Fiction

AISA Summer Reading List for Students Entering 6th Grade This list includes a wide variety of books to appeal to the interests and reading levels of many students. Parents are encouraged to review book selections with their children in order to help them make appropriate choices. Students may select books from this list, or they may read a comparable book that is approved by their parents. The purpose of summer reading is to read! We want students to focus on the pleasure of reading and not be overly concerned with assessments and evaluations. However, upon their return to school, there will be assessment activities based upon student reading. Below are a few examples of activities that students might select: *Create a poster advertising your book to others. *Deliver an oral presentation on your book. Students may have other options as well, and their activities must demonstrate comprehension of their chosen book. Keep in mind, however, that the goal is the reading itself.
AISA Summer Reading List
Alvarez, Julia. HOW TIA LOLA CAME TO STAY. (Realistic Fiction) Lexile: 740L
After his parent's divorce, Miguel’s aunt, Tia Lola, comes from the Dominican Republic to stay with
ten-year-old Miguel, his mother, and his sister. At first Miguel is embarrassed by his aunt’s colorful
behavior but, in time, he learns to love her.
Amato, Mary. THE NAKED MOLE-RAT LETTERS. (Realistic Fiction) Lexile: 670L
When her father begins a long-distance romance with a Washington, D.C. zookeeper, twelve-year-old
Frankie sends e-mails advising the zookeeper to end the relationship. Frankie learns much about growing
up.
Armstrong, Alan. WHITTINGTON. (Fiction) Lexile: 760L
This is the Newbery Honor-winning story of a legendary English cat and his extraordinary descendant that
is woven through a family’s gripping generational story.

Balliet, Blue. CHASING VERMEER. (Fiction) Lexile: 770L
When seemingly unrelated and strange events start to happen and a precious Vermeer painting disappears,
eleven-year-olds Petra and Calder combine their mathematical talents to resolve an international art
scandal.

Birdsall, Jeanne. THE PENDERWICKS. (Realistic Fiction) Lexile: 800L This is the lighthearted, old
fashioned story of a family of four sisters and a widowed botany professor and their summer adventures.
Birney, Betty G. THE WORLD ACCORDING TO HUMPHRY. (Fiction) Lexile: 670L With an
engaging, hamster's-eye view of school, a class pet named Humphry brings laughter and fun to the students
and families who host him and gives great gifts in return.
Blackwood, Gary. THE SHAKESPEARE STEALER. (Historical Fiction) Lexile: 840L Widge is an
orphan whose fearsome master has just one demand: steal Shakespeare's play "Hamlet"--or else. Widge
has no choice but to follow orders, so he works his way into the heart of the Globe Theatre, where
Shakespeare's players perform.
Butler, Amy. VIRGINIA BOUND. (Historical Fiction) Lexile: 700L Thirteen-year-old orphaned
beggar Rob Brackett is kidnapped from the streets of London and taken to the New World. There he works
for a master who is a cruel tobacco farmer. His master also owns a Pamunkey Indian girl named
Mattoume.
Clements, Andrew. THE LAST HOLIDAY CONCERT. (Realistic Fiction) Lexile: 800L When sixth
graders are put in charge of the holiday concert, tables are turned and teachers learn from their students.
This book will appeal to any student who has ever taken part in an organized production.
Clements, Andrew. ROOM ONE: A MYSTERY OR TWO. (Fiction) Lexile: 840L Ted Hammond
is the only sixth grader in his small Nebraska town's one-room schoolhouse. His love of mysteries leads
him to search for clues to the disappearance of a homeless family.
Cobb, Vicki. MARIE CURIE. (Nonfiction) Lexile : Not published
This is the biography of the Nobel Prize-winning Polish scientist who discovered uranium and changed the
world.
Coman, Carolyn. THE BIG HOUSE. (Fiction) Lexile: 820L
When their parents are convicted of embezzlement, Ray and Ivy are sent to live the life of luxury with
Marrieta Noland and her ancient husband, Lionel. Life at the Nolands' big house is not all it's cracked up to
be as the book sheds light on family relationships.
Corbett, Sue. FREE BASEBALL. (Realistic Fiction) Lexile: 800L Eleven-year-old Felix is angry with
his mother for having too little time for him. The boy from Florida takes advantage of an opportunity to
become bat boy for a minor league baseball team, hoping to someday be like his father, a famous Cuban
outfielder. Glossaries of baseball terms and Spanish words and phrases are included in the book.
Cox, Clinton. UNDYING GLORY. (Nonfiction) Lexile: 1190L
This is the story of the courageous men of the 54th Regiment of Massachusetts, who fought as Union
soldiers to free their brothers and sisters from slavery. Included are black-and-white archival photographs
that bring the “Glory” brigade to life.
