Name: Date: Period: _____

Independent Reading Project Menu

Overview
Each quarter, you will be required to read at least one book outside of class and
complete a project of your choosing from the menu below. Your book may be
fiction or nonfiction, 200 pages or more with no more than 10% pictures,
though certain project ideas below only fit one of those genres. If you have a
great idea for a project that is not listed below, arrange a time outside of class
to come discuss your plan with me to ensure that it is approved before you
begin your hard work. You may not complete the same project twice.

Menu Items (detailed descriptions on the following pages)

Fiction AND Non-Fiction Dishes

 Time capsule  Narrative writing task
 Vocabulary book  ABC book
 Visual representation of a  Book cover and illustrations
scene/setting/event  Video trailer for book
 Original song depicting central  Comparative literature analysis
theme/main idea  Independent research task
 10-15 frame comic strip of book  Essay (multiple options/prompts)
 Written or recorded book review
 Character/subject journals (at least 5
entries)

Fiction Only Dishes Non-Fiction Only Dishes

 Plot pyramid presentation  Visual and Descriptive Timeline
 Characterization poster  Mini-documentary
 Recorded original film of book  Informational brochure
 Travel brochure  Interview
 Advice column letters

Due Dates

Term 1 Project is due 10/4 Term 2 Project is due 12/13

Term 3 Project is due 2/28 Term 4 Project is due 5/2

Independent Reading Project Menu 1

 Requirements
 All work must be completed independently (except as noted in task descriptions).
 While you may certainly read the same book as another student, you may not complete
the same project. Your project choice can be the same as a peer, but the product itself
should be entirely different.
 Your project must be based on a book you are reading during the term in which the work
is submitted.
 You may not complete a project on a book that you have previously read for/in another
class (though in general it is certainly okay to re-read books! ).
 All work must be original. Plagiarism of any kind will result in adherence to the district’s
academic dishonesty guidelines, as well as disciplinary action.
 The project you create should demonstrate a solid understanding of the targeted skill
(see “I can statements” outlined in each project description), such as identifying main
ideas, author’s purpose, theme, the impact of setting, etc.

Grading
The independent reading project will be evaluated using the rubric below. In order to meet all
the requirements for each individual task, it is imperative that you read the detailed descriptions
on pages 3-11 carefully. Periodic check-ins and conferences will be ongoing throughout the
term, and I am certainly available before and after school to support you.

Category Meets Expectations (2) Exceeds Expectations (3) Needs Improvement (1)
Mastery of Demonstrates mastery of the Exceeds expectations with Demonstrates developing skills
Targeted Skill project’s targeted skill (see regard to grade level mastery but with improvement needed in
project description). and application of the project’s order to show clear mastery.
targeted skill.
Understanding Shows a clear understanding of Shows high levels of reflection Shows some confusion about the
of Text the main ideas and elements of and thorough understanding of main ideas and elements of
literature (fiction or nonfiction) the main ideas and elements of literature for the book read.
for the book read. literature for the book read.
Evidence Includes all required elements of Includes all required elements of There are required elements
the task as detailed in the project the task as detailed in the project missing from the project.
description. description, plus additional
information/ content.
Organization Information is presented in a Information is presented in a Information is difficult to follow
of Content logical and coherent manner logical, coherent, and creative because it is scattered,
which can be easily followed and way, with well-chosen details disconnected, unclear, or lacking
suits the intended audience. that engage the intended sufficient detail.
audience.
Visual Project is attractive in terms of Project is exceptionally attractive Visual design needs
Presentation design, layout, and neatness. in terms of design, layout, and improvement. Presentation may
neatness. distract from the content.
Creativity and Project shows some creativity Project shows exceptional Project could be more creative. It
Originality and originality in its production. creativity and originality in its may appear basic, rushed, or
production. incomplete.
Conventions Few errors in punctuation, No errors in punctuation, Numerous errors in punctuation,
and Mechanics spelling, grammar, and word spelling, grammar, and word spelling, grammar, and word
choice. Errors do not hinder choice. choice which may hinder
understanding. understanding of the project.

