Summer Reading List for 2009
Dickerson Middle School
Grade 6

Reading is an important skill for success in all academic areas.  Studies show that students who read at least three books over the summer are more likely to maintain academic gains made during the school year as well as score higher on achievement tests.  Summer is an excellent time to encourage your child to read for enjoyment.  Students can also use summer months to get an early start on meeting the 1,000,000 Word/25 Book Georgia Performance Reading Standard.  Please refer to the list of recommended authors and books in order to guide your child’s selection.

 The following book has been selected due to its correlation with the 6th grade Social Studies curriculum.  Guided reading questions are provided to enhance your child’s reading comprehension. 

6^th Crispin: The Cross of Lead  by Avi  (780L)

6^th Grade Titles

Funke, Cornelia                                 Inkheart (780L)
Gauthier, Gail                                   Happy Kid (770L)
Grant, K. M.                                    The Blood Red Horse (930L)
Hawking, Lucy and Stephen               George’s Secret Key to the Universe
Hobb, Will                                       Crossing the Wire (670L)
Hobbs, Will                                      Jason’s Gold (860L)
Jennings, Richard                             The Great Whale of Kansas   (920L)
Montgomery, L. M.                           Anne of Green Gables (850L)
Petersen, P. J.                                 Rising Water
Yep, Laurence                        The Earth Dragon Awakes (510L) (GA Book Award nominee 07)

Non-fiction:
Murphy, Jim                                        Blizzard   (1080L)     
Sobel, Dava                                        Planets             
Wynn, Charles M. & Wiggins, A.             Five Biggest Ideas in Science

 6^th Grade Authors:

Crispin: The Cross of Lead – by Avi

Falsely accused of theft and murder, an orphaned peasant boy during the Crusades of fourteenth-century England flees his village and meets a larger-than-life juggler who holds a dangerous secret.

Discussion Questions:

1.  “I beg you to find your way to some town or city with its own liberties,” pleads Father Quinel to a stunned Crispin. The concept of freedom is central to Crispin: The Cross of Lead. The treacherous Cerdic, the kindly Father Quinel, the protective and provocative Bear, and even Widow Daventry offer Crispin paths to freedom. Discuss the evolution of Crispin’s idea of freedom and the liberty he finds at the end of the book.

2. Education is the province of the privileged in 14th century England.

Who has access to learning and why? The ability to read is a sign of what profession? Why do you think Asta concealed her ability to read and write from her son? Discuss the implications of Bear’s statement that his ability to read saves him from hanging.

 3. What is a “wolf’s head”and why would such a sentence be rendered in medieval society? Can you think of anyone who would be declared a wolf’s head in present times? Who better deserves to be declared a wolf’s head in Crispin?

 4. What is Bear’s role in the group planning the revolt? Do you think John Ball’s revolt will succeed or fail (see “Revolt”on page 4)? What are the signs being sought by John Ball and his comrades to see whether the country is ready for rebellion?

 5.  What is the significance of the painting of the knight in the chapel to

Aycliffe? To Crispin? What is the significance of the lead cross? Why did Crispin give up the cross to Aycliffe? Was it wise for him to give it up?

 6. The story of Crispin takes place centuries ago, can you think of any parallels that may be drawn between fourteenth-century life in England and modern-day America?

More information about Crispin can be found at the following web address:
http://www.hyperionbooksforchildren.com/data/books/tgdoc/0786808284147.doc
Myrick , Ellen Everett . "Crispin: Cross of Lead Teacher's Guide." Hyperion Books for Children. 2006. Hyperion Books for Children. 20 Feb. 2009 <http://www.hyperionbooksforchildren.com/data/books/tgdoc/0786808284147.doc>.

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