Summer Reading Booktalks
Over the next few weeks, you will have the opportunity to share responses to your summer reading, hear about the reading of your classmates and, hopefully, get some ideas for future reading of your own. Listed below are some suggested ways you may complete this assignment. Plan to do a different type of Booktalk project for each work you read this summer.
Each creative interpretation will require a brief written explanation (approximately one page in length) of the project and its connection to the meaning/theme(s) of the work. Also, be sure to focus on characters, conflicts and/or the meaning you find in the work. Avoid plot summary!
Become a critic and write a book review. Take on the style and tone of a book reviewer.
Design a collage. Remember to include a written explanation.
Write a series of original poems to describe characters, conflicts and theme(s). Brief written introduction to poems is needed to explain connections.
Craft a series of letters or e-mails to and from characters. Written introduction to letter/e-mail series is required.
Create original art in any style or media. This may be one large piece, a collection of smaller pieces, even a sculpture. Your artwork may include literal and/or symbolic representations. Written explanation needed.
Pen an original cartoon/graphic novella/storyboard detailing the characters, conflicts and theme(s) of the work. Written introduction required.
Write an idea essay in which you explore the dominant theme(s) of the work and discuss how the meaning you find in the work is developed.
Work with a partner who read the same work, and write a dialogue between two critics, students or members of a book club. Be sure to focus on characters, conflicts and theme(s).
Write a screenplay for your book. Include major characters, conflicts and theme(s).
Write and film a movie that introduces the work, its characters, conflicts and theme(s).
Write an original short, short story (2-3 pages in length) which parallels the experiences of the characters in the work and explores the theme(s) developed. Written explanation of connections to the work required.
Construct a three-dimensional piece, which illustrates setting, characters, conflicts and theme(s) in the work.
Write a comparative essay describing the similarities and differences between the work and another novel, play, non-fiction work or movie.
Research the time period of the work. Find historical information, photographs and other documents that broaden our understanding of the work and its meaning.
Make a PowerPoint style presentation to share on the computer.
Other ideas? Let's discuss them.
Booktalk due dates:Booktalk #1- Tuesday, September 15
Booktalk #2- Monday, September 28
Booktalk #3- Monday, October 12
Booktalk #4- Monday, October 26
Hedges/Seminar Humanties/2009