Independent+Reading

=Independent Reading=

What are my writing task choices for Book Report #3 (Due Wednesday, May 13, 2009) ?
= = = = =For this final book report, you may select any book from your February, March, April, or May reading. The main requirement is that you select a different assignment and a different genre both of the earlier book reports you have done. Also, you must choose a book that has not been made into a movie (not sure? check [|www.imdb.com]). = = = = = Each book report assignment is considered a major writing assignment. Therefore, you should prepare your book report with as much seriousness and attention to detail as you would any other major assignment. All assignments, regardless of the format you choose, should be written in approximately 400 – 1000 words. No matter which assignment you choose from the list below, you must remember that you must show understanding of the book's: Setting, Main Characters, and  Plot (conflict? climax? resolution ?)

One tip: Before you start the writing task, you are encouraged to examine the first two book reports you have done (in your writing folder). What did you do well? What could you improve? Use the scores and suggestions to guide you in making a improved final piece.

One more thing: You will have class time on Monday, May 11 to work on your book report. Thus, create you mind map and cover page in advance of this day, and then use the remaining time to edit and revise your writing.

2. Diary/Journal Entries** Write a diary that one of the story’s main characters might have kept before, during, or after the book’s events. Remember that the character’s thoughts and feelings are very important in a diary. Again, you must connect with the character, and try to imitate his/her voice. This should not sound like your diary, but the character’s. You must have at least four (4) separate entries.
 * 1. Formal Interview** Interview a character from your book. You will create both roles: the journalist and the character being interviewed. Remember, you must structure your writing like an interview, and must remember to introduce both the interviewer (you, or the character you pretend to be) and the interviewee (the character from the story). Write at least ten thoughtful questions that will give the character the opportunity to discuss his/her thoughts and feelings about his/her role in the story or events in the story. Answer the questions, staying as close to possible to the character. Remember, this means you must get inside the head of the character. The answers must feel like they come from the character, not from you.
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 * 3. Letter to a Movie Producer** Imagine that you are the author of the book you have just read. Suddenly the book becomes a best seller. Write a letter to a movie producer trying to get that person interested in making your book into a movie. Explain why the story, characters, conflicts, and setting would make a good film. Suggest a filming location and the actors to play the various roles. ê YOU MAY ONLY USE BOOKS THAT HAVE NOT ALREADY BEEN MADE INTO MOVIES.


 * 4. Small Newspaper** Write several feature articles that tell the story of the book as it might be found in a newspaper in the town where the story takes place. Articles should be written from a variety of perspectives (eg, interview different characters, focus on different events in the story). Remember how newspaper/journalistic writing differs from essay writing. Each article needs a) a headline, b) to answer, who, where, why, what, when, how.


 * 5. Character Description** Write a FULL (physical, emotional, relational) description of three (3) of the characters in the book. Remember to structure your work logically.


 * 8. Illustration** Sketch a favourite part of the book—don’t copy an already existing illustration. Write a detailed explanation as to why you chose to create the illustration you did, and why you feel the scene is so important to the book.


 * 9. Conflict Analysis** Stories are made up of conflicts and solutions. Choose three conflicts that take place in the story and tell what the solutions are. Choose one conflict that you wish had been handled differently, and explain how you think it should have been solved and why.


 * 10. New Character** Add a new character and explain what you would have him/her do in the story. Describe the physical and emotional characteristics of this character. Identify three situations in which you would have the new character appear, and explain how this character would influence the story.


 * 11. Spend a Day with One Character** Pretend that you can spend a day with one of the characters. Choose a character, and explain the following: Why do you want to spend a day with this character? What kinds of activities would you do? Why did you choose these activities? Remember, you must reveal events of the story, setting, and important characters through your plan for the day.

What are the C over Page and Mind Map requirements for the book report?
**Cover Page** //Construct an original eye catching, attractive and meaningful title page for your report. //Do not simply reproduce the cover of the book as your title page.// The title page must contain://

**Mind Map**
 * Your name
 * Book title
 * Author’s name
 * Publishing company and date of publication
 * Book genre (science fiction, thriller, mystery, fantasy, biography, etc.)

You will create a one page (A4) Mind Map of the book you read. The Mind Map will demonstrate that you have indeed read the book, and will serve as a visual summary of the story. You may use a combination of illustrations, symbols, words and phrases to prepare your Mind Map. The Mind Map will have the following information on it:
 * major characters
 * setting or settings
 * main conflict //(eg: man vs man, man vs nature, man vs society, man vs himself)//
 * two-three major plot events (//may include climax//)
 * emotional and physical resolution to conflict

Interested in participating in the Panda Award ?
Join the Panda web site to find great books and connect with other great readers: [|http://pandabooks.ning.com/] Gatty’s Tale – Kevin Crossley Holland Ruby Red – Linzi Glass Crusade – Elizabeth Laird Apache – Tanya Landman Here Lies Arthur – Philip Reeve Finding Violet Park – Jenny Valentine Looking for Alaska – John Green Dairy Queen - Catherine Gilbert Murdock Elijah of Buxton - Christopher Paul Curtis The Wednesday Wars – Gary Schmidt Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village - Laura Amy Schlitz The New Policeman – Kate Thompson Feathers – Jacqueline Woodson Red Moon at Sharpsburg – Rosemary Wells Broken Soup – Jenny Valentine The boy in the striped pajamas – John Boyne The very ordered existence of Merilee Marvelous – Suzanne Crowley Half-moon investigations – Eoin Colfer The road to Paris – Nikki Grimes Fly by night – Frances Hardinge Verdigris Deep - Frances Hardinge Surrender – Sonya Hartnett Penny from heaven - Jennifer L. Holm Hattie Big Sky - Kirby Larson Rules - Cynthia Lord A dog for life - L.S. Matthews The pull of the ocean - Jean-Claude Mourlevat The mysterious Benedict Society - Trent Lee Stewart A small white scar - K.A. Nuzum Anthony Horowitz-Snakehead Jacqueline Wilson – My sister Jodie Small Steps – Louis Sachar Fire Dreamer – Beth Webb Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – J.K. Rowling Sleepwalker – Robert Muchamore Teacher’s Dead – Ben Zephaniah
 * __Middle School - Panda List for Older Readers (11-14 years old)__**

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