Score Conversion:

21 = 100 20 = 98 19 = 95 18 = 93 17 = 90 16 = 88 15 = 86

14 = 85 13 = 84 12 = 82 11 = 80 10 = 78 9 = 75 8 = 70

7 or below = 50 (must be revised or redone, and may result in an Incomplete for the term)

Independent Reading Project Menu 2

 Detailed Instructions for Each Task
Fiction AND Non-Fiction Choices:

1. Time Capsule
Targeted Skill: I can understand how various literary elements and devices
shape text development and impact meaning.
 Create a time capsule for a specific character, a complex theme, or a
major plot event from the work you read. If reading nonfiction, your
time capsule could focus on a major event or development, a
significant person, or an experience in that person’s life.
 The time capsule must include at least 10 artifacts/objects that
symbolize your topic.
 Write a 2-3 page explanation of your choices (size 12 TNR double-
spaced).
o Briefly summarize the text (3-4 sentences tops)
o Why did you include each artifact? What connection does it have to the book you read,
and how does the artifact represent that connection?
o Try to relate the items to overarching themes, main ideas, character development or
conflicts.

2. Vocabulary Book
Targeted Skill: I can determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and
multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 7 reading and
content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.
 Create a vocabulary book consisting of at least 20 new words you
encounter in your reading.
 Each word should have its own page that includes the word, its part
of speech, its definition(s), an image that represents or relates to
the word, the sentence the word is used in within the book, and one
original sentence that you write. (Make sure your original sentence
is distinct from the text and your own—not one you find in the dictionary or online.)
 Your vocabulary book may be print or digital. Get creative with this, and publish your book in a
professional looking way so that we can use it as a resource in class!

3. Visual Representation of a Scene, Setting, or Major Event

Targeted Skill: I can analyze how interactions between people and
places impact ideas in a text, specifically how setting shapes the
characters/plot (fiction) or how physical locations/geography impact
individuals and events (non-fiction).
 Create a visual model of the overall setting of your book
(fiction), a setting of one specific scene (fiction), or a major
location or event (nonfiction).
 Creatively design your visual, which can be 2-dimensional, 3-
dimensional, or digital, as long as it is entirely your own work.
 Label your visual and include at least 5 direct and distinct (from
different pages) quotes from the book that reveal details about the
scene/setting/event.

Independent Reading Project Menu 3

4. Original Song
Targeted Skill: I can interpret the theme or central idea of a text; I can write narratives to develop real
or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-
structured sequences.
 Are you an aspiring musician or lyricist? For this project, you will write an
original song that communicates a central theme or main idea of your story
and/or the complex characterization of a specific character and the conflicts he or
she undergoes.
 Your song should not just be a summary of the book you read (though you can
certainly include details from the plot that relate to the theme, main
idea, conflict, or characterization you are focusing on).
 You can record yourself performing the song and share the recording
through Google Drive, or you may arrange a time (before the due date)
to perform your song live.
 Submit a copy of the lyrics and a one paragraph (5-8 sentences) written
explanation of why you chose to focus on the subject of your song and what
inspired you from the book.

5. Comic Strip
Targeted Skill: I can interpret the theme or central idea of a text; I can summarize how various literary
elements and devices shape text development and impact meaning.
 Create a 10-15 frame comic strip of the overall plot
of your story or depicting a particular scene or
major event from the book you read.
 Use dialogue and thought bubbles to reveal what
characters/people say and do, and add general text
captions to reveal additional necessary
information. The words spoken or thought by
characters in your comic strip do not need to be the
same word-for-word as what is written in the text
but should match the overall characterization,
conflicts, and plot events that occur in the story.
 Comic strip should be neat, easy to read, colorful,
and engaging.
 Create and illustrate your comic strip by hand or
use a free web tool like MakeBeliefsComix.com or Read Write Think’s interactive comics.
 If you use a web, tool to create your comic, your comic must be downloadable or shareable so that
you are able to submit it. Not being able to extract your comic from a web tool is not an excuse to
not have it ready for submission by the due date.
 Note: you may not choose this project option if reading a graphic novel or other illustrated text.

