Name:______________________________ Period:__________ Independent Reading Book Selection
Your job is to choose a book to read outside of class over the next several weeks. The book you
choose should be a work of fiction that you have not previously read. You get to choose your book,
so choose something you will enjoy reading.
Before completing this form, read a little bit of your book (ten minutes or ten pages). If you like the
book, fill out the form below. If you do not like the book, keep selecting and reading books until you
find one you DO like. This form is due tomorrow.
1. Please explain why you have selected this book (why it seems interesting or something that you
will enjoy). Two sentences please:
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Book information:
2. Create a citation of your book. You can find the information in the pages before the cover page.
______________________________, _____________________________. ________________________________________________.
Author’s last name
First
Book Title
_____________________________________: _______________________________, _________________________.
Publisher
City of publication
Year of publication
3. Genre (circle one):
realistic fiction, science fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery/thriller
4. Split your book into four sections, either by page numbers or chapters. You will need to finish
the book by the time we return from break (or sooner), so you need to set deadlines for yourself.
The sections don’t have to be even.
Section1 ____________________ to ___________________________ Due ______________________
Section2 ____________________ to ___________________________ Due ______________________
Section3 ____________________ to ___________________________ Due _______________________
Section4 ____________________ to ___________________________ Due ______________________
5. Now begin reading section 1 (the pages/chapters listed above). It is recommended that you
use post-its to take brief notes while you read, so you can remember key details for
questions you will have to answer later. Reader Reactions are due each Thursday and
must contain the following elements:
A. Use this heading: (2 points)
Name
9(3) English
Reader Reaction #
Book author and Title, and page numbers
(ex: Cure by Robin Cook, pages 2-41)
2. Skip a line after the title. In one paragraph, SUMMARIZE what you have read in four to six
sentences (stick to main characters and main events) (3 points)
3. In a new paragraph, ANSWER one of the following questions in eight to twelve sentences (7
points). Answer a different question/sentence starter each week.
A. Describe the setting in great detail: the time (time period/year and time of year/day), the place (the general
location: country, city, town; and the specific location: a park, a beach, a crowded city, a dining room), and the mood
(the feeling the setting gives the reader). Explain how the setting affects the characters or the events of the story.
B. Analyze (break apart) a round character, describing three different character traits he/she shows. Provide
examples that help show the character traits.
C. Think of a song that could play as a “soundtrack” to the section of the book you read. Describe the song (telling
some of its lyrics) and explain why it fits the characters, events, or themes from the book.
D. Compare and/or contrast a character from the book to someone you know (a real person or another character
from a book , show, or movie). Be sure to compare/contrast at least three aspects of the pair.
E. Choose one line from your book that people could debate. Write down the line and then discuss three reasons why
you agree or disagree with it. (Example: Life is for the strong; Example: Pride is a wonderful and terrible thing)
F. Themes are messages conveyed through a book’s plot and character. What theme is emerging in the book you are
reading? Describe the characters or events that convey this theme. REMEMBER that a theme is stated as a
sentence, not as one word: Ex: The innocent are often the victims of cruelty. Ex: Friendship is a necessary element
of happiness.
G. Discuss the types of conflicts your book presents (man versus man, society, nature, self), giving examples of each.
How would the reading audience (you) react to the conflicts presented?
H. How does the point of view of this novel affect your understanding or enjoyment of the book? First identify the
type of point of view (1st, third limited, third omniscient), then discuss the advantages, disadvantages of the
perspective on your understanding and enjoyment.
I. What do you like about this author’s writing style (word choice, use of figurative language, structure of events..)?
Describe, give and example, and explain why you like it.
4. PROOFREAD your work: Capitalized and italicized book title, author and character names
capitalized along with other proper nouns; apostrophes used correctly, homonyms (there, to, it…)
used correctly; spelling checked; sentences complete (no fragments) and separated from each other
(no run-ons). (3 points)