5.2 Novel Study Reading Projects

Overview

Consider again the question posed at the beginning of this unit: So, what does it mean to be resilient?

For your reading project for this unit, choose ONE of the following choices and click on the related page in this book to get more details:

A. Create a poster size map of the town and area where the novel takes place- the setting of the novel. Include as many details and locations as possible based on the novel and imagination. List the important events when a character demonstrated resilience or a strong character trait and show the location where it happened on the map.

B.  Create a character diary. Step into the mind of one of the main characters in your novel. Put yourself "in their shoes" and imagine what they think and how they feel. 

C. Create an illustrated timeline.  Identify the 10 most important events and the 10 most crucial to the outcome of the novel. Include an illustration for each event. 

Choice 1: Mapping It All Out

Create a poster size map of the town and area where the novel takes place- the setting of the novel.

• Include as many details and locations as possible using your imagination and specific details from the book.
• You must label all of the locations.

• List the important events when a character demonstrated resilience or an important character trait. In your legend, create a symbol for for these traits so that you can show the location where these important events took place on your map.
• List the important events in point form, that occurred at each area or location on your map.
• Remember to include a border, title, compass rose and legend. Make it look as much like a map as you can.
• From your list of important events, choose the 5 most important ones according to you. Write a paragraph for each event explaining why you think it is important.
• Include a few details about the event, but more importantly explain why each event was so significant.
• What impact did each event have on the outcome of the novel?
• Did the setting and/or theme influence the events? Relate the event to the setting and/or theme as much as possible.

Organization: All places have clear and neat labels. All important details and locations are included. 

Content: Thoughtful, specific and effective details. Excellent analysis of each event, well written paragraphs. Thorough and complete description of each event.

Conventions: Use proper punctuation and sentences, and, paragraph formatting.

Choice 2: Character Diary

Create a Character Diary. Step into the mind of one of the main characters in your novel. Put yourself "in their shoes" and imagine what they think and how they feel.

Include the following details in your character's diary:

• Responses to at least 8 major events in the novel
  • How were you involved in the event?
  • Did you want to be involved?
  • Were you a major part of the event or a bystander?
  • How did you feel about the events?
  • What emotions were you experiencing?
  • What are your thoughts on the other characters?
  • How does the setting impact you?
  • What are your hopes/dreams/secrets?
• Design a cover for your Character Diary and attach your entries behind it.
  • Does your cover reflect your character?
  • Are you a boy or a girl?
  • Would your diary be hand-written or typed?
  • Would you have a fancy diary or a plain one?
  • Relate your diary's cover as much as possible to the personality and dominant character traits of the character.

Don't forget to write in 1st Person. The diary is from your character's perspective.

Content: Thoughtful, mature, specific and effective details. Shows deep understanding of character and character's personality. Relates character's thoughts and feelings to major events in the novel. 8 thorough and complete diary entries. Dairy cover reflects themes of the novel and accurately depicts the character's personality.

Organization: Well written and well edited. Typical diary details are included eg. salutation,date

Conventions: Proper punctuation and sentences.

Choice 3: Illustrated Timeline

Create an Illustrated Timeline. Identify the 10 most important events and the 10 most crucial to the outcome of the novel. Include an illustration for each event. 

Begin by brainstorming a list of the most important events and narrow it down to the 10 most important events.

Each event must include the following:

• An illustration (may be hand-drawn, from the internet or from a magazine)
• A title (ex. Johnny Escapes)
• 3-5 points about the event including
  • • Who was involved?
    • When did the event happen? (Make sure that they are in order on your timeline)
    • Where did the event happen?
    • What happened?
    • Why did it happen?

Once you've created and illustrated your timeline, pick the 5 most important events and rank them from 1 to 5. For each event write a paragraph that explains the following:

• • • Why you ranked the event the way that you did
    • The impact that event had on the outcome of the novel
    • The significance or importance of the event on the characters or the outcome of the novel
    • Any other important ideas you may have

Content: Illustrated timeline with well chosen, 10 important events, 5 well-written timeline paragraphs, including explained ranking.

Organization: Includes major events in the correct order according to the novel. Excellent pictures for each event. All important details are included.

Conventions: Proper punctuation and sentences.