SUMMER 2025 READING GRADES 4-7

Summer Reading Adventures Await!

Summer provides the perfect opportunity for students and families to enjoy great books together! At Addlestone, we believe reading should be a source of joy and curiosity, not just a school requirement. For students entering grades 4 through 7, our summer reading program is designed to continue nurturing a love of reading—while also helping students maintain or even strengthen their reading skills during the break.

Each grade has a specific reading assignment that ties into the curriculum for the upcoming year. These thoughtfully chosen books offer meaningful stories, historical context, and engaging characters that will spark classroom discussion and deepen students’ learning.

In addition to the required reading, we encourage all students to take part in the following local summer programs that make reading even more fun:

  • Charleston County Public Library Summer Reading Program
    This year’s theme is Read Around the World! In partnership with Charleston County School District, CCPL invites readers of all ages to discover new stories, earn fun prizes, and enjoy engaging summer events. Visit your local branch or check out ccpl.org for details.

  • Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program
    This beloved program is open to all students in grades 1–6. After reading 8 books, children fill out a Reading Journal (available in stores as well) with their favorite part of each one. Bring the completed journal to a Barnes & Noble store in July or August to pick out a free book! Learn more here.

    Share Your Reading Moments!
    If your child participates in one of the above programs or completes their Addlestone reading assignment, we’d love to see it! Share a photo of them finishing a challenge, and they’ll receive a small prize when school resumes.

    We’re looking forward to hearing about the wonderful books your children explore this summer—and to building on that excitement in the new school year.

  • RISING FOURTH GRADERS

    Click Here to Download Summer Work for Rising FOURTH Graders »

    • Read A Lion to Guard Us by Clyde Robert Bulla a historical fiction novel that connects with our 4th grade study of early America and Jamestown.

    • After reading, students will complete a creative “Book in a Bag” project, including a decorated paper bag, summary, favorite words, and objects related to the story.

    • Students will present their projects during the first few days of school, practicing important speaking and comprehension skills.

  • RISING FIFTH GRADERS

    Click Here to Download Summer Work for Rising FIFTH Graders »

    • Students will read Restart by Gordon Korman and complete a written response assignment by choosing two of the four questions to respond for each of the six sections of the book. Additionally, students should come prepared ready to discuss specific questions shared in above document in depth at the return of school.

    • The first graded assignment in the fall will be a “Book Talk,” so they should come prepared to discuss key themes and character development.

    • Critical thinking and text evidence are essential—responses must be thoughtful and well-written.

  • RISING SIXTH GRADERS

    Click Here to Download Summer Work for Rising SIXTH Graders »

    • Students will read Lily’s Crossing by Patricia Reilly Giff and respond to thoughtful, written questions based on chapter sections.
    • The assignment includes an emphasis on critical thinking and using text evidence in responses.
    • Students should review background information on World War II (included in the above PDF) before reading to better understand the story’s historical context.
  • RISING SEVENTH GRADERS

    Click Here to Download Summer Work for Rising SEVENTH Graders »

    • Students will read After the War by Carol Mates and respond to critical thinking questions based on chapter pairs, using text evidence to support their answers.

    • In the fall, students will participate in a Socratic Seminar, so they should take notes and mark their books to prepare for discussion.

    • Themes include identity, survival, hope, and rebuilding after trauma, offering powerful insights into Jewish history and resilience.