145th Street: Short Stories
(LEVEL U and Above)
OR
Tex
(LEVEL U or Below)
both by Walter Dean Myers
7th Grade Summer Reading
As you enjoy your summer before entering 7th grade, remember to set time aside to read your novel. We
will discuss the novel during the first week of school. You must purchases the novel at your local
bookstore. As a class, we will complete many activities and assignments on the novel, as well as have a
test on the book. It is important that you start the year off on the right track; completing the assignment
will put you in the front seat for success. Please do not watch the film INSTEAD of reading the book, but
by all means, watch the film ALONG with reading the book 
Here is a list of some expectations:
 All 7th graders MUST bring this book and a Highlighter to school on the FIRST DAY!
 Annotate as you read.
 Complete one of the two optional assignments.
Here is how you will be graded:
 50 points for annotations
 100 points for project (see below)
 100 points for the test you will take the first week
 Between 5 and 10 points for each assignment given during the first week
ANNOTATION GUIDE
To help you prepare for the test, you need to:
o Annotate-As-You-Go: Keep track of important information about characters and events by
recording notes in the margin. Use the annotation code below for your annotations. Each page
should have 3 annotations. Your novel will be checked and graded in the first week of school.
Note: Mrs. Ellis does not accept just codes for annotations. There must be writing in the margins or
you will receive a 0.
?

Summer Reading Annotation Codes
Use it when you…
Find a word that you can’t figure out based on context
clues – circle it!
Are confused or don’t understand something you’ve read
!

Gained important insight into a character

Jot down what you learned.
CF

Encountered an important development in the conflict

Briefly restate it.
*

Encountered a very important or interesting passage

Jot down why it’s important.
=

Make a connection or are reminded of something else
you’ve read, scene, or experienced.

Write down the connection.
Code
O



Follow up by…
Look up the word and
record the definition
Ask a question
PROJECT CHOICES
Choice #1: Double-Entry Journal
Your task is to use a notebook, composition book, or folder to record your thoughts about
and understanding of your summer reading book.
Directions:
1. Divide several pages of your notebook into two sections by drawing a vertical line down the center.
2. Label the double entry journal pages as shown in the example on the back of this page.
3. You must have 15 total entries in your double entry journal.
4. Count the number of chapters in your book. Decide how many entries you will need to write for each
chapter or groups of chapters. For example:
 If your book has 10 chapters, you will need at least one journal entry for every chapter, plus an extra
five from anywhere in the book.
 If your book has 27 chapters, you only have to write a journal entry for every other chapter.
5. Make sure your 15 journal entries are evenly spaced throughout the book. Your teacher will be looking to
see whether you finished the book and were able to reflect on the ending.
6. Always show the page number on the left side of the page for each entry.
7. On the left side, copy down a short quote from the text that you find interesting in some way.
8. On the right side, write your personal responses…why you found that sentence(s) or quote(s) interesting or
confusing. Each personal response should be at least 3 sentences to make sure you have explained
your thinking to your teacher.
9. See the example on the back of this page. (Note that this example is NOT based on our reading)
Rubric for Double Entry Journal:
_____Front or first page of notebook or folder has your name and title of book (5 points)
_____Completion: contains all 15 journal entries (15 points; each entry worth 1 point)
_____Critical Thinking: Entries show proof of reading and proof of thinking (45 points; each entry worth 3 points)
_____Organization: Double entry journal is organized correctly (15 points)
_____Page number and quotes are used for each entry (10 points)
_____Correct use of grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, complete sentences (10 points)
_____FINAL GRADE/100
Choice #2: Brochure
Your task is to construct a six-panel brochure that describes and illustrates your
understanding of the literary elements of your summer reading book.
Directions:
1. Fold a piece of 8 1/2 " x 11" paper into three equal sections from one short end to the other— fold the right
third towards the center and the left third towards the center so it overlaps the right.
2. On the outside panel, title your brochure the name of your summer reading book. Illustrate
3. As you open up the brochure, title the first section (on the left), “Characters". Describe the main characters
giving a physical description and their role in the book. Illustrate.
4. Title the second section "Setting". Describe the setting of the book and illustrate.
5. Section three (the center panel) will be titled "Plot Summary". Describe the plot of the book and illustrate
an important scene from the story.
6. The fourth section (the inside left panel will be titled “Conflict”. Describe the problem in the story and
Illustrate
7. The final section (the inside right panel) will be titled "Resolution”. Describe the solution to the problem and
provide an illustration.
8. Each description must be at least 1 detailed paragraph. More may be needed for the plot summary.
9. Write your name on the back of your brochure.
Rubric for Brochure:
_____front of brochure has title of your summer reading book and is illustrated (5 points)
_____section 1 provides a well-described paragraphs for the main characters; illustrated (15 points)
_____section 2 vividly describes the setting and is illustrated (15 points)
_____section 3 describes the plot and illustrates a major scene in the book (15 points)
_____section 4 describes the main conflict of the book and is illustrated (15 points)
_____ section 5 describes the resolution to the conflict and is illustrated (15 points)
_____correct use of grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, complete sentences (10 points)
_____neat/attractive appearance (5 points)
_____your name is on the back of the brochure (5 points)
_____FINAL GRADE/100