I'm looking forward to seeing more of your way awesome work!
And also...
In case you lost your sheet...a reminder of your choices for projects about your independent reading, due at the end of each grading period. You only have to choose ONE project, about ONE book, but you have to do a different project each time. Also, no matter what project you choose, you have to show me evidence that you read and understood the book--in other words, details, people!
Create a Crossword.
This can be trickier to do than it sounds! Are you up for the challenge? Must have at least 10 across and 10 down clues for a total of 20. Clues can be about characters, settings, plots, anything. You can create your puzzle on paper or use an online crossword-maker, such as: http://www.armoredpenguin.com/crossword/ Also, please make sure you include a copy of the blank crossword, as well as one with the answers filled in.
Write a letter to the author.
You can ask them anything. Why did they choose the ending they did? How did they create their characters? What were they thinking?! You can also just tell them why or liked or didn’t like their book. Don’t be shy. Must be at least four full paragraphs, 3-5 sentences per paragraph.
Make a book commercial.
You have two minutes to convince us why we should read your book! Give us a brief picture of the plot without spoiling any major details or endings. You can do this in person in front of class, or if you’d prefer, you can record your commercial by making a podcast, using the free software Audacity. Either way, you must also submit a brief “script” or outline of your speech.
Make a Poster.
I’m leaving the details up to you. It should have words of some sort: it can just have words, or you could make a collage, or have drawings. Only requirements: It must tell me something about the book (if you only use mainly pictures, you can write a short explanation or explain it to me in person), and it must be on paper or poster board larger than 11x14.
Create a soundtrack.
What songs do you think would make a good soundtrack to your book, and why? Your soundtrack must include at least five songs (five real songs--as in songs from the radio), with an explanation for each one. Your explanation must be a good one: “I like this song” does not count. Create a mock CD cover for your selections! (I will provide you with an empty case.)
Write an extra chapter.
You’re not writing to the author here; you’ve become your author. Think you know what happened after the end of the book? Or do you think there’s something in the middle of the book the author didn’t explain well enough? Write it yourself! Must be at least 1-2 pages long, but no longer than 5.
Make a map.
This can be especially fun to do with fantasy or adventure stories: make a map for the setting of the story. Must be detailed and neatly done, and must include a key which includes something that happened in the story at each of the important places on your map.
Create a mock Facebook/MySpace page.
Choose one of the main characters from the novel, and ON PAPER or a poster, outline a mock website page for them. This should include: a picture (drawn or created by you), basic info about how old they are, where they’re from, where they go to school, etc., who their friends are, and things they like. Must also include at least six interactions which might happen between them and their friends—things posted on their wall, etc.
Alternate Reality.
Imagine that a character from your story has suddenly jumped into your life. How would they fit in? Or, imagine that you have suddenly jumped into theirs. What would you do? Write 1-2 pages about what would happen in either of these alternate realities.
