Reading Realigned:
Reinvesting in a Culture of Literacy in the
21st Century
NCTE 2010- Orlando, FL
Friday, November 19, 2010
12:30-1:45
Photos taken from the Life photo archive hosted by Google.
Titles to Get Them Reading
Monster, Fallen Angels & Sunrise Over
Fallujah- Walter Dean Myers
Speak- Laurie Halse Anderson
Artemis Fowl- Eoin Colfer
The Adoration of Jenna Fox- Mary E.
Peerson
Twilight Series- Stephanie Myer
Brisinger Series- Christopher Paolini
Alex Rider Series by Anthony Horowitz
Thirteen Reasons Why- Jay Asher
Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan
Crank- Ellen Hopkins
Night Angel series by Brent Weeks
The Burn Journals- Brent Runyon
Someone Like You- Sarah Dessen
Tears of a Tiger- Sharon Draper
The Hunger Games Series- Suzanne Collins
Perfect- Natasha Friend
Maximum Ride Series- James Patterson
Invisible- Pete Hautman
Uglies Series- Scott Westerfeld
Looking for Alaska- John Green
Linger and Shiver- Maggie Stiefvater
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time
Indian- Sherman Alexie
Graphic Novels:
American Born Chinese-Gene Luen Yang
Lovely Bones- Alice Sebold
Maus series- Art Spiegelman
What My Girlfriend Doesn’t Know- Sonya
Sones
The 9/11 Report: A Graphic Adaptation- Sid
Jacobson and Ernie Colon
Be More Chill- Ned Vizzini
Pride of Baghdad- Brian K. Vaughan and
Deadline- Chris Crutcher
Niko Henrichon
Great and Terrible Beauty Series- Libba
Bray
The Perks of Being a Wallflower- Stephen
Chbosky
Stargirl Series- Jerry Spinelli
In the Cards Series- Mariah Fredericks
Candy- Kevin Brooks
Summer Ball- Mike Lupica
Ender’s Game Series- Orson Scott Card
Hatchet- Gary Paulsen
“Go to” authors:
Sonya Sones
John Greene
Scott Westerfeld
Mike Lupica
Walter Dean Myers
Chris Crutcher
Sarah Dessen
Anthony Horowitz
Lauren Myracle
Sharon Draper
Jerry Spinelli
Lois Lowry
Laurie Halse Anderson
Project Ideas
Cereal Box
Create a cereal box based on the novel that incorporates the
setting, main characters, plot, and symbolism. Be sure to include
the following elements:
 Name for your product and a brand name that is connected to
the book;
 Picture of the protagonist on the front;
 List of characters (“contents”) on one side panel with a
brief description of their role in the book
 Reference to at least one symbol within the book (think
color of the box, prize inside, etc.)
 Reference to at least one theme within the book (think
ingredients, contents, ad on front, etc.);
 Incorporation of setting and plot on back (game, trading
cards, etc.).
 ALSO, you must complete a one to two-page typed explanation
of your project. What have you done and why have you done
it that way?
Board Game
Design a board game based on the novel, using the events and themes as elements of the game.

The game should include all major characters from your novel (they can be game pieces, have
special powers, serve as obstacles in your game, be drawn in the appropriate location, etc)

.Your setting should be evident through the background of the game board. Be sure to be
specific about important locations!

You should also include plot in your game board. This can happen by either depicting the
events of the novel chronologically on the game board, by labeling events that occurred at
specific locations, drawing cards, etc.