Creech, Sharon. GRANNY TORRELLI MAKES SOUP. (Realistic Fiction) Lexile: 810L
The world is bigger than just one person, but you can still make a difference. Sweet storytelling, easy
language and humor make the book read like a conversation and includes advice about friendships (and
cooking lessons).
Creech, Sharon. LOVE THAT DOG. (Fiction) Lexile 1010L
A young boy comes to love poetry through a personal understanding of what different famous poems mean
to him. He even surprises himself by writing his own inspired poem.
Dakos, Kali. IF YOU’RE NOT HERE, PLEASE RAISE YOUR HAND. (Nonfiction) Lexile: Not
published Favorite poems such as “Math is Brewing and I’m in Trouble,” “My Homework isn’t Done,”
and “I Left My Book in Hawaii” are included.
DiCamillo, Kate. THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE. (Fiction) Lexile 700L
Edward Tulane, a cold-hearted and proud toy rabbit, loves only himself until he is separated from the little
girl who adores him. He travels across the country, acquiring new owners and listening to their hopes,
dreams, and histories and learns about love along the way.
Dowell, Frances O’Roark. CHICKEN BOY. (Fiction) Lexile: 860L
Since the death of his mother, Tobin's family life and school life have been in disarray. After he starts
raising chickens with his seventh-grade classmate, Henry, everything starts to fall into place.
Du Prau, Jeanne. THE CITY OF EMBER. (Fantasy) Lexile: 0680L
The city of Ember was built as a last refuge for the human race. Two hundred years later, the great lamps
that light the city are beginning to flicker. When Lina finds part of an ancient message, she's sure it holds
the secret that will save the city.
Erdich, Louise. THE BIRCHBARK HOUSE. (Historical Fiction) Lexile: 970L
Omakayas is a seven-year-old Native American girl of the Ojibwa tribe. She lives through the joys of
summer and the perils of winter on an island in Lake Superior in 1847.
Feinstein, John. LAST SHOT: A FINAL FOUR SHOT. (Fiction) Lexile: 760L
After winning a basketball reporting contest, eighth graders Stevie and Susan Carol are sent to cover the
Final Four tournament. There they discover that a talented player is being blackmailed into throwing the
final game.
Fleischman, Sid. THE WHITE ELEPHANT. (Fiction) Lexile: 770L
How can a beautiful white elephant be a terrible curse? Run-Run, a young elephant trainer, discovers the
answer when he incurs the anger of the prince. As the boy's punishment, he is given the gift of a white
elephant. From that moment forward, the curse begins to reveal itself.
Freedman, Russell. FREEDOM WALKERS. (Nonfiction) Lexile: 1110L
The author breathes life into the key personalities and events that contributed to the yearlong civil rights
struggle. The struggle became known as the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
Freedman, Russell. GIVE ME LIBERTY!: THE STORY OF THE DECLARATION OF
INDEPENDENCE. (Nonfiction) Lexile: 1070L
When the delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution, they knew it wasn't perfect.
The book describes events leading to the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments aimed to preserve and
protect the rights and liberties of all citizens, and its continuing importance today.
Fritz, Jean. AROUND THE WORLD IN A HUNDRED YEARS FROM HENRY THE
NAVIGATOR TO MAGELLAN. (Nonfiction) Lexile: 1050L
This book examines the great wave of European exploration during the 1400s in a way that brings to life the
explorers who changed the world map.
Hall, Alvin D. SHOW ME THE MONEY. (Nonfiction) Lexile: Not published
Filled with games, puzzles, and fun facts, this bright, visual resource exposes young readers to basic
concepts of currency and finance. Topics include the barter system, supply and demand, and how money
works differently around the world.
Hopkins, Lee Bennett (ed.). HAND IN HAND: AN AMERICAN HISTORY THROUGH POETRY.
(Nonfiction) Lexile: Not published.
This collection of poems and song lyrics provides a look at America from Colonial times to the present.

Hopkins, Lee Bennett (ed.). LIVES: POEMS ABOUT FAMOUS AMERICANS. (Nonfiction)
Lexile: Not published
This collection of poems includes portraits of sixteen famous Americans from Paul Revere to Neil
Armstrong. Jane Yolen, Nikki Grimes, X. J. Kennedy, and other writers shed light on these famous
people.
Hopkins, Lee Bennett (ed.). MARVELOUS MATH, A BOOK OF POEMS. (Nonfiction) Lexile: Not
published A series of poems about math are included in the text, including “Math Makes Me Feel Safe,"
"Fractions," "Pythagoras," and "Time Passes." Janet S. Wong, Lee Bennett Hopkins, and Ilo Orleans are
contributing authors.
