Book Project Ideas

Directions:

1.       EVERY six weeks a book project will be due.  Check syllabus for due dates.

2.       ALL written projects MUST be at LEAST one typed page in length.

3.       ALL book MUST be approved by Ms. Mickley AND appear on your reading log, with my stamp or signature.

4.      The words “I”, “you”, and “it” CANNOT be used in any book project, unless specified otherwise in the project description listed below.

5.       You may repeat ONE book project (unless specified otherwise) out of the six projects done for the year.

6.       Book Projects are NOT to be done in class, nor will the students be allowed to go to the library during class time.

7.       Two books may be read by the same author, but no more than two.

8.       Two of the books MUST be “classics,” Ms. Mickley will expound.

Surfing the Net. Where did the story take place? When did it take place? Each student surfs the Net to find five internet sites that others might check out before they read the book, so they will know more about the book's setting or time period. Explain what is found on each site.

Write a letter to the author. After reading a book, each student shares reactions to the book in a letter written to its author. If a student writes to an author who is still alive, you might actually mail the letter.  This letter must adhere to the format found on pg. 299 of the Writer’s Inc. book.  The words “I” and “you” may be used ONCE per paragraph.

Sell it! Each student pretends to be a publicist for the book that's just been read. The student writes and then delivers a 1-2 minute persuasive speech that will convince other students that they should read the book. (Writing and speaking persuasively will be especially difficult if the student didn't like the book. If that's the case, the student can share that fact after completing the speech.)  A topic outline must be completed and the date for the presentation needs to be set up with the teacher.  No presentations will be allowed two weeks prior to the book projects final due date.

Interview a character. Each student composes six to eight questions to ask a main character in a book just completed. The student also writes the character's response to each question. The questions and answers should provide information that shows the student read the book without giving away the most significant details. The word “you” maybe used ONCE per question and “I” may be used ONCE per response.

Ten facts. Each student creates a "Ten Facts About [book title]" sheet that lists ten facts he or she learned from reading the book. The facts, written in complete sentences, must include details the student didn't know before reading the book.  This book project may only be done ONCE per year.

Script it! Each student writes a movie script for a favorite scene in a book just read. At the top of the script, the student can assign real-life TV or movie stars to play each role.  “I” and “you” may be used sparingly.

In the news! Each student creates the front page of a newspaper that tells about events and characters in a book just read. The newspaper page might include weather reports, an editorial or editorial cartoon, ads, etc.  The title of the newspaper should be something appropriate to the book.  Place the appropriate heading on the back of the newspaper.

 Create a comic book. Each student can turn a book, or part of it, into a comic book, complete with comic-style illustrations and dialogue bubbles.  A minimum of SIX 3” X 3” boxes, in color.  Clip art is permissible, but remember this is an effort grade.  Place the appropriate heading on the back.  This book project may only be done ONCE per year.

Characters come to life! Each student creates "portraits" of one of the characters from a book just read. The portrait should include a written piece (3/4 to 1 page in length) that tells about the character. The piece might also include information about events, traits, or conflicts in the book that involve that character.

Prove it in five minutes! Each student gives a 2½ to 5 minute oral presentation in which he or she shares information about a book's plot and characters. The student closes the presentation by offering an opinion and recommendation about the book. Then students in the audience have 2½ to 5 minutes to question the presenter about the book. A topic outline must be completed and the date for the presentation needs to be set up with the teacher.  No presentations will be allowed two weeks prior to the book projects final due date.

Résumé writing.  Each student will create a résumé for a book character. The student should include in the resume a statement of the applicant's goals and a detailed account of his or her experience and outside interests.  The format should be that of a formal résumé—see Microsoft Résumé Wizard or Writer’s Inc. handbook for formatting.  Place the appropriate heading on the back.

Character trait chart. Each student creates a chart with three columns. Each column is headed with the name of one of the book's characters. As the student reads the book, he or she can keep a record of the traits each character possesses and include an incident that supports each trait. This book project may only be done ONCE per year.

Setting. To learn more about the setting of a book, each student writes a one-page report explaining how that setting was important to the story.

"Dear diary." Invite each student to create a diary or a journal and to write in it at least five entries that might have been written by a character in a book just read. The entries should share details about the story that will prove the student read the book. “I” and “you” may be used sparingly.

Movie Poster.  The student will create a realistic movie poster for their book, complete with “actors” playing character parts, a quote/trailer and a rating. Place the appropriate heading on the back. This book project may only be done ONCE per year.