Summer Reading Program 7-12

Required as part of next year's first quarter Language Arts grade:

CRICS high school and middle school students are required to choose two books from the reading list provided for their grade level (or one grade level up). This gives the student some freedom of choice within the parameters of reading options that will be beneficial to a student's academic future. After reading, students are required to present evidence that they have read and understand what they have read from the two selected books. This can be done in one of the 15 ways listed below.

Due Date & Grading:

During the first week of school you will submit your projects either in hard copy form or electronically through Google Classroom. You can view the rubric to see how your projects will be graded.

Project Types:

*Note* You can use a story chart to help you formulate your ideas as you plan your projects. The story chart is optional and will not be submitted to your LA teacher.

IMPORTANT: Students should complete different types of projects for the two books. For example, for book 1 you complete a podcast and for book 2 you complete a timeline. You may not complete the same type of project for both of your books; for example, you may not submit 2 word cloud collages - one for each book.

1) Word Cloud Collage

• Create a word cloud collage of words, phrases, and sentences from the novel that describes the novel to someone who has never read it. You may choose to cover the entire novel or focus on one literary element (character, setting, theme, etc.). As you consider what to include in your collage, think about character names and traits, setting, themes, symbolism, etc. Use high-quality vocabulary and no banned words; you could even refer to your past vocabulary lists for ideas.
• Your collage must include the following:
  • A minimum of 50 words that describe the novel or the element of the novel you’re focusing on.
  • The book title must be included in the collage.
  • The entire page should be covered.
  • Eye-catching and neat design to draw in a potential reader. The final product should encourage someone to read the novel.
  • Along with the collage you must include a paragraph (minimum 5-sentences) explaining why you chose the words included in your collage. Consider how the words relate to the story plot, characterization, themes, mood, tone, symbolism, etc. of the novel.

2) GoodReads Book Review

• Write a book review and post it on GoodReads. Submit both a screenshot of your post and a link to that webpage. A book review tells others your opinion of a book and encourages others to read (or maybe not read). This is not a book report, although there are some similarities. You can see some helpful tips and an example here.
• Your review must include the following:
  • A minimum of 250 words
  • The book’s title and author’s name
  • If the book is part of a series, identify which book number and the name of the series
  • The book’s genre with an explanation of how you know it fits that genre
  • A 1-paragraph summary of what the book is about (no spoilers though): setting (time and place), main characters (age gender, unique interests/abilities, traits), conflict or problem, the main theme, and the narrator’s point of view
  • What you like/dislike about the book; your feelings about the book and why
  • At least one clear reason to read (or not read) the book
  • Who the book is suitable for- consider age and interests

3) Podcast

• Find a friend to discuss the book with and create an audio recording of your discussion. This flow map might help you organize your podcast. If you and your friend both read the book, then you can work together and submit one project. No more than 2 students may work together on and submit the same project. If your friend hasn’t read the book, he/she could ask the questions you provide, and you can give the answers; in this situation, you would submit the project only for yourself and not for your partner.
• Your podcast must include the following:
  • Minimum length: 20 minutes
  • An introduction of the people speaking in the podcast
  • An engaging hook at the beginning to draw your listeners in within the first minute
  • A clear definition of the purpose of your podcast
  • The book’s title and author
  • A brief summary of the book (without spoilers)
  • Your opinion of the book - supported with specific examples
    OPTIONAL: you may include how you reacted to different parts of the book
  • What type of audience may enjoy the book and why
  • Speaking that is able to be heard (volume) and easily understood (pace) throughout the podcast

4) Promotional Video

• Create a promotional trailer for YouTube about your book. Submit the video file and/or the link to the YouTube video (if you have parental permission to post a video to YouTube). A promotional video provides a synopsis that highlights the narrative arc of your book. You don’t want to give away too many details since the goal of the video is to encourage people to read the book. It’s helpful to end with a cliff-hanger or something that makes your audience want to go read the book right away. (If we have the book in the CRICS library it can be helpful to mention that students can find the book there.)
• Your video must include the following:
  • Length: 3-5 minutes
  • The book’s title and author
  • General summary that doesn’t give away too many plot lines
  • Relevant reviews and endorsements that share positively about the book (maybe from a publication like the New York Times or a quote from a well-known author)
  • Exciting images and/or videos with a soundtrack that compliments the book’s genre
  • Audio at a volume and pace that is clear

5) Film a Skit

• Write a script that is based on your book, cast your friends, and make the movie. You will submit the movie file. Be creative and have fun!
• Your skit must include the following:
  • Minimum length: 6 minutes and 3 or more key plot scenes
  • The book’s title and author
  • Your scenes should be chosen from throughout the novel (not 3 chapters in a row).
  • Speaking that is able to be heard (volume) and easily understood (pace) throughout the skit

6) Digital Mapping

• Create an original digital map showing the journey that the book took using Google Earth, Google Maps, etc. At each stop on the map include brief explanations of why those locations are important. Include numbers with each location so that those who haven’t read the book know in what order to track the journey.
• Your map must include the following:
  • The book’s title and author
  • Minimum of 10 locations
  • Minimum 3-sentence explanations at each location
  • Characters and key events at each location
  • Numbers for each location

7) One-pager

• A detailed one-page artistic representation of the major ideas and themes of the novel. If you’ve never seen one before, feel free to Google “one-pager” and you’ll see lots of examples! Start with a blank piece of paper and use the following prompt to inspire the design of your page: What is the central theme of the text and how do the characters, plot, and setting reveal and shape this theme?
• The one-pager must include the following:
  • The book’s title and author
  • Text (This can include quotes from the novel, individual words, etc.)
  • Images (This can include symbols, characters, setting elements, etc.)
  • Color (Think about mood and tone.)
  • A thematic statement that represents the reading
  • Textual evidence
  • Use paper that is A3 size or larger.