Include a complete set of rules and directions for playing your game (double-spaced 12 pointfont with name in top left-hand corner.
 AND a one page typed explanation of your board game’s connectivity to your novel.
Scrapbook or Memory Box:
Create a scrapbook from the main character’s point of view.
 Include a minimum of 15 objects (photos, journals, letters, etc.) thatretell your
book in images & writing. These objects must reference all major characters,
setting, major elements of plot as well as at least one theme.
 Include captions under each object written from author’s or character’s point of
view that help the reader understand project & book.
 Write a one to two-page summary explaining any nuances needing clarification
such as symbols, colors and theme. This means your projects should have
nuances (subtleties) that need to be explained
Reading Partners
You and a partner read the same book. As you are reading, write letters/ e-mails back and forth regarding the book
(you must write seven each; however, your partner does not need to be in my class—a friend, relative, etc). Be sure to
date the letters. Ultimately, you will need to type all of these letters and submit them in a portfolio of some kind. These
letters must reference the following (NOT IN ONE LETTER, but over time):
 Major characters (Do you have a connections to one? Who do you like? Not like? Etc.)
 Plot (Talk about what is going on, who is making what decisions and are they wise choices?)
 Theme (What do you think the author is talking about? What message is she sending the reader?)
 Symbol (Have you found any significant images?)
 Setting (Would you like to visit this place? Is it like any place you have been? Is it like Cincinnati?)
Web Page: This piece can be posted on the web, or designed as though it would be. You must
include thorough descriptions of at least four main characters, a summary of plot, identification
of theme with at least two ways it is seen in the book and one symbol depicted and explained.
Website should be crafted in a colorful fashion, complete with links. A minimum of 10
important images should be present on the page & explained. With this project submit both a
hard copy and a web address if you choose to post. Be sure to use your creativity!
Soundtrack-Create a soundtrack for your novel using songs that mirror
the events and tone of your novel. The cover should portray an
image important to your novel and the title and author of your
book. The CD must contain at least 10 songs and songs must be
justified in the liner notes. This means that you provide a four
to six sentence explanation of each song and how it relates to
the book. On the back of the CD case, you must include a list of
characters and their main roles within the book. On the back, you
must also cite an important line from the book that reinforces
the theme Additionally, you must TYPE a one page to two-page,
double-spaced reflection that tells the significance of the image
on the front and the connection between the quotation and the
theme on the back.
Storyboard or Comic Strip: In a minimum of 15 well-crafted scenes, retell the important aspects of
your story. These scenes must include Thorough descriptions of at least four main
characters, a cohesive summary/ retelling of plot, one theme, one Symbol. In a one to twopage summary, explain any additional nuances that need clarification such as the
incorporation of symbols & colors in your piece & the identification of theme. This means
that your reference to theme and symbol do not need to be directly referenced in the
storyboard or comic strip, but they should be present. You can explain them in the paper.
Character astrology signs. Research each of the astrology signs
to figure out which signs you think four of the main
characters from your book were born under. Write an
explanation of why you think the y fit THAT sign, drawing
on their actions, attitudes, and thoughts from the book.
REMEMBER to connect their actions to the characteristics
of that sign. You may submit this as a paper or you may
create a collage or drawing that reflect the character
and his or her sign with the corresponding written
explanation.
Pen Pals:Create a letter exchange between the main character of this month’s novel and the character of last
month’s novel. Have them explain what they have in common with one another through letters. Be sure that
your letters contain thorough descriptions of at least four main characters, summary of plot, one theme and
one symbol. Your reference to theme and symbol do not need to be direct; you may imply them through the
letters. However, create footnotes to these references to explain the themes or symbol.
Daily Edition
Using the novel as the basis for your stories, columns, editorials,
cartoons, horoscopes, etc., create a newspaper inspired by the novel.
This newspaper should contain at least five major pieces and three
pictures that reflect main characters, setting, plot, at least one
symbol and a theme from your text. The newspaper should also have a
title that is reflective of the book (and the journalists that “write”
your articles can, too!) Articles should be typed in a 12-point font
and should reflect consistent comprehension of text.
Video
Recreate an integral scene from the text. This may be one particular scene or a montage of several important ones.
This video must encapsulate a scene that demonstrates the theme and contains a reference to a symbol (or
the symbol itself). It should also include 3-4 major characters. Additionally, you must write a two-three page
set up of your scene (including which characters are being used and why and also who is playing these