6. Written or Recorded Book Review – Cannot do since this was the Q1 assignment
Targeted Skill: I can summarize major events in a text and evaluate an author’s ability to employ
specific devices to shape text development and impact meaning.
 Write a review of the book for other potential readers. (Or, write
and record the review in the form of a television show that
reviews films and books).
 Your review should be thoughtful and detailed with lots of
information about the story, but should be more than just plot summary. You should evaluate the
strengths and weaknesses of the story, as well as the strategies and devices employed by the
author. You should also determine audiences who may enjoy reading a book like this.
 You may also want to include your thoughts on whether you think this is a good book to be read
by an entire class and/or taught in school.
 Submit your typed review or share a link to your video through Google Drive.
 Note: If you choose to create a video review, it is your responsibility to make sure that any pre-
recorded video/audio is able to be shared by the due date. If for some reason it does not work, you
will not receive credit for the task.

Independent Reading Project Menu 4

7. Character/Subject Journals
Targeted Skill: I can interpret characterization in fiction
(or topic development in nonfiction) and employ specific
devices to create original first person narratives.
 Imagine you are one of the minor characters
(fiction) or figures (nonfiction) in your book sitting
down at the end of the day and writing a journal
entry. Writing in the first person, have the
character/individual reflect on his or her day,
mentioning specific details from the book.
Journals should present insightful and realistic
connections to the author’s characterization or
development of the specific character/person, his
or her interactions with other characters/people,
and/or any conflicts experienced by the character/person.
 You may not write journal entries for any character who is already a first person narrator/speaker
in the book.
 You must include a minimum of five separate journal entries that are each at least 15 sentences
long.
 Journal entries may all be written by one character/person or you may write journal entries from
the perspective of multiple people (including multiple people’s interpretation of the same
events/situations).
 Journal entries can be typed or neatly hand-written. You can also consider developing a blog or
video journal.

8. Narrative Writing Task

Targeted Skill: I can write narratives to develop real or imagined
experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive
details, and well-structured event sequences.
 Are you a creative writer, budding author, or lover of fan
fiction? If so, this is the task for you!
 Write a short story based on the book you read. You could tell
the story/backstory of a minor character, tell the story from
the villain’s perspective, use a nonfiction book as a source of
inspiration for historical fiction, or write about what happens
after the conclusion/resolution of your story.
 Stories must be at least 4 typed, double-spaced pages, and should include a clear beginning,
middle, and end, as well as one or more conflicts and clear characterization that includes showing
(indirect characterization), not just telling.
 You may want to plan for some extra conferencing time with me if you take on this task.

9. ABC Book
Targeted Skill: I can analyze how particular elements of a story interact,
citing several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text
says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
 Create an ABC book that includes a separate page for each letter of
the alphabet.
 Align each letter to an element of the book that begins with that
letter of the alphabet. This might include a major character or
person, a setting or location, an event, a symbol or motif, a conflict, a
main idea or theme, or any other relevant detail.
 Each entry should include at least 2-3 sentences of description of the
word chosen and its meaning/significance.
 Each page must include a picture or other visual of some kind.
 The cover of your ABC book should include an original title and your
name, the title and author of the book you read, and some kind of
illustration or graphic.

Independent Reading Project Menu 5

10. Book Cover and Illustrations
Targeted Skills: I can draw evidence from literary and informational texts and produce clear and
coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose,
and audience.
 Are you a budding graphic designer or illustrator?
Consider this project idea.
 Design an original book cover for the book you read. It
should be completely different from the copy you have
(or any other edition of the book), but still relevant to
the book’s content. The cover should include the title
and author of the book, as well as your name and some
kind of visual component.
 On the back of your book cover, explain your artistic
and design choices in a short paragraph of 5-8
sentences, being sure to include how they relate to the
book.
 Then, create five additional illustrations of different
key moments/events in the book, captioning each at
the bottom with a short explanation of what is
happening in the scene.
 All illustrations must be drawn by hand (not electronically created), but you may choose to create
your book cover using digital resources. If you make this choice, all artwork must be original and
your own (not clipart).
 Note: you may not choose this project option if reading a graphic novel or other illustrated text.

