Nonfiction Independent Novel

 

Book selection and parent permission due: Friday, Aug. 22                       Written assignment due: Tuesday, Sept. 23

 

Directions:

1.                    Select a nonfiction book of your choice, and bring in the title and signed parent-permission form.

 

2.                    Read the book and be prepared to turn in the following sections.  The whole project should be formatted according to the Parkview Composition Standards.  (See your course syllabus.)

 

A.            Four Quotations and Responses:

For each quotation, write at least a well-developed paragraph that explains why you have selected it.  Consider the following prompts:

·         Does the passage prompt a strong reaction as you read it? What emotions does it evoke?

·         Do you find the author’s use of language appealing or powerful?  Does the passage jump off the page as vivid imagery?

·         Is the passage particularly meaningful?  Is it a high point in the book?

·         Does the writer raise intriguing questions or issues?  Do you find yourself in agreement or disagreement with the ideas presented?

·         Does the passage remind you of a situation you have personally experienced?  If so, compare the situations.

·         Does the passage challenge or expand your thinking?  Why does the passage impress, intrigue, horrify, or puzzle you?

 

You are not limited to the list above, and you are not expected to answer all of the questions.  However, your responses should clearly explain why these passages mean something to you or why these passages caught your attention.

 

Some specifics to remember:

·         Passages/quotations should be at least two sentences long.

·         Passages/quotations should be taken from throughout the entire book, not just one chapter.

·         All passages/quotations must include the page number from which they are taken.  Cite the pages using MLA parenthetical citation.

 

B.                   Review:

1.             Research—Find and read three reviews of the book; editorial reviews are preferred over customer reviews.  Include the full review in your project.  You will cite the sources of the reviews on the works cited page. 

 

2.             Write a 1 1/2-page (typed, double-spaced, 12-point-font) response to the nonfiction book you read.  Did you agree or disagree with the reviews you read and why? Be specific in responding to statements made in the reviews you read.  Did you like the book?  Would you recommend it to other readers?  Why or why not?  Be sure to back up your opinion with reasons, examples, and details.  Whether or not you liked the book, discuss what readers could learn from it.

 

C.            Works Cited Page—include information about the book you read and the sources for the reviews you cited in MLA format

 

3.             On Sept. 23rd, you will also present an informal “book talk” to the class, giving a brief overview/description of the book and sharing one of your quotations and its significance.

 

 

Permission Form

My son/daughter _____________________________________________________  has my permission to read

 

_____________________________________ as his/her independent novel for Gifted Freshman Language Arts.

 

____________________________________________        ________________________________

(parent’s signature)                                                       (date)