Summer Assignments
2025

Summer Reading Suggestions from the Manse Library

Looking for something new and fun for summer reading? Take a look at the titles on this list. While the Manse Library is closed over the summer break, local libraries have a huge selection of these and other amazing books. Be aware that many of these books could be read aloud to younger students. Summer Reading Suggestions

More Summer Reading Ideas

The Association of Library Service to Children has some great summer reading ideas. The 2024 Summer Reading Lists are full of book titles and other digital media options to keep children engaged in reading and exploring throughout the summer. 

Birth to Preschool • Grade K-2 • Grades 3-5

Rising fourth grade students will receive a hard copy of the required summer math packet in the mail. Completed packets should be brought in the first day of School and given to the students' homeroom teachers.

If you don't receive the packet by June 20 or need a copy of it, contact Jermaine Hawkins in the Lower School Office. 

There is no required summer math packet for rising first, second or third grade students. The Lower School math coordinator Ellie Young does have review materials available for families who want summer math work for their student; these math packets are reinforcement in nature. Contact Ellie Young if you would like a math review packet sent to you.

Key Summer Reading Challenge for First and Lower Schoolers—1st-4th Grade

Summer is a perfect time for relaxing with a good book.  See how many of these challenges you can complete before school starts back in the fall. Having a friend or family member read to you counts! Bring back your list in the fall for a small surprise! Key Summer Reading Challenge

Summer Reading Suggestions from the Manse Library

Looking for something new and fun for summer reading? Take a look at the titles on this list. While the Manse library is closed over the summer break, local libraries have a huge selection of these and other amazing books. Be aware that many of these books could be read aloud to younger students. Summer Reading Suggestions

More Summer Reading Ideas

The Association of Library Service to Children has some great summer reading ideas. The 2024 Summer Reading Lists are full of book titles and other digital media options to keep children engaged in reading and exploring throughout the summer. 

Birth to Preschool  • Grade K-2 • Grades 3-5

Summer Math Work

Rising fifth grade students will receive a hard copy of their summer math packet in the mail. The completed packet should be brought in the first day of school and given to their fifth grade math teacher.

Contact Katharina Elberti in the Middle Office if you don't receive your packet by June 26 or need another copy of this packet.

Summer Humanities Work

Required Reading

During the summer we continue to be a community of readers: relaxing with new stories and uncovering treasures. You must read at least TWO books over the summer. Complete the one required reading below and the reading response AND read at least one other book of your choice. Record all your books in the Summer Reading Log.

The Summer Reading Log and the Reading Response sheet will be included in the math packet being sent to you. You may also, of course, download the information from here. 

1. Wonder*
Author: R.J. Palacio
ISBN: 9780375869020 (hardcover)
* You are asked to read ONLY the original book, and not the "Julian Chapter" or any other “chapters” that have appeared since the book was first published. Reading Response for Wonder.

2. Read one additional book of your choosing.

On the first day of school, please bring:

• Your copy of Wonder and the completed Wonder Reading Response.
• Your Summer Reading Log. 

Other reading ideas:

Reading lists compiled from the suggestions of your teachers, librarians and peers are available on the Middle School's Ford K. Brown (FKB) Library website. Go to Key School’s FKB/Upper School Libraries webpage. Click on "Catalog" at the top left, then click the "Resource Lists" in the left column. You will see a variety of recommended titles.

The Ford K. Brown Library is closed over the summer; however the books should be available through your local library. Here is a link to the Maryland Public Library Directory to search out your local library organized by county. From there, you can search how to apply for a library card online. 

View Maryland's Black-Eyed Susan Award-winning books!

Don’t forget to list your readings (novels, non-fiction, magazines, newspapers, etc.) in your log. Get together with friends, form book clubs, and email each other about your favorite characters. Enjoy the summer community of reading.

Questions?

For questions about the required reading, contact Middle School Humanities Head Jane Zanger.

Summer Math Work

View the Middle School Summer Math Assignments page for students going into 6th-8th grades. 

Summer Humanities Work

Required Reading

During the summer we continue to be a community of readers: relaxing with new stories and uncovering treasures. You must read at least TWO books over the summer. Complete the required readings below and the reading response. Record all your books in the Summer Reading Log.

1. A Place at the Table

A Place at the Table
By: Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan
ISBN: 9780358116684

Complete this Reading Response for A Place at the Table.

2. One biography of your choosing

Be prepared to bring in an artifact that represents an interest, success or notable achievement of your biography subject when instructed by your teacher. This will be used for the Biography Artifact Investigation in class during the first week of school.

On the first day of school, please bring:

• Your copy of A Place at the Table AND the completed Reading Response.
• A copy of the biography you chose.
• Your Summer Reading Log.