11. Video Trailer for Book

Targeted Skills: I can draw evidence from literary and informational texts, identifying key ideas and
details, to create an original narrative appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
 Use Windows Movie Maker, iMovie, WeVideo, Thirteen
TrailerMaker, or another tool to create a trailer for your story
similar to those you see advertising movies currently in
theatres. Your trailer should include engaging details about
the story that leaves the viewer in suspense and wanting to
see/read more.
 You must include at least TWO quotes from the book that you
think are particularly powerful or gripping.
 You should also include an engaging one-sentence “tag line”
for the book. (Google “Disney Taglines” if you need some help
figuring out what this might look like.)
 Trailer must be a minimum of 90 seconds and a maximum
of 3 minutes.
 Note: If you choose this option, you must be sure that your video is uploaded into Google Drive or
that the link is sharable. If for some reason the video does not work (or is not accessible to me),
you will not receive credit for the task.

12. Comparative Literature Analysis

Targeted Skill: I can analyze how two or more texts address similar themes
or topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the approaches the
authors take.
 Identify an existing poem, short story, novel, play, film, or work of
art that relates to some aspect of the book you read. This connection
could be to a major character/person, a shared conflict, or a common
theme or purpose.
 Compose a thought-provoking written explanation of the connections
between the two texts, using specific details from the book and direct
quotes from the new work of literature. The written piece should be at
least 2-3 typed and double-spaced pages.
 Note: Make sure that your new text is not just a modernization or adaptation of the book you
read.

Independent Reading Project Menu 6

13. Independent Research Task
Targeted Skill: I can conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused
questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
 Was there a topic, unanswered question, or situation that really
piqued your curiosity while you were reading? If so, consider an
independent research project.
 First, develop a research question related to your topic (this is what
you will explore). This might have to do with a location, historical
event, conflict/situation experienced by a person in the book, or
something else you want to learn more about. You also might seek to
learn more about the author of your book or the impact this particular
work has had on the world (if it’s a rather famous book).
 Then, conduct research to learn about your topic. You must access
four separate credible sources, at least two of which must be texts
(books or articles). Other sources might include documentaries, TED
talks, or recorded interviews.
 Synthesize your research into a 3-4 page essay (double-spaced), a Google presentation or Prezi, a
video, or a recorded live talk that you create (about 5 minutes). Whatever you choose for your
final product, you must include your research question, relevant information, your
thoughts/conclusions, and appropriate citations (see me if you need help with this, but also check
out Easy Bib!).

14. Essay
Targeted Skills: I can draw evidence from literary and informational texts and produce clear and
coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose,
and audience.
 If essay writing is your preference, or you just happen to have a great essay topic in mind related
to the book you read, you have a lot of options when it comes to this task. Whatever you choose to
write about, you must get your topic and thesis approved by me before you begin to
write.
 Like the research task, you will begin by developing your own prompt or
question to answer. Then, do some planning and create a graphic organizer to
sequence your thoughts and gather your evidence. I am happy to provide
copies of different organizers you might use.
 Possible topics for fiction: analyze how the author uses various literary
devices and/or elements of fiction throughout the novel, identify an important
theme and explain its development through conflict and characterization,
analyze symbolism in the novel, or explore the book through the lens of a
certain idea or perspective.
 Possible topics for nonfiction: evaluate the effectiveness of the work in terms
of informing or impacting its target audience, analyze how the author uses
various devices or elements of nonfiction to communicate his or her big ideas,
explain the importance of this work and how it might relate to or impact your own community.
 Note: It’s important not to include too much plot summary when you are writing an essay about a
book. See me if you need help finding balance between providing background information and
not telling the whole story.

