Ind Novel Proj 09

Independent Novel Project #1 Select a novel (minimum 200 “normal” size pages) that has been written within your lifetime. This CAN NOT be a book that has been made into a movie. This novel needs to be age and ability appropriate, however it can be by an author from any country and can be of any genre (mystery, romance, adventure, science fiction, etc.). No two students in the class may use the same novel for this project, and titles will be reserved on a first come, first served basis. Sorry, no nonfiction allowed for this project. Also, please be aware that extremely little class time will be devoted to this project, so pace yourself accordingly to get everything done by the due dates. Bring the novel you choose to class with you every day, however, so that you can work on this project as time permits. You will lose daily participation points if work time is provided in class and you do not have your novel with you. Our RHS library has many contemporary young adult titles. Be sure to ask a librarian if you need some suggestions. Project Details: 1. Reading Journals - Divide your book into four (4) sections. It doesn’t have to be exact, but just take the total number of pages and divide by 4. You will need to keep a reading journal on each section. Your reading journal needs to include, but is not limited to, the following for each of the four sections of your book: A. Your name, title of your book, and author’s name. B. The date, section number, and the page numbers in the section you read. (For example, September 20, section 2, pages 55-107.) C. Write a summary of the events that happened in the section you read, as well as YOUR RESPONSE to what you have read in that section. Are you interested? Why or why not? Were there surprises? Explain. What did you like most or least? Explain. How are you relating to the characters? How is the setting important to the story in this section? Etc. These reading journal entries are to be NO MORE THAN ONE (1) PAGE. D. Turn in each reading journal entry by the date listed on the schedule. 2.

A. B. C.

Poster - Create an informative poster about your book. This poster will be graded for organization, content, writing, and appearance. Have fun with this and be sure to make the poster visually appealing – include pictures (drawn, painted, computer generated, etc.) that represent the story. The poster MUST include “A” below and AT LEAST 4 of the other items “B” through “J”: Title, author, and the book’s 1st copyright date. Point of View - whether the book is told from 1st person, 3rd person limited, or 3rd person omniscient point of view. Tell who the narrator is. Describe the main character(s), and his/her/its strengths and

D. E. F. G. H. I. J.

3.

weaknesses. Describe/explain the main conflict of the story. Don’t just put ___ vs. ___. Include 2-3 interesting/important quotes from the book, and a brief explanation of how they relate to the overall context of the story or character(s). Describe/explain a major theme from the story, and how that theme is presented in the story. Explain why you either do or do not recommend this book to others. Include your own at-a-glance rating system (i.e. 4 out of 5 stars?) Include a brief summary of the book, but DON’T GIVE AWAY THE ENDING! Describe/explain the setting of the story. Discuss/explain unique features about this author’s writing style, such as use of flashbacks, similes, slang, surprise twists, descriptive style, satire, etc.

Presentation - You will be sharing your observations about the book with the class in the form of a prepared and rehearsed informative speech. Your presentation should include the same elements as those on your poster. Your poster will be your visual aid during the presentation.

THE SCHEDULE 9/14 Independent novel project introduced 9/21 have one

Last day to choose your independent novel. If you don’t

9/28 -

Reading journal #1 due today.

10/5 -

Reading journal #2 due today.

10/12 -

Reading journal #3 due today.

10/19 -

Reading journal #4 due today.

10/26 -

All posters due today. Independent novel speeches today.

chosen by today, Mr. Fobert will choose for you!

10/26 through ? -Informative speeches begin 10/26, and continue until each student has been given an opportunity to deliver his/her presentation.

Your Name:__________________________

Today’s Date:_________

Book Title:___________________________

Section (circle):

1...2...3...4 Author Name:________________________

Pages read:_____ -

____ Summary:__________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________ Your Response/Reaction/Analysis:________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________