Name: Date: Period: Please hand in this rubric with your assignment!!!

Independent Reading Assignment: Throughout the year, you have been reading independently for at least 15 minutes a week in my classroom. You will, during the 3rd marking period, be writing a review of at least one book you’ve read and enjoyed this year.

Why We’re Doing This: To help your fellow students create their next-lists, and hopefully add to their read-lists.

How We’re Doing This: There are plenty of options for completing this assignment. Each is worth 15 summative points.

1. Book Preview-Review: In order to create this assignment, copy the front and back cover of the book as well as the first five pages. Staple this all together. Then, on the back, staple: a summary of the book, an explanation of what kind of readers would probably like it, and an explanation of why you liked it so much.

2. Book Trailer: In order to create this assignment, either use PowerPoint or a video camera to create a “book trailer”. This trailer should make the following clear: the genre of the book, the setting of the book, the main character of the book, the main conflict of the book, and at least three “reviews” about why the book is so great.

3. Book Selfie: In order to create this assignment, you must take a selfie of you holding your book, and staple an index card to the bottom of this selfie. This index card should contain: a summary of the book, an explanation of why you liked the book so much, and an explanation of what kinds of readers would enjoy this book the most.

4. Book Fingerprint: In order to create this assignment, you must include the 5-10 books that have influenced you the most. You should turn in a sheet with a picture of each book cover, a one-sentence summary of each book, when you read (or re-read) that book, and one sentence explaining why you like each book.

Due Dates:

Round One: Friday, March 2nd Round Two: Wednesday, March 14th Round Three: Wednesday, March 28th

Independent Reading Assignment Rubric:_____/5 Preparedness and presentation: Assignment is neat and nicely presented. Very few errors. Contains all the necessary components for the assignment chosen.

_____/10 Student summary is accurate, and recommendation is positive and specific.

_____/15 Total

Example One: Book Preview Review

Book Review:

At its heart, Stephen Chbosky’s Perks of Being a Wallflower is a novel about growing up.

Charlie walks through his life as a passive observer until he meets some very unusual friends

who show him the importance of being an active participant in his own life. Together, Charlie,

Patrick, and Sam give the reader a look into the struggles and thrills of being young, as well as

the many different shades of loneliness teenagers often experience. By the end of the story,

Charlie grows to accept the pain of living with his past and is able to move forward towards his

future, still unsure, but with a determination to be a participant in life rather than just an

observer.

In my opinion, this novel offers a more honest view at teenage loneliness and isolation

than just about any book I have read. There is, yes, a glamor to the chaos and pain that comes

with being young, but it Chbosky does not seek to sugarcoat the often-overlooked dilemmas that

young people often face. In fact, Charlie’s blunt and honest way of speaking allows the reader to

trust in this world because this narrator does not shy away from revealing the imperfections of

his life. The way the book is told is done through letters Charlie writes directly to the reader,

allowing him to establish a relationship that is unique and engaging.

The group of readers that I think would enjoy this book are people who enjoy realistic

fiction because it puts words to those silent struggles we so often face. Feeling alone in a

crowded room, feeling different from everyone else, striving for acceptance in an unfamiliar

group of friends—all of these feelings are recognized and normalized through Charlie’s

experiences. It also pays tribute to heavier issues such as mental illness, death, and abuse in a

way that is both respectful and realistic. It is a look into the life of the “shy kid” that you might

not know very much about. It is a chance to see how complicated each individual person is and

how, regardless of age or experience, we all ultimately crave acceptance and love.

Example Two: Book Selfie

The Goose Girl, by Shannon Hale, is a retelling of a famous fairy tale. The story centers around Ani, crown princess of Kildenree, and the magical gifts she discovers throughout the story. Although Ani faces betrayal and abandonment at the hands of those she trusts most, she uses her abilities to overcome every obstacle and take her rightful place on the throne.

I have re-read this book many times of how much I enjoy Hale’s writing style. She makes every character feel real and relatable and writes in a way that makes the reader feel at home. This book is the first of series which focuses on the importance of celebrating equality and respect between people of all social-economic classes, cultures, and abilities.

Fantasy readers would enjoy this book the most, as it draws from a fairy-tale story. Hale’s explanation of magical elements is logical and interesting, and Ani’s journey goes beyond her personal struggles, to turn a critical eye on how the best rulers draw their power from their people, rather than their title.

Example Three: Book Finger Print

one-sentence summary of each book, when you read (or re-read) that book, and one sentence explaining why you like each book.

The Goose Girl: Summary: This fantasy book about an abandoned princess is about overcoming betrayal and cruelty through friendship and personal strength. First Read: 8th grade

The Goose Girl, by Shannon Hale, is a retelling of a famous fairy tale. The story centers around Ani, crown princess of Kildenree, and the magical gifts she discovers throughout the story. Although Ani faces betrayal and abandonment at the hands of those she trusts most, she uses her abilities to overcome every obstacle and take her rightful place on the throne.

I have re-read this book many times of how much I enjoy Hale’s writing style. She makes every character feel real and relatable and writes in a way that makes the reader feel at home. This book is the first of series which focuses on the importance of celebrating equality and respect between people of all social-economic classes, cultures, and abilities.

Fantasy readers would enjoy this book the most, as it draws from a fairy-tale story. Hale’s explanation of magical elements is logical and interesting, and Ani’s journey goes beyond her personal struggles, to turn a critical eye on how the best rulers draw their power from their people, rather than their title.

Why I like this book: Shannon Hale’s writing style is comforting and relatable, and the characters she creates feel so likeable and real.

The Perks of Being a WallflowerSummary: This realistic fiction book is about a teenage boy’s attempts to grapple with loss, depression, and self-discovery.First Read: 2012 (College, freshman year)Why I like this book: Chbosky writes in a way that gives a genuine voice to the pain of loneliness and self-doubt. Harry Potter:Summary: In this fantasy series, J.K. Rowling shares with us the power of friendship and hope as Harry fights to save those he loves from the powers of evil and darkness. First Read: 4th GradeWhy I like this book: This book series feels like home to me—it’s fun to reread and never fails to brighten my mood.

Anne of Green GablesSummary: Anne, an orphan who has never known family, arrives at Green Gables and changes the lives of the Cutburts forever.First Read: 2012 (College, freshman year)Why I like this book: Montgomery’s vivid imagery in this book never fails to transport me to the most beautiful place I have ever imagined.

Little Fires Everywhere Summary: This is a story about a small community of people who are swept up in the scandal of a custody battle over a newly-adopted baby; it offers wisdom and reflection on the true meaning of motherhood and family, First Read: 2018 (January) Why I like this book: Ng talks about issues that connect us all in a way that feels wise and honest.

Pride and Prejudice:Summary: Set in Victorian England, Austen’s satirical story about Elizabeth Bennett’s romance with Mr. Darcy points out the way that all of us can let our own views and preconceptions about others cloud our judgement and impede our own happiness. First Read: 9th gradeWhy I like this book: Austen’s writing is funny, witty, and incredibly relevant.