Summer Reading

“You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax all you need is a book!” – Dr. Seuss

 

Dear Soon-To-Be-Third-Graders,

During third grade, we will read many books and practice reading comprehension strategies to help us understand what we read. In preparation for next year, please read one book from the following list. You are, of course, encouraged to read more books, but only one is required. Please reach out if you need guidance in choosing a “just right” book.

 

  • Judy Moody by Megan McDonald (or any book in this series)

  • Dragon Slayers’ Academy-The New Kid at School  by Kate McMullan (or any book in this series)

  • Lincoln’s Legacy by Stacia Deutsch (or any books in the “Blast to the Past” series)

  • Top Secret by John Reynolds Gardiner  

  • Clementine by Sara Pennypacker (or any book in this series)

  • Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein (or any book in this series)

  • Frindle by Andrew Clements

After you read the book, please complete one of the following projects!

 

Choice 1: Write a letter that includes a colored picture of your favorite part of the story and a written explanation of why you liked that part. Please write neatly and in full sentences.  

 

Choice 2: Write the first chapter to a made-up sequel or a continuation of the book you read. Your written chapter should be more than 2 handwritten pages long.

 

Choice 3: Draw a comic strip on paper that shows what happened at the beginning, middle, and end of the book. 

 

Choice 4: Make a model/diorama of your favorite part of the story and include a written explanation of why you liked that part. Please write neatly and in full sentences. 

 

Please bring your project with you on the first day of school. 

 

I’ve heard wonderful things about you from your second-grade teachers and am looking forward to our year together in third grade!  Have a fun summer!

 

Happy reading,

Ms. Harrington

dharrington@epsteinhillel.org

 

Dear Soon-To-Be Fourth Graders,

In preparation for next year, please read at least two books over the summer.

Please read The Wild Robot, by Peter Brown. The Wild Robot tells the story of a robot named Roz and her struggle to survive on a remote, wild island.

After you read The Wild Robot, please create a comic strip that details six important events from the novel. Each box of the comic strip must include an illustration and a two-sentence caption.

The plot of the movie is different from the plot of the book, so you must read the book to complete this project.

For your second book, feel free to choose anything that appeals to you! Whichever book you choose, write me a letter that includes the title and author of the book, a brief summary, and your opinion of the book.

Please bring both assignments with you on the first day of school. 

Happy Reading! 

Mrs. Cullen

Dear Soon-To-Be Fifth and Sixth Graders,

In preparation for next year, please read at least TWO books over the summer from the list below.

Wish: https://a.co/d/040CDShZ – by, Barbara O’Connor

A Length of  String: https://a.co/d/0fxqRlM4 – Elissa Weissman

A Wrinkle in Time: https://a.co/d/0cw8XYVX – Madeleine L’Engle

Paperboy: https://a.co/d/0cw8XYVX  – Vince Vawter

When You Reach Me: (https://a.co/d/08DhRDdz) – Rebecca Stead

Tale of Despereaux: https://a.co/d/0d8Hq7Pv -Kate Dicamillo

Once finished, choose from ONE of those two books to complete ONE of the following assignments. 

Assignment One- Write me a letter that includes the title and author of the book, a brief summary, and your opinion of the book. 

Assignment Two- Design a poster that includes the title and author of the book, a brief summary, as well as printed pictures and illustrations.

Assignment Three- Create your own postcard from one character in the book to another character. Include details from the book and an illustration. 

Please bring your assignment with you on the first day of school.

  • Here are some tips for summer reading success: Visit the library:  Libraries offer a wide range of books and summer reading programs. 
  • Set aside time for reading:  Establish a regular reading routine, even if it’s just for a short period each day. 
  • Discuss the books: Talk about the books with family and friends to enhance comprehension and enjoyment

You may email me over the summer with any questions at areno@epsteinhillel.org.

 Happy Reading! Mrs. Annalisa

Instructions for Accessing Sora

Electronic print and audio books – and magazines – will be available on Sora all summer! Download the app to your own device or access the collection through an internet browser like Chrome or Safari at www.SoraApp.com. Choose our school (“Epstein Hillel” should get you there), then find our school and your child’s grade level for the 2025-26 school year in the alphabetical list. We are part of the MLS Commonwealth eBook Collection, in case you need to select that to see the list of schools. PreK-3 logs in with a unique ID; 4-6 logs in with their Google email address and password. Our librarian, Michelle Fontaine (Ms. Michelle), or Jennifer Campbell (Ms. C) can provide login information as needed during school summer hours. Happy reading!

Steps:

  1. Access Sora: www.SoraApp.com or download the app (make sure the icon looks like the blue rocket flying).
  2. Find our school; searching on “Epstein” should get you there.
  3. Select our school from the alphabetical list, whichever is applicable for your student for the 2025-26 school year.
  4. Log in using the student’s login (PreK-3) or Google email and password (4-6).
  5. Browse the collections created by the Massachusetts administrator or use the search feature to search title, author, series, or subject.
  6. Enjoy reading/listening!