Independent Reading Assignments

Independent Reading Assignments 11/12

#1 Due Oct. 7

#2  Due Dec. 16

#3 Due Mar. 10

#4 Due May 19

One of the best ways to practice your critical analysis skills, to improve your vocabulary, and to become a better reader is to READ.  This semester, in addition to the novels we are reading in class, you will need to do a significant amount of outside reading.  You will choose your own outside reading books and keep a Reading Log.  

Reading Requirements and Independent Reading Logs:

• You will choose your own independent reading books.  You need to choose books at (or close to) your reading level.  Choose books which you are interested in; however, do go for a little variety (i.e.. don't just read books by one author or on one subject for the entire semester).  Please DO NOT read books you have already read.  You need to bring your chosen novel to the second day of class so that I can check it off.  You will receive points just for bringing in your book so - NO EXCUSES.
• Every week, you will be required to read a minimum of (3) hours.  Of course, you can always read more than the minimum! 
• You will be required to turn in four Independent Reading Projects during the year, so plan on reading, at least, four novels of your choice.
• Every time you read independently, you must log your reading time in you Independent Reading Log (IRL).  Note: reading logs must be filled out at the time you read to receive credit.  You will not be able to fill in your reading log before or during class.  No exceptions!  Every week, I will check your IRL and give you credit if you have completed the required amount of reading.

Independent Reading Projects

You will be required to turn in four Independent Reading Projects.  You may choose from the following projects:

• Character Diary: keep a character diary.  Choose a character from your book to “become.”  After every 3 hour session of independent reading, write about the events of the book from the perspective of the character.  What does he/she feel about what has happened?  What is he/she worried about or excited about?  Etc.  DO NOT simply summarize what has happened.  Each character diary entry must be 1 page typed in length.  Entries should be bound into a book and the cover decorated.  Make sure to do quality work.  Minimum of five entries.
• Creative Writing:  write an alternate ending or an epilogue for your book.  Your epilogue/alternate ending must be a minimum of three pages typed.  Try to write in a similar style to the author of the book.  Make sure your ending/epilogue makes sense.
• Book Review:  write a professional book review.  AGAIN, NOT A SUMMARY.  In your professional book review, briefly summarize the ideas of the book.  Then give your own critical analysis.  Give your opinions about the book.  DId you find the book engaging?  Persuasive?  DId you agree with it?  Did you enjoy it?  Would you recommend it to others?  What did you like or not like?  Who is the intended audience of the book?  Does it succeed in reaching this audience?  Your review should be organized and clear and in paragraph form.  Do not simply answer the above questions.  Compose a thoughtful review.  Make sure to give example from the book with quotations and page numbers.  Book review needs to be a minimum of three pages typed.
• Artistic Representation:  create a piece of artwork that symbolizes the major themes and lessons in your book.  You can paint, draw, sculpt, write a song, perform a dance, etc.  However, your art must be your interpretation of the major themes and MUST be quality work.  You must also turn in a written component critically analyzing the major themes of the book (you must back this up with textual evidence) and explaining how your art represents the major themes of the book and your process of  creating your piece.  The written component is really a short critical analysis essay, exploring the major themes of the book.  Minimum of 1 1/2 pages typed.