8) Important Quotes Posters

• When we are reading we often find quotes that stand out to us. For example, a quote might capture a key moment within the plot, reveal the personality of a major character, or include well-crafted figurative language or important symbolism. Also, the passage may inspire thought, draw an emotional connection, have a personal connection to your own life, or have a connection with real life and/or current events.
  For this project you will choose 4 direct quotations from the book, design a poster for each one that relates to and enhances the meaning of the quote, and include a paragraph with each poster explaining why the quote matters and your reason for selecting it. You may choose to use this organizer to help you track quotes as you read.
• Your project must include the following:
  • 4 separate posters (the size for each poster should be larger than one A4 paper)
  • Front of each poster: direct quotation, page number, title and author of the book
    (The main focus of the poster should be the quote. You’ll also include the design and colors of your choice to go along with the quote.)
  • Back of each poster: your name; a paragraph (minimum 5 sentences) explaining the significance of the quote (why it matters and your reason for selecting it)

9) Art Log

• Create an artistic log of the book including a minimum of 10 images. Divide a paper into two sections. Each section will be one image representing key elements of the story either symbolically or literally. You may do your own illustrations or take your own photos. (One way to think about this project may be that you are recreating the book using pictures only.)
• Your log must include the following:
  • The book’s title and author
  • Minimum of 10 original images
  • You should have all characters represented in the art log.
  • Include a caption for each image that briefly explains what is represented (consider an explanation written for someone who hasn’t read the book).

10) Travel Brochure

• Design a travel brochure advertising the setting, the characters (including descriptions), plot, and theme statements of the book. Each “flap” of the brochure should represent different parts of the novel. Consider how the design (color, images, etc.) relates to key plot and thematic elements.
• Your brochure must include the following:
  • The book’s title and author
  • Literary elements including setting, characters (with accompanying descriptions of their traits and roles in the story), plot, and theme statement (with an explanation of how the theme is developed throughout the novel)
  • Text and images
  • Thoughtful design related to key literary elements of the novel

11) Timeline

• Create a timeline of important events from the book. You must include at least 10 events and illustrations for each event. Be able to defend why you chose these events as the most significant in the story.
• Your timeline must include the following:
  • The book’s title and author
  • A minimum of 10 events with both illustrations for each one and brief explanations of why the events are important for the plot.

12) Write a Song

• Convert the events of the story into a ballad or a song. Write the lyrics and adapt the words to a well-known melody (like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”). Retell the story through your lyrics. Make sure you state what melody you used when writing your lyrics. You should have at least 20 lines to your song.
• Your song must include the following:
  • Minimum of 20 lines
  • A song title
  • The known melody for the song
  • The book’s title and author in a footnote as the inspiration for the song
    OPTIONAL for possible bonus points: Submit a video of you performing the song you created.

13) Facebook Profiles

• Choose 4 characters from the novel and design a Facebook profile for each one of them. You will use the Google slide template provided: the Facebook page includes 4 Google slides to edit. Further explanation is included on the slide notes. Your final project will be 16 slides since you need 4 slides per character.
• Your profiles must include the following:
  • Name and picture of the character (slide 1)
  • Quick bio (slide 1)- This might include age, location, school or occupation, hobbies/interests, etc.
  • One “status” post related to the novel (slide 1)
  • Early life, impact in the novel, and legacy of the character (slide 2)
  • 6 photos the character might post (slide 3)
  • 4 Facebook friends of the character, including the relationship to the character (slide 4)

14) Original Writing

• Create a poem, song, or any creative writing piece inspired from the book. Use the following prompt to inspire the design of your product: What is the central theme of the text, and how do the characters, plot, and setting reveal and shape this theme? You must include a paragraph explaining the connection between the book and your writing piece.
• Your writing piece must include the following:
  • Minimum 5-sentence paragraph explaining the connection between the book and your writing piece
  • Consider how the text (and possibly images and color) you include relates to the meaning of the novel.
  • Design and thoughtfulness behind each element you choose to include
  • Layers of understanding from reading, not just surface-level observations that anyone can make from skimming

15) Original Art

• Design any original piece of art that is inspired by your book. Be creative with your artwork; it could be a drawing, painting, diorama, mixed media collage, baked and decorated cake, etc. This project is all about you showcasing both your READING and your TALENTS! Choose a medium that is fun for you to work with, then, let it showcase what you’ve learned in the reading.
• Use the following prompt to inspire the design of your product: What is the central theme of the text and how do the characters, plot, and setting reveal and shape this theme? You must include a paragraph explaining the connection between the book and your artwork.
• Your artwork must include the following:
  • Minimum 5-sentence paragraph explaining the connection between the book and your artwork. Consider how color relates to mood and tone, and how the images/text you include relate to the meaning of the novel.
  • Design and thoughtfulness behind each element you choose to include
  • Layers of understanding from reading, not just surface-level observations that anyone can make from skimming

Not Required! but fun:

Read books on your own! Read every week! Read every day! Read anywhere and everywhere! Save up yummy snacking experiences for next year! Every 100 pages of books read can be redeemed for 10 baht at CRICS snack shop. Please be honest when you report your reading on the reading log (neatly please, no exceptions). Books read for book baht should be quality literature (if you have a question about that, ask Ms. Jenn or your LA teacher).

Multiply your Baht:

If you would like to get more bang for your baht, continue reading books from the reading list provided for your grade level (or one grade level up). For every 100 pages read, you will receive 15 Book Baht instead of just 10. On the Recording Form for Book Baht, place an * next to the title of the book if it is on the reading list provided.