Independent Reading Project Menu 7

Fiction ONLY Choices:

1. Plot Pyramid Presentation

Targeted Skill: I can analyze how a story’s structure contributes to its meaning, citing specific pieces of
textual evidence to support my analysis of the author’s intent.
 Create a Google Presentation that provides a detailed
summary of the work of fiction you read.
 On the first slide, create a diagram of Freytag’s Pyramid and
identify the exposition, inciting incident, rising action
(general), climax, falling action, and resolution of the
novel using brief labels.
 Then, add individual slides for each of the elements listed
above (in bold). Each slide should include a bulleted or
narrative summary of that section of the story, a quote from
that part of the story that represents the plot sequence, and an
image that correlates to the text you include.
 Share your Google Presentation with me.

2. Characterization poster
Targeted Skill: I can cite several pieces of direct evidence to analyze
characterization in a story.
 Use large poster paper to create a visual representation of a main
character from your story. Character must be an original drawing, not
a picture of a person printed from the internet.
 Draw the character as he or she is described in the story, and include at
least 10 labels of his/her clothing, appearance, or demeanor that
appropriately match the author’s characterization. (You may include
“props” that relate to the character.)
 You must also include at least 7 direct quotes from the story that are
examples of the author’s characterization of this character. These
could include something the character says or thinks, an effect the
character has on others, or something another character says about the
character.
 Note: you may not complete this project choice if reading a graphic
novel or other illustrated story. See me if you have questions on this.

3. Recorded original film of story

Targeted Skills: I can draw evidence from a literary text, identifying key ideas
and details, to create an original narrative that includes effective techniques,
relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.
 Create your own short film version of the work of fiction you read! Write a
short script for a 5-10 minute movie that depicts the overall plot of your
story. (This must be submitted
 Include visuals and props that help the audience visualize the setting of
your story.
 While the screenwriting and production must be all your own, you may
recruit others to perform in your movie. (They will not receive credit for this.)
 Note: if you choose this option, you must be sure that your video is able to be uploaded into
Google Drive and shared with me. If for some reason it does not work, you will not receive credit
for the task.

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4. Travel Brochure
Targeted Skill: I can analyze the setting of a story and its impact on other story elements. I can write
informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through
the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
 Using paper, web-based resources (such as Piktochart), or Microsoft/Google tools (like Docs or
Publisher), create a travel brochure for the overarching setting of your novel.
 The setting can be fictional or a real place, as seen in
historical fiction, but the details in the brochure should
directly relate to the description of the setting in the work of
fiction you read.
 The brochure should have 4-6 panels that are organized in a
logical and easy-to-read way that entices tourists to visit the
setting.
 The cover of your brochure must include the title and author
of your book, your name, and a picture.
 Your brochure should feature at least five different sections
with headings, each of which should provide different
information related to the main idea of your book. Text can be bulleted or in complete sentences.
 Your brochure must include at least four pictures or graphics that are sufficiently captioned.
 Sections you might include: a map, historical sites, natural attractions, local businesses and
restaurants, places to stay, travel tips, climate information, what to bring/wear, and famous
residents. Get creative, but make sure every detail you include relates to the novel in some way.

5. Advice Column Letters & Responses

Targeted Skill: I can interpret characterization and conflict in fiction and employ specific devices to
create original first person narratives with a strong sense of voice.
 For this task you will imagine that you are an advice columnist
giving advice to characters in the story.
 Use your name to create a clever and engaging title for the
column.
 Write 5 letters from different characters in the book who need
advice regarding something going on in their lives. The topics
about which they seek advice should be directly related to
events that occur in the novel, but you can certainly extend small
issues or be imaginative about the lives of minor characters.
 Then, take on the role of an advice columnist and respond to each character
by giving them sound advice that you think will be helpful to their situation.
 Letters should each be about one paragraph in length (so 10 total).
 Of the 5 character letters, you must include at least 3 separate characters. Two of the letters may
be from the same character, but should address a separate issue.

