FWCD Reads: 2021 Summer Reading
A summer reading program in all divisions has long been a tradition at Fort Worth Country Day. Keeping students reading over the summer and fostering a love of reading are important goals. The School works toward these goals by choosing books with literary value that are also popular with the readers.
Both the Lower School and Moncrief Libraries will be open throughout the summer on most Wednesdays, beginning on June 2. Hours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
K-4 students in the Lower School enjoy Blackout Bingo, which is designed to encourage students to read a variety of books over the summer break. The grade-level specific bingo cards include categories of books to encourage all students — even the newest of readers — to use the library catalog or browse the shelves to find books of interest and to promote reading in different genres. Summer reading commences for Lower School students on Monday, May 31, with all cards being submitted by Tuesday, August 24. Students who complete the card are granted a highly coveted Out-of-Uniform Day on Friday, September 3.
Middle School students are responsible for reading three books. Each grade level has one required book and two “choice” books. All grade levels have lists of books from which to choose for their choice books. The required books are:
Fifth Grade: Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
Sixth Grade: Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling
Seventh Grade: The Giver by Lois Lowery
Eighth Grade: Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewell Parker Rhodes OR The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
Accelerated Reader (AR) tests will be taken on each book read over the summer. See the 2021 Summer Reading Website for AR due dates.
Upper School students are required to read three books: a universal book, a student choice book and a grade-level required reading for English class. They will participate in discussions during the school year related to the universal and student choice books. Students will complete an English assignment on the grade-level required reading when school resumes. This year’s universal book is Counting Descent by Clint Smith.
Summer reading isn’t just for the students! FWCD faculty and staff enjoy a good book as well! They are choosing from 16 books that cover a variety of genres. Faculty and staff connect to discuss their chosen books during in-service time in August.
For a complete listing of books for all grades, as well as the Lower School Blackout Bingo cards, visit the 2021 Summer Reading website or contact Tammy Wolford.
