Each month you will be completing a book project for Language Arts class. Below is a description of the projects you will be completing throughout the year. For the ones that require more information (Interview, Articles, Reviewer’s Choice), I will send home a separate information sheet at the beginning of that month. All book projects must list the title and author of the book. Papers without this information will lose points. Book projects are counted as 40% of your grade, and don’t forget that spelling and grammar count. Also remember that all projects must be typed or written in pen. Points will be deducted if you use pencil. Please do your very best work. PLAGIARISM WILL NOT BE TOLERATED! NO LATE BOOK PROJECTS WILL BE ACCEPTED. For most projects you will be required to sign a contract stating the book you will be reading.
Book Review
This is a short paper that lets me know you read the book. You also need to recommend that someone should read, or not read, the book. The review is two paragraphs long, as follows:
1. first paragraph: a short summary of what happens in the story, use details
2. second paragraph: a review of the story, like a movie review, that convinces someone to read (or not read) the book. You MUST use details from the book to support (or prove) your opinion.
We will practice this type of book review before the first one is due..
Book Jacket
This is an original design that represents your book. You may use your own drawings, photos, magazine pictures, graphical representations, etc. If you aren’t sure about your idea, ask me. The book jacket must include:
1. a front cover design that illustrates the contents of the book
2. the title and author in the front cover design
3. a back cover design that includes a short 1-paragraph review AND information about the author
The review must be original. Please DO NOT plagiarize and use what someone else has written.
Journal Entries
Write entries in a journal (at least 10). If you are reading a fiction book, assume the identity of one of the characters for journal writing. If you are reading nonfiction, write journal entries for yourself as if you are experiencing an aspect of the book (biography, travel, sports). If you have questions or need some suggestions, please ask me.
Story Continuation
You must read a book of FICTION for this review. Continue the story beyond its natural ending. Write 1-2 pages. Be creative, be imaginative!
Reviewer’s Choice
Choose book project from the given list. The list and more information will come later.
Obituary (Grade 7 only)
For this assignment you will be required to read a biography or autobiography. You will then be required to write a one page obituary on the person you read about. More details and information will be given later.
Interview (grade 8 only)
For this assignment you will be required to read a biography or autobiography. You will take on the personality of the person you read about and be the guest on the show. You will be interviewed by your teacher and/or classmates and must answer those questions as if you were really that person. For example, if you read a book about Oprah Winfrey, you will answer all questions as if you really were Oprah Winfrey being interviewed on a talk show! You have to read carefully to know all about the life of the person! More information will be given later.
Articles
For this project you will not be reading a book, but a collection of articles of your choice. More information will be given later.
Book Trailer
For this project you will be required to create a “trailer” for the book you read. Similar to a movie trailer you might see as a preview at the theaters, you’ll give a “preview” of the book. Many more details will come home later.
As always, I’m available to answer any questions you may have or to help you get started if you need it. Below is a calendar of due dates and what project is due on that date.
2007-2008 Book Projects Language Arts
(Dates and projects subject to change, sufficient notice will be given if there are changes)
Due Date Type of Review
1. September 16 Book jacket
2. October 21 Book review
3. November 20 Obituary (grade 7), Interview (grade 8)
4. December 16 Story Continuation
5. January 22 Journal Entries
6. February 24 Articles
7. March 26 Reviewer’s Choice
8. May 5 Book Trailer
Book Review Rubric
- Book review includes title and author of book.
0 1 2 3 4 5
- There is a short, yet detailed summary of the book. There is no evidence of plagiarism.
0 1 2 3 4 5
- There is a short, yet detailed review of the book WITH SPECIFIC SUPPORT.
0 1 2 3 4 5
- It is evident you proofread your work. There are few, if any, mistakes in spelling, grammar, capitalization, punctuation, etc.
0 1 2 3 4 5
- The book review is neat and clean. It is typed or neatly written in pen.
0 1 2 3 4 5
TOTAL: ____/25 GRADE: _____