Independent Reading Assignment
Name:
Title of book:
Author:
Year of
publication:
Number of
pages:
Introduction to the Book (see next page for instructions):
1
Part 1: Introduction to the Book
This paragraph introduces the review, giving the novel’s name, author, time of
publication, setting (time and place of the novel’s events), and theme (Theme is
the overall meaning that the author shows through events and characters’
experiences.).


Sentences 1-2: Introduce the title (Don’t forget to underline the title of the
novel.), author, time of publication, and setting.
Sentences 3-5: This novel is about _______________________. Fill in the
blank here, including the conflict, and central theme. Do not write a full
plot summary.
Model:
The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare won the Newbery Award for best
novel of 1960. This exciting novel takes place in Palestine during the Roman occupation
and during the time of Jesus’ ministry. It is about Daniel, an eighteen-year-old orphan
who hates the Romans and has become a Zealot, determined to find revenge for the loss of
his parents and the deep emotional trauma of his younger sister Leah. After he meets a
young rabbi from Galilee, Jesus of Nazareth, Daniel’s whole life and value system is
turned upside down. Will he let go of his hate and follow this new leader? Or will he die
fighting the Romans, cursing them with his last breath?
Part 2. Plot Summary
In this paragraph, in just 8-10 sentences, you tell just the major events of
the story. First, create a plot diagram in the space below to help you determine
what those major events are:
Climax:
highest point
of conflict
Resolution:
event that
settles the
conflict
2
Your plot diagram goes here:
Using 8-10 sentences, write a plot summary.:
Plot summary:
3
Part 3: How the Main Character (Protagonist) Changes in the Story
Next, create a character description of the protagonist at the beginning of the story. In the next
paragraph, tell how that character changes. What theme is the author developing with this
change?
Character study here:
4
Part 4: Line Highlighting
Find three to five lines or short passages that you think reflect good writing or that are key or
important to the story. You will copy these passages or lines and explain why you believe they
are examples of good writing or why you think they are important to the story.
Passage 1:
Why this passage is important to the
story or is written especially well
Passage 2:
Why this passage is important to the
story or is written especially well
5
Part 5: Word Smith
Find two words that are new to you. You will need to define each word, tell the
part of speech (choose the part of speech that is used in your passage), and write
the language of origin of the word. Finally, you will write the word’s
connotations (feelings surrounding the word).
Word 1:
Language of Origin:
Definition:
Part of speech as used:
Page number where the word can be
found:
Connotation:
Word 2:
Language of Origin:
Definition:
Part of speech as used:
Page number where the word can be
found:
Connotation:
6
Part 6: Reading Response Paragraph
Select one of the questions below and use it to make a statement that you will
then defend. For example, if your question asks who your favorite character is
and why, your statement might read, "My favorite character is Lilly because she
is so strong." You will use your statement as part of a paragraph where you
provide evidence that Lilly is strong and is worthy of being your favorite
character. Use details from your book to support your answer.
1. Is the main character similar to a character you found in another book?
What are the similarities?
2. Who is your favorite character? Why?
3. What do you think of a particular character's actions? Are they right or
wrong? Why?
4. Would you like to acquire a virtue of a particular character? What is
the virtue and why do you like it?
5. What other important characters are there in the book besides the main
character(s)? How are they important to the plot?
6. If your book took place in a different setting, how would that change
the story. Why?
7. Did the book end the way you thought it would? What clues did the
author give you that made you think that? Did you think these clues
were important when you read them?
8. How have you changed after reading this book?
7
Paragraph here:
8