Independent Reading

Independent Reading

You must select one project. You may do more than one for extra credit.

Please be sure to print the rubric by clicking on the project's title and then refer to the rubric when you create your final copy.

1.  Cartoon Squares

Create a series of six drawings in six squares that show a significant event in the novel.  Under each picture or cartoon, write several lines of explanation.

2.  Scrapbook

Think about all the kinds of mementos you would put in a scrapbook if you had one  (pictures, movie stubs, etc.)!  Create a scrapbook of at least 4 pages for one of the characters in your novel.  Cut out pictures from magazines, print them from your computer, or draw them on your own.  Provide your audience with a glimpse into the character’s life.  Be sure to include captions for the pictures/objects you include.  Attach a 1-2 page explanation of why you selected these items.  Be sure to include   EVIDENCE from your book as to why you selected what you did. 

3.  Yearbook Entries

Imagine what three or four characters from your novel were like in middle school.  Cut   out a picture of a person from a magazine or draw your own illustration to represent the characters.  Mount one picture per page and include at least 5 facts about the character.  You may wish to include information such as: nickname, activities, clubs, sports, favorites (such as song, movie, or book), and a quotation that shows something about the person.  Feel free to include information not listed above. 

4.  Novel Soundtrack

Select at least 5 songs that relate to the novel and create a soundtrack.  You may select songs whose lyrics describe the characters, plot, conflict, or theme of the novel.  Be sure to include the lyrics for each song as well as a paragraph explaining why you chose that song and how it relates to the text you read.  Remember to create a CD cover that reflects some aspect of the novel.  If possible, provide a copy of the CD with these songs on it.

5.  Letter to the Author

Write a letter to the author explaining why you think he or she wrote the book and what he or she was trying to show through it.  Be sure to explain what you got out of the book and your reactions to particular moments or characters.   You may wish to include questions that arose as you read.  Follow the correct friendly letter format.

6.  Gifts for a Character

Select two characters from your novel and decide what three gifts each needs or would want.  Draw or find a picture of these gifts.  Under each picture, write a paragraph explaining why you chose this gift to give your character.  Be sure to refer to the novel when writing your explanation.

7.  Lights, Camera, Action

Select a memorable scene from the book you read and write a script for it.  Act out the scene and record it.  You may wish to recruit classmates to serve as actors in your scene.   Be sure to consider your costumes and the setting when filming.

8.  Create a Character’s Room

Consider your own bedroom.  The posters, pictures, and trinkets you have in your room reveal a lot about you.  Select a character from your book and decide what his or her room would look like.  What is hanging on the walls?  What is in the closets?  You may draw the room or create a model of it.  Be sure to include a 1-2 page explanation of why you put what you did in the room.  Refer to the text when writing this explanation.

9.   Character’s Résumé

Select a character from your book and consider what profession he or she would be good at.  What skills does he or she have?  What does he or she enjoy doing?  Create a résumé for your character.  Be sure to include the character’s name, address, and phone number, job he or she is applying for, where he or she went to school, any experience, hobbies, skills, clubs, interests, and a list of references that can be contacted.  Attach a 1-page explanation of why you chose this profession for your character.  Be sure to refer to the text in justifying your choice.  Go to   www.readwritethink.org/materials/resume/   for tips.

10. Podcast

Record yourself giving a book talk describing a summary of the book, your opinion, favorite parts, favorite characters, and anything else you would like to share.  Once you have recorded yourself, I will upload the book talk to my website for all to hear!  Come by during an extra-help session and I will show you how to record yourself.   Please come with what you would like to say already written out.

11. Non-Fiction

Select a topic that you are interested in and read a book about it (at least 100 pages). Complete the book report form.

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