Independent Reading Assignment

Name:
Title of book:
Author:
Year of publication:
Number of pages:

Part 1: Introduction to the Book

This paragraph introduces the review, giving the novel’s name, author, time of publication, setting (time and place of the novel’s events), and theme (Theme is the overall meaning that the author shows through events and characters’ experiences.).

  • Sentences 1-2: Introduce the title (Don’t forget to underline the title of the novel.), author, time of publication, and setting.
  • Sentences 3-5: This novel is about ______. Fill in the blank here, including the conflict, and central theme. Do not write a full plot summary.

Model:

The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare won the Newbery Award for best novel of 1960. This exciting novel takes place in Palestine during the Roman occupation and during the time of Jesus’ ministry. It is about Daniel, an eighteen-year-old orphan who hates the Romans and has become a Zealot, determined to find revenge for the loss of his parents and the deep emotional trauma of his younger sister Leah. After he meets a young rabbi from Galilee, Jesus of Nazareth, Daniel’s whole life and value system is turned upside down. Will he let go of his hate and follow this new leader? Or will he die fighting the Romans, cursing them with his last breath?

Part 2. Plot Summary

In this paragraph, in just 8-10 sentences, you tell just the major events of the story. First, create a plot diagram in the space below to help you determine what those major events are:

Using 8-10 sentences, write a plot summary.:


Part 3: How the Main Character (Protagonist) Changes in the Story

Next, create a character description of the protagonist at the beginning of the story. In the next paragraph, tell how that character changes. What theme is the author developing with this change?

Part 4: Line Highlighting

Find three to five lines or short passages that you think reflect good writing or that are key or important to the story. You will copy these passages or lines and explain why you believe they are examples of good writing or why you think they are important to the story.

Passage 1: / Why this passage is important to the story or is written especially well
Passage 2: / Why this passage is important to the story or is written especially well

Part 5: Word Smith

Find two words that are new to you. You will need to define each word, tell the part of speech (choose the part of speech that is used in your passage), and write the language of origin of the word. Finally, you will write the word’s connotations (feelings surrounding the word).

Word 1: / Language of Origin:
Definition:
Part of speech as used: / Page number where the word can be found:
Connotation:
Word 2: / Language of Origin:
Definition:
Part of speech as used: / Page number where the word can be found:
Connotation:

Part 6: Reading Response Paragraph

Select one of the questions below and use it to make a statement that you will then defend. For example, if your question asks who your favorite character is and why, your statement might read, "My favorite character is Lilly because she is so strong." You will use your statement as part of a paragraph where you provide evidence that Lilly is strong and is worthy of being your favorite character. Use details from your book to support your answer.

  1. Is the main character similar to a character you found in another book? What are the similarities?
  2. Who is your favorite character? Why?
  3. What do you think of a particular character's actions? Are they right or wrong? Why?
  4. Would you like to acquire a virtue of a particular character? What is the virtue and why do you like it?
  5. What other important characters are there in the book besides the main character(s)? How are they important to the plot?
  6. If your book took place in a different setting, how would that change the story. Why?
  7. Did the book end the way you thought it would? What clues did the author give you that made you think that? Did you think these clues were important when you read them?
  8. How have you changed after reading this book?


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