Other reading ideas:

Reading lists compiled from the suggestions of your teachers, librarians and peers are available on the Middle School's Ford K. Brown (FKB) Library website. Go to Key School’s FKB/Upper School Libraries webpage. Click on "Catalog" at the top left, then click the "Resource Lists" in the left column. You will see a variety of recommended titles.

The Ford K. Brown Library is closed over the summer; however the books should be available through your local library. Here is a link to the Maryland Public Library Directory to search out your local library organized by county. From there, you can search how to apply for a library card online. 

View Maryland's Black-Eyed Susan Award-winning books!

Don’t forget to list your readings (novels, non-fiction, magazines, newspapers, etc.) in your log. Get together with friends, form book clubs, and email each other about your favorite characters. Enjoy the summer community of reading.

Questions?

For questions about the required reading, contact Middle School Humanities Head Jane Zanger.

Summer Math Work

View the Middle School Summer Math Assignments page for students going into 6th-8th grades.

Summer Humanities Work

Required Reading

During the summer we continue to be a community of readers: relaxing with new stories and uncovering treasures. You must read at least TWO books over the summer. Complete the one required reading and the reading response AND read at least one other book of your choice. Record all your books in the Summer Reading Log.

1. The Giver

By: Lois Lowry
ISBN: 9780544336261 (January 2014)
Reading Response for The Giver

2. Read one additional book of your choice.

On the first day of school, please bring:

• Your copy of The Giver and the completed The Giver Reading Response
• Your Summer Reading Log
   

Other reading ideas:

Reading lists compiled from the suggestions of your teachers, librarians and peers are available on the Middle School's Ford K. Brown (FKB) Library website. Go to Key School’s FKB/Upper School Libraries webpage. Click on "Catalog" at the top left, then click the "Resource Lists" in the left column. You will see a variety of recommended titles.

The Ford K. Brown Library is closed over the summer; however the books should be available through your local library. Here is a link to the Maryland Public Library Directory to search out your local library organized by county. From there, you can search how to apply for a library card online. 

View Maryland's Black-Eyed Susan Award-winning books!

Don’t forget to list your readings (novels, non-fiction, magazines, newspapers, etc.) in your log. Get together with friends, form book clubs, and email each other about your favorite characters. Enjoy the summer community of reading.

Questions?

For questions about the required reading, contact Middle School Humanities Head Jane Zanger.

Summer Math Work

View the Middle School Summer Math Assignments page for students going into 6th-8th grades.

Summer Humanities Work

Required Reading

During the summer we continue to be a community of readers: relaxing with new stories and uncovering treasures. You must read at least TWO books over the summer. Complete the one required reading below and the reading response AND read at least one other book of your choice. Record all your books in the Summer Reading Log.

Required books for all eighth graders:

1. Animal Farm
By: George Orwell
ISBN: 9780451526342
Reading Response for Animal Farm.

2. Read at least one additional book of your choice.

On the first day of school, please bring:

• Your copy of Animal Farm and the completed Animal Farm Reading Response.
• Your Summer Reading Log.

Other reading ideas:

Reading lists compiled from the suggestions of your teachers, librarians and peers are available on the Middle School's Ford K. Brown (FKB) Library website. Go to Key School’s FKB/Upper School Libraries webpage. Click on "Catalog" at the top left, then click the "Resource Lists" in the left column. You will see a variety of recommended titles.

The Ford K. Brown Library is closed over the summer; however the books should be available through your local library. Here is a link to the Maryland Public Library Directory to search out your local library organized by county. From there, you can search how to apply for a library card online. 

View Maryland's Black-Eyed Susan Award-winning books!

Don’t forget to list your readings (novels, non-fiction, magazines, newspapers, etc.) in your log. Get together with friends, form book clubs, and email each other about your favorite characters. Enjoy the summer community of reading.

Questions?

For questions about the required reading, contact Middle School Humanities Head Jane Zanger.

If your course is not listed, there is no summer work required.

Ancient Civilizations

9th Grade

Read The Lady or the Tiger? and answer the questions found at the end of the story. The story raises questions about human nature and motivation, themes the class will wrestle with all year long. Read carefully, but most importantly, enjoy!

Modern Civilizations

10th Grade

American Civilization

Comparative Literature

12th Grade

Everything I Never Told You
By: Celeste Ng
ISBN: 9780143127550
Guiding questions

Arabic

French

Latin

Spanish

If your course is not listed, there is no optional or required summer work.

Algebra I (Optional)
Algebra II (Optional)
Accelerated Algebra II with Trigonometry (Required)
Geometry (Optional)
Accelerated Geometry with Trigonometry (Optional)
Precalculus (Required)
Advanced Calculus I (Required)
Advanced Calculus I/II (Required)
Advanced Calculus II/III (Required)

Advanced Biology

Advanced Chemistry