Choice-Book Reading Criteria
In addition to the class texts we will read throughout the year, you are required to read a number of books of your choice. You will have specific class time to read some of your book, but a lot of it will need to be read at home. You will be required to read at least 2 approved books per a semester. Although I find it very important that you select books based on your individual style and preference, I have outlined a few broad guidelines to help you read outside of your “comfort zone”.
o Fall Semester: One of your two selected books must be from a genre you do not usually read. (i.e. I tend to read social-commentary books, so instead, I will read a science-fiction novel.)
o Spring Semester: One of your two selected books must be written by an author opposite your gender (i.e. If I am a male, I must read a book written by a female author, and vice versa)
Choice-Book Assignments:
For the minimum two books required to be read each semester, you will complete assignments to prove that you have truly read and engaged in the text. For one of the two books second semester, you must write a guided journal. For the second book, you must complete a book talk (guidelines to come). Below are the dates in which each assignment will be due:
Fall Semester:
Book #1 reflection or project due November 12th
Book #2 reflection or project due January 20th
Spring Semester:
Book #1 project due March 24th
Book #2 Book Talk (dates and guidelines to be determined at a later date)
BOOK #1 Guided Journal/Log
Name:___________________________
Choice Book Reading Log
Spring Semester
Which book are you reading? List title and author, number of pages, and genre. (also, note if this is your choice book written by an author opposite your gender)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Due Dates:
2/19
Pages Read: __________________________________
Brief summary:
3/4
Pages Read: __________________________________
Brief summary:
3/16
Pages Read: __________________________________
Brief summary:
Choice Book Reading Assignment #1 (for first book, Spring Semester)
Reading Journal -Due March 25
Type the following responses using Times New Roman size 12 font, double-spaced. Please include both the question and your responses to each question in your paper.
1. From your reading, identify and comment on one quote you found meaningful to the plot or character(s) in your book. (cite using MLA)
2. From your reading, identify and comment on one quote you could connect to or personally relate. (cite using MLA)
3. Develop an open-ended question from your reading.
4. Attempt to thoughtfully answer your question below:
5. Think about specific real-life situations that your reading reminded you of. Choose one from your own experience and describe/discuss below.
6. What is one insight or realization you had from your reading? Explain.
7. Find or create a visual image that captures a significant part of your
reading/learning. Attach it to your journal and write a brief statement
indicating what concept or idea your image illustrates. You may draw,
collage, or image-search to complete this. Note the source of your image; if
your image is from the web, cite it using MLA.
8. Did you like your book? Specifically explain whether you would or would not recommend it – consider writing style, plot, themes, target age level, etc.