9 Honors

2nd Quarter Accountable Independent Reading (AIR)

Most of the words students need to know to be college and career ready are learned through wide and extensive
reading. Students, therefore, need to read independentlythe more the better.
-NYS ELA 9-12 Prefatory Material

This year, students will be required to read independently. The requirements may vary throughout the year, but for the
second quarter, students need to choose a novel that is listed on the 9th grade curriculum that we will not read as a
whole class:
All Quiet on the Western Front Erich Maria Remarqu
Fahrenheit 451 Ray Bradbury
Into the Wild John Krakauer
Kindred Octavia Butler
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Mark Twain
The Old Man and the Sea Ernest Hemingway

Below are some of the elements students should focus on/consider while reading. (Although its not mandatory that
students take notes, it is recommended that they use post-it-notes)

A description of the setting: A books setting is one of its most vital components. Some things to consider: Is the
setting integral or backdrop? Does the setting contribute to the driving conflict in the story? Would the characters lives
be different if they were living in a different place at a different time? How does the setting of the book compare or
contrast to the world you know?

Plot and character details: Focus on the main events of the story that make it interesting and/or exciting. Also, focus
on the main characters and how they develop throughout the course of the work (their words, actions, thoughts,
appearance, interactions with others, etc.). Pay particular attention to the conflicts they face that affect them.

Key passages/quotes: These may be key points in the novel, or simply phrases and sentences that really stand out for
their use of the language and/or the message they convey. Cite them in your notes and comment on their significance.
Suggestion: Signposts you might NOTE and NOTICE:
Contrasts and Contradictions Words of the Wiser
Aha Moment Again and Again
Tough Questions Memory Moment

A consideration of whether or not the student would recommend this book to others: First consider: What you
think the authors goal was in writing the book and if she/he succeeded in achieving this goal. You might want to discuss
the effectiveness (or not) of developing a character, revealing a dominant theme, and/or influencing your response to
the work. Were characters interesting and credible? Why? How did the plot hold or not hold your interest? What made
the book an enjoyable or not so enjoyable read?

See reverse side for Writers Notebook assignments.

2nd Quarter AIR Reading & Writers Notebook Entry Schedule
Due Date Reading Journal Entry
Completed
Complete this Entry #3
entry when you
are 1/4 of the Describe the setting of your book and explain its significance. Consider the
way through the following: What is the time and place of the setting? How does it compare or
book. contrast to the setting in which you live? How does it shape the lives of the
characters in the book? How does it contribute to the conflict in the book?
Example: *Of course, a couple of quotes would support your analysis.
100 pgs. of a
400 pg. book
completed
Complete this Entry #4
entry when you
are 1/2 way Choose one character that had to tackle a conflict (difficult situation). Consider the
through the forces (personal, social and/or political) that created the situation and explain. Also,
book. consider how the character chose to handle the situation. Do you agree with the
characters choices and what was the impact of these choices?
Example: -OR-
200 pgs. of a Choose one character in your book that you strongly like or dislike. Explain what the
400 pg. book character did (or did not do) to cause you to feel this way.
completed *Of course, a couple of quotes would support your analysis.
Complete this Entry #5
entry when you
are 3/4 of the Identify a significant scene/passage/quote that stands out either for form or
way through the content. If you are highlighting a scene, summarize it and pull the most important
book. words to quote. If you are highlighting a long passage, paraphrase it and pull the
most important words to quote. Explain the significance. You may highlight more
Example: than one scene/passage/quote. Remember to include page numbers.
300 pgs. of a
400 pg. book Signposts you might NOTE and NOTICE:
completed Contrasts and Contradictions
Aha Moment
Tough Questions
Words of the Wiser
Again and Again
Memory Moment
*Of course, a couple of quotes would support your analysis.
Complete this Entry #6
entry when you
are finished with Discuss your opinion of the book and whether or not you would recommend it to a
the book. friend. Consider the following:
What you think the authors goal was in writing the book and if she/he
succeeded in doing so. Your analysis should mention specific elements in
the novel. I dont like the book because it was sad is not an analytical
statement. If the book seemed gloomy, you might want to discuss the
effectiveness (or not) of that tone or imagery in developing a dominant
theme, revealing a character, and/or influencing your response to the work.
Were characters interesting and credible? Why?
How did the plot hold or not hold your interest. What made the book an
enjoyable or not so enjoyable read?
*Of course, a couple of quotes would support your analysis.
2nd Quarter Accountable Independent Reading (AIR)
Student Name: _____________________________ Class Period: ______

To ensure that parents are comfortable with their childs book selection, we ask that parents give book approval by
signing below. Please choose a book and submit permission slip by ______________________________.

Book Title and Author: ___________________________________________________________ # of pgs._____

*I have not read this book before; this book is new to me.

Student Signature: ___________________________ Parent Signature: ______________________________

2nd Quarter Accountable Independent Reading (AIR)

Student Name: _____________________________ Class Period: ______

To ensure that parents are comfortable with their childs book selection, we ask that parents give book approval by
signing below. Please choose a book and submit permission slip by ______________________________.

Book Title and Author: ___________________________________________________________ # of pgs._____

*I have not read this book before; this book is new to me.

Student Signature: ___________________________ Parent Signature: ______________________________

2nd Quarter Accountable Independent Reading (AIR)

Student Name: _____________________________ Class Period: ______

To ensure that parents are comfortable with their childs book selection, we ask that parents give book approval by
signing below. Please choose a book and submit permission slip by ______________________________.

Book Title and Author: ___________________________________________________________ # of pgs._____

*I have not read this book before; this book is new to me.

Student Signature: ___________________________ Parent Signature: ______________________________