Name: ______________________________
Non-Fiction Outside Reading
Assignment and Presentation
While we are working on our I-Search unit, you will have the opportunity to read any non-fiction book of your
choosing! You will have a couple of days to read in class; however, most of the reading will be done outside of
class. The purpose of this independent reading is to encourage you to read for pleasure rather than be assigned
a reading. In order to help hold you accountable for reading, there will be two assignments in conjunction with
your reading. However, there will be very few analysis lessons in class because – as mentioned – the purpose of
this is just to have you read for leisure 
Choosing a Book

Choose any (grade-appropriate) non-fiction book you want – “Google” any suggestions if you don’t
know what to read. The only stipulation is that you cannot read a diary.
o Some non-fiction books I’ve liked include Night, The Last Lecture, She Said Yes, My Name is
Parvana, Into Thin Air, Catch Me if You Can, This Voice in My Heart, and Fast Food Nation.

Get your book approved by ________________________
Part I: Assignment

As you read the book, you will keep a two-sided journal. You may simply use lined paper that you fold
vertically in half.

On the left side of the page, record seven passages/quotes from the text that stand out to you or that you
find essential in understanding the story/characters. Don’t forget to record the page numbers!

On the right side of the page, across from where you recorded each passage/quote, in your own words,
explain why this passage is important or why you chose it. This should be a least 4 sentences.
Part II: Presentation
After finishing the book and journal, you will prepare an oral presentation for the class. You must address the
following in your presentation:

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

Introduce the book to the class: title, author, brief summary. Please bring the book itself with you to
class.
Discuss why you chose this book – be honest!
Choose your two favorite passages/quotes from the seven you recorded in your journal. Read both to
the class and discuss the significance of the passage/quote by explaining why you chose the passage and
what makes it essential in understanding the book.
Conclude with discussing whether or not you liked the book and if you would or would not recommend
it. Give at least 2 specific reasons.
Your presentation should take 3-5 minutes. Be sure to practice it so you are prepared.
Feel free to make a poster, power point, or bring in index cards.
After your presentation, you will turn in your journal. See the back of this paper for the grading criteria.
Name: ____________________________
Grading Criteria
To be turned in when you complete your presentation
Journal



The journal is worth 70 points.
Each passage/quote and their analysis are worth 10 points total.
o The grade out of 10 points is determined by the adherence to directions, accuracy,
thoroughness, neatness, spelling, grammar, and perceived effort.
See journal comments for specific passage/quote grades.
Total: _____ / 70
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Presentation


The presentation is worth 30 points.
See the point-by-point rubric below:
 Introduction of the book to the class -- _____ /5
Book title: _________________________________________
Author: __________________________________
Summary sufficiency
Book brought in?
 Discussion of book choice -- _____ /5
 Quote 1 and explanation -- _____ /5
 Quote 2 and explanation -- _____ /5
 Conclusion -- _____ /5
 Presentation effort -- _____ /5
Time: ____________
Demeanor, organization, preparation, execution
Total: ______ / 30
--------------------------------------------------Grand Total: __________ / 100
Non-Fiction Parent Permission Form
Student: ______________________________
Book of choice: __________________________________________________________
Author: _______________________________
Brief synopsis of book:
Parent/Guardian signature for book approval: _____________________________________
Date: _________________________