RISING FIRST GRADE

  • Book 1: Assigned | Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes by Eric Litwin
  • Read this book by the first day of school and be prepared to discuss in class. No written project is required.
  • Book 2: Student Choice Book + Project
  • Students will choose a second book (fiction or nonfiction) and complete a paper bag report to bring in on the first day of school..
  • The project must include:
  • Title
  • Author
  • A favorite moment from the story
  • Books may be borrowed or purchased, in print or e-book form. We encourage families to read and talk about the books together.
  • Suggested titles for rising first graders


RISING SECOND GRADE

  • Book 1: Assigned + Book Circle
  • Read one of the following by the first day of school and be prepared to discuss it in class. No written project is required.
  • Students should be ready to discuss characters, setting, and plot.
  • Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid byMegan McDonald
  • Sydney & Taylor Explore the Whole Wide World by Jacqueline Davies
  • Charlie & Mouse (Book 1) by Laurel Snyder
  • Book 2: Student Choice Book + Project
  • Choose any other book (fiction or nonfiction with a clear beginning, middle, and end). Do not use any of the Book Circle titles, but other books in those series are fine.
  • Students will complete a cereal box report using the provided template (also linked on the website). Projects must include:
  • Title
  • Author
  • Main characters
  • Setting
  • Plot summary
  • Why you liked it or your favorite part
  • Books may be borrowed or purchased, in print or e-book. Encourage your child to read independently and talk about the books with you.
  • Suggested titles for rising second graders


RISING THIRD GRADE

  • Books may be borrowed or purchased, in print or e-book form. Students in grades 3–8 should read independently; please avoid audiobooks or read-alouds unless listed in an SAP. Parents are encouraged to read along and discuss the stories.
  • Book 1: Assigned | Third Grade Angels by Jerry Spinelli
  • Read this book by the first day of school and be prepared to discuss characters, setting, plot, and themes of friendship. No written project is required.
  • Book 2: Student Choice Book + Project
  • Choose one book your child can read independently and complete the Cereal Box Project.
  • Choice books should:
  • Have a clear beginning, middle, and end
  • Be a full Cover-to-Cover read (fiction or narrative nonfiction; not reference-style books)
  • Be at a level your child can read comfortably
  • Take more than 20 minutes to finish in one sitting
  • Be genuinely interesting to your child
  • Projects are due the first day of school. Students will share their work and recommend their book to classmates.
  • Suggested titles for rising third graders


RISING FOURTH GRADE

  • Books may be borrowed or purchased, in print or e-book form. Students in grades 3–8 should read independently; please avoid audiobooks or read-alouds unless listed in an SAP. Parents are encouraged to read along and discuss the stories.
  • Book 1: Assigned | Spies at Mount Vernon by Steven K. Smith
  • Read this book by the first day of school and be prepared to discuss characters, setting, and plot. No written project is required.
  • Book 2: Student Choice Book + Oral Report + Book Cover
  • Students will choose a Cover-to-Cover book (guidelines below) and prepare:
  • A short oral report including:
  • Title and author
  • Main characters with a short description of each
  • Setting (Place and time frame)
  • Plot summary
  • What happened beginning or what is the problem?
  • What happened in the middle or what is the rising action?
  • Either something learned or a favorite part
  • Do NOT reveal the ending; rather leave the audience wanting to know what will happen next so they will want to read the book.
  • Encourage your child to practice out loud and use notecard, if helpful.
  • A book cover:
  • Designed on 8.5×11 paper with the title and author; colored paper is OK.
  • Fill the page, be neat, and be creative; covers will be displayed.
  • Both are due on the first day of school.
  • Cover-to-Cover books should:
  • Have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Any fiction book works.
  • Be fiction or narrative nonfiction (not reference-style books)
  • Be at a level your child can read independently. (Choose a level where they won’t need to stop and decode more than a word or two per page.)
  • Take more than 20 minutes to read
  • Be genuinely interesting to your child
  • Suggested titles for rising fourth graders


RISING Fifth GRADE

  • Books may be borrowed or purchased, in print or e-book form. Students in grades 3–8 should read independently; please avoid audiobooks or read-alouds unless listed in an SAP. Parents are encouraged to read along and discuss the stories.
  • Book 1: Assigned | The Bicycle Spy by Yona Zeldis McDonough
  • Read this book by the first day of school and be prepared to discuss characters, setting, and plot. No written project is required.
  • Book 2: Student Choice Book + Paper Bag Project
  • Students will choose a Cover-to-Cover book and complete a paper bag report (lunch-bag size).
  • Print this rubric, complete and turn in with your project.
The 2026–2027 Battle of the Books list may also be used.
  • Projects are due on the first day of school. Students will present their books and encourage others to read them.
  • Cover-to-Cover books should:
  • Have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Any fiction book works.
  • Be fiction or narrative nonfiction (not reference-style books)
  • Be at a level your child can read independently. (Choose a level where they won’t need to stop and decode more than a word or two per page.)
  • Take more than 20 minutes to read
  • Be genuinely interesting to your child
  • Suggested titles for rising fifth graders