Hopkins, Lee Bennett (ed.). MY AMERICA: A POETRY ATLAS OF THE UNITED STATES.
(Nonfiction) Lexile: Not published A collection of poems divides the United States into eight
geographical and demonstrates the variety throughout.
Ibbotson, Eva. THE STAR OF KAZAN. (Historical Fiction) Lexile: 880L
Twelve-year-old Annika, an orphan living in late nineteenth-century Vienna, inherits a trunk of costume
jewelry. A woman claiming to be her aristocratic mother arrives and takes her to live in a strange old
mansion in Germany.
Janeczki, Paul B. A KICK IN THE HEAD: AN EVERYDAY GUIDE TO POETIC FORMS.
(Nonfiction) Lexile: Not published
Acclaimed poet Paul Janeczki and Caldecott illustrator Chris Raschka present lively examples of 29 poetic
forms. The poems show not only the rules of poetry, but also the spirit that brings these forms to life.
Jones, Charlotte. MISTAKES THAT WORKED. (Nonfiction) Lexile: 1040L
The author presents the stories of 40 patented items that were invented or named by accident. Included are
aspirin, X-rays, Frisbees, Silly Putty, and Velcro.
Kinney, Jeff. DIARY OF A WIMPY KID. (series) (Fiction) Lexile: 950L
Greg and his best friend, Rowley, are undersized weaklings in sixth grade. Greg records his experiences in
middle school, among boys who need to shave twice daily, and hopes just to survive. When Rowley grows
more popular, Greg must take drastic measures to save their friendship.
Konigsburg, E.L. THE VIEW FROM SATURDAY. (Realistic Fiction) Lexile: 870L
Four hilariously different students develop a special friendship and attract the attention of their teacher.
The teacher, a paraplegic, chooses them to represent their sixth grade class in the Academic Bowl
competition.
LaFaye, A. WORTH. (Historical Fiction) Lexile: 830L
After breaking his leg, eleven-year-old Nate feels useless because he cannot work on the family farm in
nineteenth-century Nebraska. When his father brings home an orphan boy to help with the chores, Nate
feels even worse.
Lubar, David. PUNISHED! (Fiction) Lexile: 540L
While Logan and his friend Benedict are playing tag in the library, Logan runs into a mysterious man. As
punishment, the man causes Logan to speak in puns. To return to normal, Logan must now find examples
of oxymorons, anagrams, and palindromes.
Lubar, David. DOG DAYS. (Fiction) Lexile: IG980L
Larry has to work hard to try to earn money to buy food to feed three stray dogs. Now his brother has taken
him to an alley where another dog is staying. How can he afford to take care of another dog?
Lupica, Mike. HEAT. (Realistic Fiction) Lexile: 770L
Pitching sensation Michael Arroyo is on the run from social services after being banned from playing Little
League baseball. Rival coaches doubt he is only twelve years old, and he has no parents to offer them
proof.
Macaulay, David. MOSQUE. (Nonfiction) Lexile: 1340L
A mosque, with its enormous central dome of the prayer hall and minaret tower, rises above the city. How
was such a structure built? Why was it built? Who are the architects?
MOSQUE. (Nonfiction) Lexile: 1340L
The text encourages and supports students as they discover the mysteries of the world's oldest
science—from constellations to moon rocks.
Park, Linda Sue. PROJECT MULBERRY. (Fiction) Lexile: 690L
While working on a project for an after-school club, Julia, a Korean American girl, and her friend Patrick
learn about silkworms. During the project they also learn about tolerance, prejudice, friendship, and
patience. Interaction between Julia and the author at the end of each chapter provides clues about the
book’s direction.
Park, Linda Sue. ARCHER’S QUEST. (Fiction) Lexile: Not published
Twelve-year-old Kevin Kim helps Koh Chu-mong, a Great Archer of ancient Korea, return to his own time.
Pobst, Sandra. ANIMALS ON THE EDGE: SCIENCE RACES TO SAVE SPECIES
THREATENED WITH EXTINCTION. (Nonfiction) Lexile Not published
This informed and educational narrative examines numerous threats to animals in the wild, raising
awareness of each species, and detailing the extent and urgency of the problem. The book also encourages
young animal lovers to take an active role in preservation.
Pullman, Philip. SCARECROW AND HIS SERVANT. (Fantasy) Lexile: Not published
A scarecrow and his boy servant, Jack, set off on a dangerous adventure. They try to outwit the dishonest
Buffaloni family and stake a claim to valuable Spring Valley.
Ray, Delia. GHOST GIRL: A BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAIN STORY. (Historical Fiction) Lexile:
920L
Eleven-year-old April is delighted when President and
Mrs. Hoover build a school near her Madison County, Virginia home. But her family's poverty, their grief
over the accidental death of her brother, and other problems may mean that April will never learn to read
under the tutelage of her wonderful teacher, Miss Vest.
