PA Summer Reading 2026

 

 

summer reading
 
The Pillow Academy English department has planned a great summer reading experience for 5th - 12th grade students. It is our hope that our students enjoy not only these carefully curated book selections, but also have a fun, healthy summer break with family and friends.

Summer Reading Information for Students entering Grades 5 - 8
   

Students in the following classes are required to read ONE book this summer. The links to the discussion questions for each book are indicated below and will remain on our website. All students should be prepared to turn the questions in to the teacher on the first day of school in August. A test will be given on the 1st day of school. Students should also plan for essays and further studies.

 

Students must have a copy of the novel to class the first day. 

5th Grade English: Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins
Click for Questions
6th Grade English:

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Click for Questions . . .

7th Grade English: The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton
Click for Questions . . .
8th Grade English:

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
Click for Instructions . . .

8th Grade Honors English: See below.

 

Summer Reading Information for Students entering Grades 9 - 12 + 8th Honors English
   

Students in regular English classes are required to read ONE book this summer and students in Honors English classes are required to read TWO books this summer. The classes below do not have study questions. Some have instructions - please read carefully!  As you read, take notes in the margins of your book to help you remember key passages. Pay attention to the author’s style and purpose. Watch for the author’s methods of characterization and use of symbols to suggest certain themes throughout the book. Note the author’s use of conflict and setting. Finally, consider how the main character’s conflict or dilemma may be a commentary on a larger issue by the author. Also take notes on foreshadowing, the theme, the plot and the point of view. A test will be given on the book during the first week of school in August (possibly the first full day of school). Other assignments will follow the test, possibly including an in-class essay along with other assignments.

 

Students must have a copy of the novel in class on the first day. 

 

8th Grade Honors English:

 

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
ISBN: 9780060935467
 
Book #2: Book of Choice by John Grisham:
     A Time to Kill 
    The Firm 
    The Chamber 
    The Testament 
    Bleachers
    Calico Joe 
Students will be given a test for the required book and an assignment that reflects their knowledge of the choice book. 
  
 9th Grade English: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
ISBN: 9780060935467
 9th Grade Honors English:  
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
ISBN: 978-0-14-017739-8
Mississippi Trial, 1955 by Chris Crowe
ISBN: 978-0142501924
 
10th Grade English:
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
ISBN: 978-0-14-017739-8
10th Grade Honors English:
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
ISBN: 9781451673265
Divergent by Veronica Roth
ISBN: 978-0062024039
 
11th Grade English: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
ISBN: 9781451673265
11th Grade Honors English:  
The Lord of the Flies by William Golding
ISBN: 9780399501487
 
Book #2: Book of Choice:
   Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
   Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
   Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
   Animal Farm by George Orwell
   Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
 
 
12th Grade English:
The Lord of the Flies by William Golding
ISBN: 9780399501487
 
 
12th Grade Honors English DE:

Required Reading (Complete BEFORE the first day of class):
Please read Theo of Golden by Allen Levi in its entirety prior to the first day of class.

  • ISBN: 978-1668236512

  • You should come to class prepared for a reading assessment (test/quiz) and discussion.

  • As you read, consider themes such as human connection, purpose, storytelling, and the impact of small acts.

 

Bring on the First Day (Do NOT read in advance):
Please bring a copy of Dear Writer by Maggie Smith to class on the first day.

  • ISBN: 978-1982170844

  • We will begin working with this text together in class as we explore writing, observation, and the ethics of telling others’ stories.

Note:
Both texts will be used together to guide our opening unit, which will focus on storytelling, voice, and the responsibility of representing real people and experiences.
Both books for 12th honors should be brought to class on the first day of school!