Summer Reading Resources
Here are lists I created recently for Zootoring clients of mine who have signed up for Summer Reading packages with me!
This first list is for high school readers. All of the titles are considered challenging because of their vocabulary, content, and complexity. I have read many of these books, but I haven't read all of them.
Summer Reading Ideas for Grades 9-12 for Vocabulary and Text Complexity
Here's another list I created for middle school (grades 5-8) Zootoring clients. Again, I have read many of these books, but not all of them.
Middle School Books for Summer Reading
MORE BOOK LISTS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL READERS (including those who resist reading)
I always recommend looking into ANYTHING on these lists:
https://www.nationalbook.org/2025-national-book-awards-longlist-for-young-peoples-literature/
https://www.ala.org/awards/books-media/schneider-family-book-award
https://www.ala.org/rrt/award/stonewall/honored
https://www.ala.org/yalsa/morris-award
"What the heck is LEXILE and should I care about the level of the book I am reading?"
While LEXILE (trademark symbol) is not everything, it is something. It can be helpful to find an "appropriately challenging" book by looking up its LEXILE level, but, as the American Library Association (ALA) warns us, LEXILE does not consider a reader's choice, personality, or interests. And, guess what? Engaging with a book so that it feels fun requires elements of choice, personality, and interest.
I use a book's LEXILE to help me when I am working with someone who is specifically trying to enrich their advanced vocabulary because many books use the same few thousand words repeatedly. But, in general, I don't rely on any single "measurement" of books. After all, how do you assess the magic of imagination?
Here are some links to information that can help you if you want to dive deeper:
Position of the ALA Regarding Labels
Article: "An Inside View of Lexile Measures"
