The books that appear on this recommended reading list were chosen as favorite books by students in the fourth, fifth and sixth grades at Curtis, with a few titles thrown in by teachers for good measure. It is hoped that peer suggestion will be more persuasive than adult suggestion often is. The books are sorted by genre because students should be tempted to read from a variety of genres, as the skills and experiences acquired by reading each genre are different. For instance, reading fantasy encourages imagination; reading mystery sharpens problem-solving and prediction skills; reading non-fiction broadens one's depth of knowledge and the ability to analyze, etc.

   The forms used for the summer reading program will be available here as summer approaches. You will be able to be downloaded to your home computer and printed.

   The required reading for each grade level for the summer will also be listed here as soon as the list is finalized.

   Enjoy reading!

Definition of genres.

Required Reading for the Summer 2006

Incoming 4th graders - Stuart Little by EB White

Incoming 5th graders - The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden

Incoming 6th graders - Either Melonhead by Michael deGusman or Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff