Book Report: Historical Fiction

Format: Artifact Box

Date Due: November 4, 2010

Purpose:

To create an artifact box filled with (8 - 10) artifacts and activities that
help retell the story of your book. Each artifact must represent an event in
the story.

Directions:

1. Select a book for your report that fits the genre. As you read the book,
keep a list of (6-8) important events that the main character deals with
in this story and words that are unfamiliar to you.

2. Create a ten-word glossary of unfamiliar words from the book.  Include a

definition, sentence from the book with the page number, and an
illustration. Be sure your words are put in alphabetical order.

3. Look back at your important events list and start

looking for things around your house that you could
use as artifacts for the different events.
***You are allowed to draw two of your artifacts.

4. Once you have found your artifacts, number each artifact in the order in
which it appears in the book, this will help you write your letter and keep
the plot organized.

5. Next, write a letter to the "Finder of the Box" explaining what each
artifact is and what event it represents. Remember, you are writing this
letter as the main character from the book. Please include the title and
author in this letter. Here is an example:

Dear Finder of the Box,

My name is Tom and I had an exciting adventure in my story titled, Tom

Sawyer, by Mark Twain. If you look at the artifacts you'll see
reminders of all the important events from my story. Artifact #1
is................

Continue writing your letter until every artifact is explained and the story is
revealed. Remember to sign your letter with the character's name.
6. Include eight facts about the era in which your historical fiction novel
takes place. You may want to include important events, important people
and what they did, famous people or events, or anything
interesting that was going on at that time. Please
remember that putting a name or event is not
enough, please include some explanation.

7. Place your artifacts into a container of your

choice. The container may be a paper bag, a large
manila envelope, a large coffee can, or anything else that
might be appropriate for your book.  You should decorate your container
to convey some of the major details, elements, or themes found in your
book. We should be able to know something about
your book from the outside decoration. Please be
sure to include the title and author’s first and last
name on the outside of your container, don’t forget
your name too!

8. This project will be presented in front of the class. Practice and prepare
for your presentation. You will only be presenting your letter and
artifacts to the class. Don’t forget to look at the audience and speak
clearly!

If you have any questions, please see me at any time. As always, I encourage
you to work as you read and not wait until the last minute. Please see my
blog for the countdown to the book report due date. The blog will also have
links to the rubric and instruction sheet in case you need another one. Have
fun and be creative!