for a transporting experience.

Don’t anybody panic, there’s still plenty of time to get students engaged in that most lovely of summer activities, cozying up with a good book.

We’ve listed the summer reading books for Natick public schools students in grades 5 – 12, along with links for more information. Students in grades K – 4 don’t have a formal summer reading requirement, but the Morse Institute Children’s Room librarians have put together the perfect list for them, too. Contact the library at (508) 647-6520 to find out how to access that list.

Summer reading, Natick Middle School (Kennedy & Wilson)

Incoming Grade 8:

All Natick Middle School 8th graders have one required book to read over the summer — The Outsiders, by S.E. Hinton
In addition to the required text, students should read at least two other books.

Incoming Grade 7 — read one below, and two of your choice:

Look Both Ways, by Jason Reynolds
The Next Great Paulie Fink, by Ali Benjamin
In addition to the required text, students should read at least two other books.

Incoming Grade 6 — read one below, and two of your choice:

Song for a Whale, by Lynne Kelly
Ghost, by Jason Reynolds
To: Night Owl From: Dogfish, by Holly Goldberg Sloan & Meg Wolitzer
In addition to the required text, students should read at least two other books.

Incoming Grade 5 — read one below, and two of your choice:

Because of the Rabbit, by Cynthia Lord
Enginerds, by Jarrett Lerner
In addition to the required text, students should read at least two other books.

Natick’s Language & Literacy teachers have put together questions on each book, which will help students be ready for in-class discussions, essays, and other learning experiences. You can find the information at this link.

Summer reading, Natick High School

All students must choose one book from the list of six options below. In the fall, students will participate in a small group discussion on the major themes and topics of their chosen text.

Children of Blood and Bone, by Tomi Adeyemi
Craig and Fred: A Marine, A Stray Dog, and How They Rescued Each Other, by Craig Grossi
Far from the Tree by Robin Benway
Long Way Down, by Jason Reynolds
Patron Saints of Nothing, by Randy Ribay
Piecing Me Together, by Renee Watson

Info here on how to access an Ebook for free with your library card though Hoopla and Libby.

Info here for additional Honors and AP requirements.

Natick elementary schools

There are no formal summer reading requirements or assignments for grades K – 4. But don’t let that stop kids from enjoying all the good books they can get their hands on. Contact the Morse Institute Library at (508) 647-6520 to find out how to access a list the librarians have put together.

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