2025 Summer Reading
Every GLCPS student in grades 5-12 is required to read at least ONE (1) book over Summer vacation. Students are expected to select any book they are interested in and would like to discuss upon returning to school in August. GLCPS students will complete an activity for the ELA class based on the book they have chosen, so pick something you think you will like!
Most books are accessible for free at the local library and on the library app Libby. If you do not already have a library card, start with this LINK or visit your nearest library. A full list of New Bedford library locations is available HERE.
High School Summer Reading Requirements and Recommendations
High School Students, Click on the links below to explore which book(s) you would enjoy reading over summer vacation.
Middle School Summer Reading Requirements and Recommendations
Middle School Students, choose one book to read this summer. The book can be in any genre, including graphic novels at your reading level. Students will create a book review bookmark with the template they received from their teacher once they have read their book. The bookmark will be due the first week of school and will count as the first classwork grade of the new school year. (Once students return to school, they will create a larger book review in class based on the bookmark they created, for all of their classmates to see.)
Students could either choose a book from the school library, borrow a book from the free public library, or purchase a new book at a bookstore or online.
Here is a list of recommended books at various reading levels (RL) for middle school students.
Reading Level: Grades 1-3
Simple language, early chapter books, but mature enough in theme for middle schoolers struggling with reading.
Hi! Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold
RL 1.8 A humorous, accessible read with illustrations; good for confidence building.
Yasmin series by Saadia Faruqi
RL 2.2 A Pakistani-American girl explores school, family and friendships.
Ling & Ting: Not Exactly the Same! by Grace Lin
RL 2.5 Funny and smart twin adventures with cultural insight.
Nate the Great by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
RL 2.8 Great for reluctant readers who like mysteries.
Reading Level: Grades 4-6
Transitional readers, more plot depth but still simple sentence structure.
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DeCamilio
RL 4.1 A heartfelt story about friendship and resilience.
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
RL 5.1 A robot survives in nature; blends technology with wilderness survival.
El Deafo by Cece Bell
RL 4.3 Graphic novel memoir about growing up deaf.
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
RL 4.0 A gorilla in captivity reflects on life and friendship.
Reading Level: Grades 7- 9
Typical middle school reading level, more nuanced themes and complex sentence structure.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
RL 4.8 An emotional story about a boy with a facial difference navigating school.
Holes by louis Sacher
RL 6.6 A layered mystery with humor and history.
New Kid by Jerry Craft
RL 5.4 A graphic novel about being one of the few kids of color in a new private school.
Ghost by Jason Reynolds
RL 4.8 First in the Track series; great for sports fans and reluctant readers.
Reading Level: Grades 10 - 12
More advanced vocabulary and structure, but still appropriate for younger teens.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
RL 10.0 A poetic WWll narrative seen through a young girl's eyes.
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
RL 10.0 Sci-fi classic with themes of war, ethics and leadership.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon
RL 11.5 A mystery told from the perspective of a neurodivergent teen.
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
RL 10.4 Dystopian novel about censorship and individuality.
Animal Farm by George Orwell
RL 11.3 Political allegory using farm animals. Short and very teachable.