8th Grade Summer Reading List

6th Grade Summer Reading AssignmentRocket Boys / October SkyBy Homer HickamInspired by Werner von Braun and his Cape Canaveral team, 14-year-oldHomer Hickam decided in 1957 to build his own rockets. They were histicket out of Coalwood, West Virginia, a mining town that everyone knewwas dying--everyone except Sonny's father, the mine superintendent and acompany man so dedicated that his family rarely saw him. Hickam's smart,iconoclastic mother wanted her son to become something more than aminer and, along with a female science teacher, encouraged the efforts ofhis grandiosely named Big Creek Missile Agency. He grew up to be a NASA engineer and hismemoir of the bumpy ride toward a gold medal at the National Science Fair in 1960--anunprecedented honor for a miner's kid--is rich in humor as well as warm sentiment.Book Selection/Difficulty:In the fall we start the year by looking at identity and the role that it plays in decision-making.Reading a memoir is an amazing opportunity to read a compelling story and at the same timelook at all of the elements of a person’s identity that come together to influence that person. Ichose October Sky because the story is well known and accessible to a wide range of students.In addition, the book has been made into a popular film that we will use to examine the novel.The text is 420pgs in length and is a 6.5 reading level (900 Lexile Score).Differentiation:While this book is estimated to be appropriate for readers in 6th grade, it is understood thatselecting a single text for the entire grade will mean that it is too hard for some and too easy forothers. The following are strategies for approaching the text from a wide range of abilities: Thebook seems hard: There are a number of strategies to aid in the comprehension of the novel.The first would be to watch the movie prior to reading the book so that the reader has a sense ofthe plot and can identify important characters. The second strategy would be for students toaccess an audio version of the text and to listen to the novel while reading along with the text.(Note: it’s important to follow along with an audio version and not just listen) Finally, parentsare encouraged to read the text along with students to facilitate discussions on comprehensionand also to have the opportunity to read difficult sections aloud. The book seems easy: Studentswho would like to challenge their thinking a bit more can complete the following extra creditassignment: Research the Obama administration’s current NASA plan. Analyze your researchto write a 1-2 page paper that recognizes and explains connections between the US spaceprogram in the 1950’s as seen in the text and our current NASA plan.Assignment:All 6th graders should watch the movie October Sky after completing the novel. (Rated PG) Itmay be helpful to take notes while watching looking for both similarities and differencesbetween the book and the movie. After watching the movie, please type a letter to the director,Joe Johnston. Your letter should be one page in length and give your opinion on how well themovie compared to your visit. Assignments are due on the first day of class in the fall.