Name ______

Historical Fiction Book Project

Assignment / Possible Points / Date
Journal Entry 1 / 25 points / September 11
Journal Entry 2 / 25 points / September 18
Final Project / 50 points / September 26
Total Project Grade / 100 points

Step 1 – Students will choose a historical fiction novel and get it approved by Miss Hughes. It must be a historical fiction book that is also realistic.

Step 2 – Students will complete two journal entries for chapter summaries.

Each week students will complete the journal handout. They must describe what is happening historically in the novel, describe the story in detail, and show what they are thinking while they are reading. These reflections should be at least 6 sentences. Also, identify and define (using a dictionary) a minimum of three unfamiliar words used in the novel. Each journal will be checked for completeness on each due date. This will help keep everyone on track for completing their novels in a timely manner.

Journal Rubric

4 / 3 / 2 / 1
Entry contains summary, reflection, history, and vocabulary. Entry is well organized, and thoughtful. / Entry is organized but is missing one of the four requirements. / Entry is not well organized and is missing two of the four elements. / Entry is poorly done, and only answers one of the four requirements.
Opinions are well supported with evidence from the book. Connections are made. / Opinions are clearly stated, the book is mentioned, but no connections are made. / Opinion is general, little or no evidence from the book, no connection is made. / There are no details, and a generic statement is given, i.e. ‘I like this story’.
The summary includes the characters, the conflict, and the setting. / Reading is summarized, but some important details are left out of one of the three. / The summary does not have two of the three requirements. / The summary does not really give any meaningful information about the story.
Information is detailed and accurate. / Information is accurate. / May contain one or two inaccuracies. / Contains many inaccuracies.
Name and date are on the project, and it is on time. / The journal is one day late, or missing name or date. / The journal is two days late, or missing both name and date. / The journal is three days late.

* Students will be given 5 points for being in the correct place in their novel: half way by Sept. 11th and finished by Sept. 18th.

Step 3 - Historical Fiction Project Instructions

Below is a list of projects that students may choose to complete for the project portion of the historical fiction novel project. Refer to the rubric for scoring requirements.

1.  Acrostic Poem
a. At least a 10 letter word or multiple small words equaling at least 10 letters should be used
b. The acrostic must be written in sentences that create meaning

c. Describes a main character or major event in your novel

d. A minimum of 4 pictures or clip art that illustrates your poem

e. Mounted on construction paper and typed or neatly written in ink.

f. Shows specific details about the novel that you are reading.

2.  Cartoon Summary

  1. 6 -8 cartoon frames
  2. summarize a chapter or major event in the book
  3. cartoon must be drawn clearly with captions explaining what is happening in each of the frames.
  4. Drawings must be colored and presented neatly (not lined paper!)
  5. Mounted on construction paper

3.  Timeline

  1. The timeline should cover the beginning, middle and end of your novel clearly labeled with dates.
  2. Include quotes from the book as examples that were mentioned, or events that have significant dates to remember.
  3. The events should all be labeled.
  4. It should be at least 18 inches long, be colorful,
  5. It should include at least 3 important dates.

4.  Newsletter

  1. Produce a Newsletter in Microsoft Word.
  2. Create a newsletter that describes events taking place at the same historical time as your novel.
  3. Include who, what, where, when, and why.
  4. Include scenes from your book (clip art is fine here!) for illustration
  5. Newsletter should be neat, colorful, typed and printed.

5.  Play or Re-enactment

  1. Create/write a minimum of 15 line script.
  2. Cast some of your classmates if needed
  3. Act out scenes from your novel
  4. Include character names, and any props that will help create the scene
  5. Use phrases from your novel in your dialogue.

Historical Fiction Final Project Rubric

4 / 3 / 2 / 1
Directions on the handout were followed exactly and all of the elements are included. / Project is missing one requirement / Project is missing 2 requirements / Project is missing three requirements
The project demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the novel. / The novel demonstrates a good knowledge of the novel. / The project demonstrates some knowledge of the novel. / The project demonstrates very little knowledge of the novel.
Project is excellently presented reflecting creativity and a lot of thought / Good effort, project is neat and shows evidence of time spent on it. / Some attempt made to add color and originality. Project is acceptable. / Little attempt to add color or originality. Project has sloppy appearance.
Project is interesting and attractive. Materials are complete and organized. Presentation has a sequence and a plan. / Project is interesting and attractive. Materials are complete and organized. / Some parts of the project are interesting, complete and organized. / Project is not interesting, not tidy. Materials are incomplete and not organized.
Information is accurate and well supported. / Information is accurate and generally supported. / Information has minimal misconceptions and provides little or no support. / Information has significant misconceptions.

Timeliness

Project is turned in on time: 10 points / Project is one day late: 8 points / Project is two days late: 5 points / Three or more days late: 2 points

The project rubric score will be doubled, and added to the timeliness score to equal a total of fifty possible points.