The ELA Department of South Orangetown Central School District requires students to read over summer break. Research clearly correlates the amount of reading a student does over the summer to his or her academic growth over the school year. Students entering grade 6,7 and 8 should read a minimum of two non-fiction and/or fiction books (approximately 500 pages or more) count as two books. This is a minimum requirement. We encourage students to read widely, and they should not limit themselves to two books.
Students will be responsible for demonstrating understanding of the books during the first few weeks of the school year. If you need suggestions or help finding books that are mutually acceptable to students and parents, please explore the following book lists/resources.
Due to the overwhelming number of new titles being published all the time, the ELA department has decided that students may choose to read books not included on these lists.
In addition to these lists, some teachers have recommended books during ELA class and some teachers may have more suggestions on their individual blog pages.
Note: Should your child choose a text that is part of the English Department’s curriculum, please know the student will be required to re-read the selection.
- TeenReads
- GoodReads Top 100 Middle School Reads
- NPR Ultimate Backseat Bookshelf 100 Must Reads for Kids
- Association for Library Services to Children Summer Reading Lists 2019
- NYS Summer Reading 2019( Don’t have a library card? Leave card and PIN blank to register.)
- Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge 2019
- Barnes N Noble Summer Reading 2018
- Ramapo Catskill Library System
- Students entering 9th grade should visit, the Tappan Zee High School link
To join in the fun of Summer Reading and Summer Learning, just find your local library website using the links below.
- Blauvelt Public Library
- Palisades Free Library
- Piermont Public Library
- Orangeburg Public Library
- Tappan Public Library
As part of Summer Reading at New York Libraries, the State Education Department and myON are partnering to bring thousands of enhanced digital books to children from birth through 8th grade and their families all around the state! The login information is below: school name: New York Reads
username: read
password: books
The summer is a great time to explore eBooks. Access SOMS FollettShelf eBooks HERE (Username and Password is your PowerSchool Login)
TOGETHER, LET’S KEEP READING AND LEARNING…ALL SUMMER LONG !