“People have defining moments, I suppose, especially when they’re children.” —Marcus Zusak, The Book Thief

Throughout the year, each of our characters has encountered their own defining moments. Scout’s defining moments in To Kill a Mockingbird included meeting Boo Radley and seeing her father defend Tom Robinson. Romeo and Juliet’s parents faced a defining moment when they realized that their long-standing hatred drove their children to take their own lives. In The Book Thief, Liesel shares defining moments with Max, Rudy, Hans and even Rosa as she learns about the power of words. Finally, Val Jean, the romantic hero in Les Miserables, shares his defining moments with a loaf of bread and a compassionate stranger. Think of a defining moment in your life. It could be happy or sad, but it should have changed your perspective in a major way. In a well-written narrative, you will describe this defining moment and show (not tell) how it changed your life.

• Your final narrative should come from your own life and be written honestly and reflectively. • Your final narrative should be focused on 1 defining moment and describe it in detail. • Your final narrative should flow well, utilizing strong narrative format and concluding with a

brief reflection that shows how you have changed because of your experience. • Your final narrative should use strong verbs and poetic language. • Your final narrative should be 750-1000 words in length, typed and in MLA format.

You will write the majority of your narrative outside of class. However, before your final submission, we will have one peer review day in class. On the day of the peer review, you must bring a typed, completed, and printed rough draft. You will submit your final draft electronically via turnitin.com. However, you should have a polished copy in class on the due date that you can use for your presentation. If you would like to use music, photos or powerpoints in your presentation, you may do that as well.