Independent Reading Project Menu 9

Non-Fiction ONLY Choices:

1. Visual and Descriptive Timeline

Targeted Skill: I can determine the central ideas or information of an informational text and provide an
accurate summary, citing key steps, details, or events.
 Use large poster paper (or multiple pieces of
paper taped together) or digital tools to create
a detailed visual timeline of the nonfiction
book you read.
 Your timeline must include at least 15 separate
events, each of which should have a label/title,
a description of 2-3 complete sentences, and a
related illustration. Your description should
explain why this event is important.
 All events on the timeline must be in
chronological order, and they should include
dates. (If exact dates are not reported in the
book, make sure the event is sequenced appropriately and add a “circa” date.)
 Note: there may be works of nonfiction that do not align well to this task (for example, ones that
do not include much in the way of chronology). If you are wondering if a timeline will work for
your book, find a time for us to chat.

2. Mini Documentary
Targeted Skill: I can cite evidence from texts to compose an original informative/explanatory piece that
examines a topic and conveys ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and
analysis of relevant content.
 Create your own documentary version of the nonfiction book you read.
Write a short script for a 5-10 minute movie that depicts the main ideas
and/or most significant events in the work. Be careful to ensure that the
words are all your own.
 Include images, graphics, audio clips, or excerpted real footage that help
the audience engage with and learn from the content.
 Be careful to ensure that all work is your own and that you are not simply
copying your narrative from the book you read or other sources on the
topic (though you may certainly explore other sources). Any video clips
you include should be under a minute.
 All sources must be cited within the video. You can do this through credits if you prefer.
 Note: if you choose this option, you must be sure that your video is able to be uploaded into
Google Drive and shared with me. If for some reason it does not work, you will not receive credit
for the task.

Independent Reading Project Menu 10

3. Informational Brochure
Targeted Skill: I can write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts,
and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
 Using paper, web-based resources (such as Piktochart), or Microsoft/Google tools (like Word,
Docs, or Publisher), create an informational brochure about the topic of your nonfiction book.
 The brochure should have 4-6 panels that are organized in a
logical and easy-to-read way that teaches others about the
subject matter of your book.
 The cover of your brochure must include the title and author
of your book, your name, and a picture.
 Your brochure should feature at least five different
informational sections with headings, each of which should
provide different information related to the main idea of
your book. Text can be bulleted or written in complete
sentences.
 Your brochure must include at least four pictures or
graphics that are sufficiently captioned.
 Sections you might include: a map, charts and graphs, historical sites, timelines, cause and effect
diagrams, profiles of important individuals, and contact information for relevant
organizations/facilities. You can get creative with this, but make sure all content relates to the
main ideas of your book.
 Note: This task might not work as well with biographies, auto-biographies, and memoirs, so check
in with me if you are reading one of these genres and interested in this project.

4. Interview
Targeted Skill: I can engage effectively in academic discourse on a
focused topic, text or issue, building on others’ ideas, expressing my
own ideas clearly, and learning from the information shared.
 If there are people alive with a great deal of knowledge about
your topic—or who have experienced the subject matter
firsthand—consider an interview project.
 First, you must confirm that the subject of your interview is
available to converse with you (either in person or electronically).
 Before connecting with the interviewee, draft a set of questions
that you would like answered and that might help you or your audience learn more about the
topic of your book. When drafting questions, remember that it is better to have too many and not
need them all than to have too few prepared and not have enough to discuss.
 Take quality notes when interviewing so that you can be certain of what the interviewee says. If
the person you are interviewing is comfortable being recorded, you may wish to record his or her
comments so you can listen to them again later.
 Type up all of your questions and the person’s responses, omitting any questions/answers that do
not seem relevant to your topic or seems redundant (but not
changing or misrepresenting what the person shared!). Your
finished product should be at least 2 pages (single spaced but with
a space added between questions and responses, like those
formatted for feature article interviews.
 If you would prefer to conduct a video interview like those seen on
talk shows or in feature news stories (and your interviewee is
comfortable with this option), you could turn your interview into a
short video. If recording live, consider having notecards prepared
with your questions. Video interviews should be at least five
minutes in length.
 Note: Inability to connect with the desired interviewee before the due date is not an acceptable
excuse to not complete this project, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time.

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