Independent Reading Project English

Learning Goals: To show a thorough and deep understanding of a novel read independently, and critical
thought and creativity with regards to the novel's characters and themes.

You will read a novel independently over the next month and complete a choice project after you finish
your reading. You need to choose a book to read that fits into these criteria:
- You have never read the book before
- Minimum 150 pages
- the book is an appropriate level for you (not too difficult, nor too easy)
- Book is interesting to you
- Can be any genre of fiction

The following must be included with your project:

1) A cover page with the book title, book's author, your name, and the date (can be decorated or plain)
2) A short/concise summary of the book (1-2 paragraphs). Make sure to include:
a) information about who the main character is, what he/she is trying to achieve
b) the conflict within the novel, and resolution (was the main character successful in their goals?)
c) a personal response to the book, and recommendation.
3) Project of choice from the list below.

Project Choices (choose one)

Graphic novel: Make a graphic novel or comic book version of an important scene in the book. Write a paragraph
explaining the scene’s importance.

Found Poem: Using quotes from the book you read as lines in your poem, create a brand new piece that compliments
the book. Write a paragraph explaining how your poem relates to the story.

Map of the setting: Create a map of a setting from the book you read. Write a paragraph explaining the
different locations on the map. This map should look different than any map that is already included in the book.

Gifts: Select a character from the book and choose three to five gifts that you believe that the character most needs or
wants. Draw or cut out pictures to represent these gifts. Write a note to the character (one paragraph) explaining
why you chose to give them those gifts. Use specific details from the book to support your reasoning.

Articles: Select five current event articles that you think your character would be interested in. Then write a paragraph
explaining what the character would find interesting about those articles. Make sure to include copies of the articles. Clip
these articles from the newspaper or print them from the internet, then attach them to your paragraph.

Book Jacket: Create an original book jacket to reflect the story. Write one paragraph explaining the choices that you
made for cover art, colors, organization, and fonts. It should be original!

A Character’s Room: We learn a lot about people by how they decorate. Select a character from the book you read
and draw two rooms that would mean a lot to that character (think of the decor and items that the character would like to
include). Write a paragraph of explanation that includes descriptions and examples of why you designed the room as you
did. Reference specific portions of the book when possible.
Success Criteria:

● I can show a thorough understanding of the book.

● I can demonstrate critical thinking about the characters, themes and message.
● I can respond creatively, showing critical thinking.
● I can make inferences about the character and author's intentions in my creative response, and justify my
choices.
● I can communicate my ideas clearly and completely, without distracting errors that detract from my ideas.

Due Date: __________

Independent Reading project: Choice Board
Success Criteria Mark Notes:

I can respond creatively, showing

critical thinking about the novel, its
characters and themes through my
choices.
My explanations for my choices
are clear and thorough.

I can make inferences about the

character and author's intentions
in my creative response, and
justify my choices using proof from
the book.

I can communicate my ideas

clearly and completely, in full
sentences and structured
paragraphs without distracting
errors in grammar and spelling
that detract from my ideas.

I can include all elements required

and thereby I show a thorough
understanding of the book, its
characters and themes. I can
create interest in the book.

I can include precise vocabulary

and use vivid and interesting
words so that my reader is not
confused about my choices and
ideas, and my ideas are
communicated well.

I can create a project showing my

personal best effort, taking time
and care to submit a polished
project. It is neat and appealing.

Final mark and overall

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