Richardson, Charisse K. THE REAL LUCKY CHARM. (Realistic Fiction) Lexile: 570L
Ten-year-old Mia thinks that luck, rather than hard work, has helped her succeed on the court and at school.
She panics and turns to her twin brother for help when her lucky gold basketball is missing from her charm
bracelet.
Rinaldi, Ann. SARAH’S GROUND. (Historical Fiction) Lexile: 690L
In 1861, eighteen-year-old Sarah Tracy, from New York state, comes to work at Mount Vernon, the historic
Virginia home of George Washington. While there she tries to protect the safety and neutrality of the site
during the Civil War. She also meets her future husband, Upton Herbert, the plantation superintendent.
Historical notes are included.
Ryan, Pam Munoz. BECOMING NAOMI LEON. (Realistic Fiction) Lexile: Not published
When Naomi's absent mother reappears to claim her, Naomi runs away to Mexico. Naomi, along with her
great-grandmother and younger brother, set out to search for her father.
Schmidt, Gary D. LIZZIE BRIGHT AND THE BUCKMINISTER BOY. (Historical Fiction)
Lexile: 1000L
In 1911, Turner Buckminster hates his new home of Phippsburg, Maine. Things improve when he meets
Lizzie Bright Griffin, a girl from a poor, nearby island community founded by former slaves.
Selznick, Brian. INVENTIONS OF HUGO CABRET. (Fiction) Lexile: 820L
Orphan, clock keeper, and thief, Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station. There his survival
depends on secrets and anonymity. His world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric, bookish girl and a
bitter old man who runs a toy booth in the station, and Hugo's undercover life is put in jeopardy.
Stanley, Diane. BELLA AT MIDNIGHT. (Fantasy) Lexile: 950L
Raised by peasants, Bella discovers that she is actually the daughter of a knight. She finds herself caught
up in a terrible plot that will change her life and the kingdom forever.
Steig, William. ABEL’S ISLAND. (Fantasy) Lexile: 920L
When Abel, a mouse, is unexpectedly swept away by floodwaters and dumped on an island, he is forced to
use all his resourcefulness to survive and find his way home.
Stewart, Trenton. MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY. (Fiction) Lexile: 890L
Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance are all graduates of the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened and
members of the Benedict Society. They embark on a scavenger hunt that turns into a desperate search for
their missing benefactor, Mr. Benedict.
Thomas, Garen. YES WE CAN: A BIOGRAPHY OF BARACK OBAMA. (Nonfiction) Lexile:
AD690L
This is a biography of Barack Obama, from Illinois senator to presidential candidate.
Van Draanen, Wendelin. SHREDDERMAN (the series). (Fiction) Lexile: 580L
Fifth-grader Nolan Byrd, also known as Shredderman, solves a variety of mysteries.
Vande Velde, Vivian. THREE GOOD DEEDS. (Fantasy) Lexile: Not published
Caught stealing some goose eggs from a witch, Howard is cursed for his heartlessness and turned into a
goose himself. He can only become human again by performing three good deeds.
Walker, Sally. SECRETS OF A CIVIL WAR SUBMARINE: SOLVING THE MYSTERIES OF
THE H. L. HUNLEY. (Nonfiction) Lexile: Not published
For more than one hundred years, a submarine lay buried beneath the ocean floor near Charleston, South
Carolina. The H.L. Hunley made history in 1864 as the first submarine ever to sink an enemy ship.
Something went wrong during that daring mission and the Hunley never returned to port.
White, Ruth. THE SEARCH FOR BELLE PRATER. (Historical Fiction) Lexile: 830L
In 1955, Woodrow and his cousin Gypsy befriend a new girl in their seventh grade class in rural Virginia.
The three of them set off to find Woodrow's missing mother, encountering unlikely and intriguing
coincidences along the way.
Wiles, Deborah. EACH LITTLE BIRD THAT SINGS. (Realistic Fiction) Lexile: 760L
Comfort Snowberger is well acquainted with death since her family runs the funeral parlor in their small
southern town. Even so the ten-year-old is unprepared for the series of heart-wrenching events that begin
on the first day of Easter vacation with the sudden death of her beloved great-uncle Edisto.
Yep, Lawrence. WHEN THE CIRCUS CAME TO TOWN. (Fiction) Lexile: 810L
An Asian cook and a Chinese New Year celebration help a ten-year-old girl at a Montana stage coach
station to regain her confidence after smallpox scars her face.

Source: https://www.aisa.sch.ae/uploaded/Files/MS/6th_grade_Summer_Reading_List_2010_final_copy.pdf