FIRST TRIMESTER 8TH GRADE BOOK REPORTS
All book reports should be based on Newbery Medal Winners or Honor Books, or other
books written by an award-winning author (LITERARY, not POPULARITY awards -see attached list for ideas).
Due Dates
Book Report 1:
Summer Reading
August 12 Mon
(Periods 1, 5, 7)
August 13 Tues
(Periods 2, 6)
Book Report 2:
September 5 Thurs
(periods 1, 5, 7)
September 6 Friday
(periods 2, 6)
ORAL Book Report:
October 17 Thurs
(periods 1, 5, 7)
October 18 Friday
(periods 2, 6)
Trimester 1 Options for Non-Oral Book Reports
Like the Word Work Menu, select a different option each time you complete a non-oral
book report. These will be graded using Dr. Day’s All-Purpose Product Rubric.

Option 1: Wiser Poetry - Using first person, compose a “When I was
Younger…Now That I’m Wiser” poem that tells what a main character was like
at the beginning of the story and how the character has changed by the end of the
story. Include at least six changes.

Option 2: What Makes You Tick? – Think about what MOTIVATES a main
character to make choices in the book. For six numbers on the face of a clock,
insert a sentence or two that gives a plot example about what makes that character
“tick” (NOT defined as "getting mad").
Oral Book Report for Trimester 1: (Character Study)
As you read the novel, identify specific character traits of a main character in your book.
Use the graphic organizer to find specific quotes or examples that support the traits
you’ve chosen. Be prepared to give an introduction (title, author, plot) and a conclusion
(tell how you feel or convince your peers to do something) during your oral presentation.
Presentations should last 3-5 minutes (6-10 if a partner option is chosen).

Option 1: Person in a Pouch - Collect 5 OBJECTS (not drawings or words) that
relate to the quotes and examples you’ve selected to share. Put them in a bag.
During your presentation, you will pull each item from the pouch and explain the
trait(s) and how they are similar or different from yourself.

Option 2: Get Into Character – Dress up as the character and discuss 5 of the
quotes and examples from the first person perspective. (This option can be done
with a partner if you’ve read the same book. Choose two DIFFERENT characters
and script your conversation so that you are both able to share 5 character traits
each, using first person.)
Name:
Period:
Oral Book Report for Trimester 1: (Character Study)
As you read the novel, identify specific character traits of a main character in your book.
Use the graphic organizer below. Find 8 specific quotes or examples that support the
traits you’ve chosen.
Main Character Trait
Quote or Example
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Page
Number(s)