Adventure/Survival
Book Project
Due Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Over the next few weeks, you are to read an adventure or survival
story at your just right level (Lexile color range). Typically,
adventure/survival stories focus on a strong central character. As you read,
pay close attention to your main character. What character traits does
he/she possess? What actions and words does the author use to let you
know what type of person the character is? You will need to complete part
one using information that you discover about your character as you read.
Part One: Analyze the main character in your book. Think about the
character traits that this individual possesses (courageous?, intelligent?,
compassionate?, honest?, loyal?) and the specific evidence that supports your
thoughts. Write a two page paper explaining each of the four character trait
you selected with three pieces of supporting evidence from the book (page
numbers should be included on the attached graphic organizer). The graphic
organizer will help you to think about your character and plan your writing.
Make sure that you are very specific – using ‘nice’ and ‘good’ as traits will not
be satisfactory! Use a thesaurus or our list of virtues to help you find words
to describe your character. You’ll share your graphic organizer with Mrs. B.,
so I can check your progress. Your final paper for Part One should be neatly
written or typed. You should have one paragraph for each of the 4+
character traits.
Part Two: Once you are finished reading your book, create a trunk for your
character. Inside include drawings or actual items that relate to the
character traits from Part One and provide additional insights into the
character. You may use any type of cardboard box such as a shoebox to
create your trunk.
Requirements for your character trunk:
 Your box needs to be decorated on the outside to look like a trunk that
matches the setting, time period or personal style of the main character.
Use your creativity and any materials to transform the box. You may also
illustrate the character or parts of the book on the outside of the box.
 Your trunk needs to contain at least 4 items and/or pictures.
 Write a letter to the finder of this trunk. Your letter should:
o Include the title and author of the book.
o Explain why you chose those items and how they relate to your
character. Be specific. Use the attached graphic organizer from
Part One to help you. Why is each item important to the main
character?
o Include details from the book to support your items.
o Revise and edit your writing to make sure your letter makes sense
and is free of errors.
Part Three: Write a (a) short summary (plot) of the book you read including
characters, setting, main events, problem and solution. Be sure to include the
title of the book and the author. Add a paragraph that explains the (b)
Author’s Purpose: Why did the author write this book? What message did
he or she want you to get? Add a paragraph that includes your (c) Personal
Comments: What did you think of the book? Would you recommend it and
why or why not? Include some specific evidence for why you feel the way you
do about the book.
EXAMPLE: John Coogan the main character in Crash, by Jerry Spinelli, might
have a trunk that contains a button that says “I’m a flickertail,” tickets to a
football game, a model ship, and a picture of a bulldozer. Here is the letter
that explains these items.
To the finder of this trunk,
November 13, 2014
You might be curious about the items in this trunk you have
just discovered. Well, the trunk and everything inside it belongs
to John Coogan, the main character in Crash by Jerry Spinelli.
John(also known as Crash) is a complicated guy. He pretends that
he doesn’t care whether his Dad comes to his football games but he
always looks up into the stands to see if he is there. You could
describe John as unhappy but hopeful. He needs more attention
and encouragement from his parents than he gets. That’s why he
has tickets to his football game in his trunk, hoping his parents
will show up.
John can be compassionate, when his emotions and anger
don’t get in the way. He cares a lot for his grandpa Scooter, who
worked in the navy. The model ship in the trunk represents the
best relationship John has with anyone – his grandpa. John is
worried about Scooter, and rushes around trying to buy a gift for
Scooter who is in the hospital. He tries to convince himself (he’s
hopeful) that buying a gift will show that he believes Scooter will
be able to come home from the hospital.
Unfortunately, for most of the story, John is insensitive to
some kids his age that don’t meet his standard for cool. In fact,
John is very aggressive and rude to Penn Web who wears the
flickertail button in his trunk. The picture of the bulldozer is a
metaphor for how John treats Penn. John pushes Penn around
and is not at all thoughtful about Penn’s feelings, especially when
he and Mike squeeze mustard into Penn’s sneakers as a joke.
John might seem like a villain, but he actually grows up a lot
and becomes more mature after Scooter comes home from the
hospital. Trust me, he and Penn even become good friends. The
flickertail button is included because it represents how John comes
to be respectful of Penn and others. Take good care of his
belongings.
Name:__________
#:_____
Date: __________
Adventure/Survival Book Project Rubric
Note: Student must add comments/evidence and circle score (selfassessment) for each item before turning in project.
Item
Comments/evidence
Score
1 2 3 4
Book read/Reading Counts Quiz
passed (80% to 90% = 3. <90% = 4)
PART 1: 2-page character traits paper (use graphic organizer notes)
Trait #1 - with 3 clear, specific
supporting pieces of evidence from
the text, with page number included.
Use complete sentences.
Trait #2 – (see Trait 1, above).
1 2 3 4
1 2 3 4
Trait #3 - (see Trait 1, above).
1 2 3 4
Trait #4 - (see Trait 1, above).
1 2 3 4
Part 2: Trunk, with 4 items and letter to the finder of the trunk
Trunk (artistic design)
1 2 3 4
Letter (see example)
1 2 3 4
Part 3: Summary, Author’s Purpose, Personal Comments
Short Summary (1 page max)
1 2 3 4
1 2 3 4
1 2 3 4
Author’s Purpose
Personal Comments
Neatness / Conventions
1 2 3 4
Work is typed or neat handwriting,
with correct punctuation and spelling
Presentation
1 2 3 4
Clear speaking voice, good eye contact
with audience, rehearsed, note cards.
Name, #, Date on everything
Rubric: 4 = 42 to 50,
3 = 33 to 41,
0 2
2 = 24 to 32,
1 = less than 24