Summer 2010

Summer Reading Project Options

SHRHS - 8^th grade – 2010

Choose one of the assignments below and complete it on a book of your choice.  Be prepared to hand it in and display it on the first day of school in Language Arts class.  All projects will be graded and that grade will take into consideration neatness and creativity of presentation, use of details from the book, and evidence of engagement with the book chosen.  All projects will be displayed. 

1. Dinner Party - Plan a dinner party for a character that is consistent with his/her personality. Create an invitation and write detailed instructions to the catering staff, including the menu, table setting, seating arrangement and guest list.

• Invitations are visually appealing, clear and concise.
• Menu is relevant to the time period and the main character. 
• Table setting descriptions allows the reader a good visual.
• Explain why/why not guests were invited. 

2. Eulogy - Write a eulogy or obituary for the main character.Includes at least 6 characteristics or defining moments in the character’s life. 

• Demonstrates effective use of tone and style. 
• Includes a picture of the character (can be drawn, cut out of a magazine, etc.)

3. Book vs. Movie - Compare the book to its movie version. Did the movie do justice to the book. Did the movie provide the visual detail that the book did? Did the movie stay true to the book etc.?

• Demonstrates at least 3 points of comparison to the movie. 
• Includes an evaluation of book vs. movie (which did you like better and why). 
• Includes a poster to advertise either the book or the movie.

4. Epilogue - Write an epilogue and/or prologue to the book, describing events that could have taken place before or after the plot of the book.

• Includes at least 4 events that are connected to the existing plot of the novel. This connection should be explained if it is not obviously clear.
  Example: Great Expectations by Charles Dickens: Pip never marries as a result of Stella’s rejection. 
• Uses descriptive language. 
• Includes a book cover for the epilogue or prologue and a title for that section.

5. Librarian - Pretend that you are the librarian; write an explanation of why you chose this book for the school library.

• Provides a minimum of 3 reasons with evidence (be specific). 
• Demonstrates an effective persuasive argument. 
• Includes a book cover you designed.

6. Newspaper - Compose two articles for a newspaper published in the time period of your book. Each article will relate an event from the book.

• Create an appropriate headline for both articles. (title) 
• Articles relate to two different events from the book. 
• Has an illustration or photograph with a caption.

7. Script - Create a play/screen script for one of the scenes of the book. Be sure to clearly indicate the character/narrator speaking.

• Includes a minimum of 20 lines of dialogue. 
• Characterization and dialogue are authentic and relevant to plot. 
• Creative expression is evident. 
• Includes a sketch of the stage or a diorama to show how the stage will be set

8. Photo Album - Find photographs/pictures and make a photo album that depicts the experiences of a character.

• Includes a minimum of 10 original photographs. 
• Photos include captions that indicate relevance to book. 
• Illustrates creative and appropriate presentation (order of photos, cover, title of album, quality of album).

9. Map - Draw a map of the main setting of the book. Thoroughly label important events and provide a key.

• All graphics/elements are clearly labeled and related to the book. 
• At least 7 accurate facts/elements are displayed. 
• The map is creative and attractive in terms of design, layout and neatness.

10. Ending - Write a well developed and detailed alternate ending.

• Presents a plausible ending (believable) 
• Uses descriptive language. 
• Includes a book cover which was designed to reflect the change in storyline

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