characters). What do I need to know about what I am going to watch? Within the two-three page (typed) set
up, also include an explanation of how your video reflects the theme and symbol.
Pick your Poison!
You may select your own project this quarter. It must include: major characters, plot, theme, symbol, setting.
Get creative! Think of a way to include all of these elements in your own creative way! You must meet with
me one week before the project is due with your proposal. Tell me how you are going to include all
of the above elements and the form it will take. Sketches and notes are necessary as I will sign off
on this project. You submit your proposal with my signature with your final piece. The most important
element is that you clearly convey that you have read your novel and understand ALL of the important
elements; remember to present it creatively. The rubric on the opposite side still applies.
Kings’ Collection This quarter we are going to do book reviews; each week, two students from
each language arts class in grades seven and eight will review a book (it can be one they
loved, liked or didn’t care for at all). Each student will do his or her own review of a
book he or she individually chooses; this is not a group project. These reviews will be
posted on the bulletin boards for all to enjoy. When they are removed from the bulletin
board, they will be kept in a binder as a reference tool for future students looking for
books (“We shall call it the Kings’ Collection!”); that means, future junior high students
may be using your words to help them find books to read! The schedule below reflects
the date your review is due. You will have to deliver (stand in front of class and speak)
your review to class and then submit the review for grading. Both the presentation and
review will be graded.
Independent Reading Postcards
Front of postcard: Should convey some idea of the tone/ mood/ atmosphere of the book. Think
about the colors that you use on the front of the card. Be sure to include the following:
1. Pictures conveying mood or tone of piece
2. One major symbol or motif and label
3. One piece of memorable text cited
4. Title and author of book
Back of postcard: Divide into quadrants and do the following in the respective locations.
Left Side
# of pages of book and explanation of #1
above
3-4 sentence summary of book(this should
be DENSE writing)
Right Side
What type of readers would enjoy this?
Why? Two- Three books/movies similar to
this book with an explanation of how they
are similar.
In a short answer, explain why the excerpt
you chose is significant to the book
Joining Shelfari
Ms. Bellman
go to www.shelfari.com
1. Click GREEN “join now” under the sign in page
2. Register yourself. Create a password you will REMEMBER!
3. Shelfari will ask you to import your address book so that you can add friends—Click
“Skip” in the bottom right corner.
4. Add five books (minimum) to your shelf by typing the titles in the white “search” bar.
You will have to indicate that you are reading it. You can review it if you wish by
indicating the number of stars and writing a few words below. Then, click next several
times until you get to “Done.”
5. Ater adding five books, click “home” at the top of the screen. You should see your books
on your bookshelf.
6. Below the shelf, click “Join a Group.”
7. Go back up to white search bar; on the end you will see a little arrow next to the word
“books.” Click on the arrow and change the word to “groups.” Then, type in “Nativity
Readers”
8. Join “Nativity Readers”
9. Add the book you are currently reading to the group shelf by searching for the book.
When you find your book, click “Edit” underneath the image. Click the last tag “More to
do” on the right side. Then click “Add to Group Shelf.” Then click in the “We’re
Reading” category.
10. Finally, answer the discussion topic. ALSO, reply to two other students’ responses.
11. BONUS: Add seven more books to your shelf AND a photo of some kind to your
Possible Shelfari Topics
 This week's post should just be an intro to your novel. Give four to five sentences telling
which novel you chose and why you chose it. Also, respond to EACH OTHER. Try making
your post a response to another student who is reading something similar to yours or to
something that sounds interesting to you. You should be INTERACTING within these posts!
Good Luck!
 For this week's response, try to connect to a character/person from your novel. Is there
anyone you have anything in common with? Who? How so? If not, why not? Also, update us
on your impression of your novel-- is it the same as last week? Remember to give four to five
sentences and also try to respond to each other.

REMEMBER TO START BY GIVING THE TITLE OF YOUR BOOK! This week, tell us
about the setting of your novel. Where is it set? How does it compare to our part of
Cincinnati? Does it sound like a place you would like to be/ go? Also, google it. Is it a real
place? If you are reading a piece that takes place in multiple places, tell us about a couple.
Your response should be 4-5 sentences.

For our first response of the year, I would like you to answer the question below in (a
minimum) of one complete sentence. Additionally, I would like you to respond to two other
people with a complete sentence (minimum). Feel free to write more. If you were Bilbo (that
means you ARE a HOBBIT!), how would you react to the adventure?? FOR EXAMPLE,
would you try to find more of a way out of going? Would you seek adventure? How would
you respond in situations with the dragon, spiders, wargs, etc? ALSO, add your first quarter
independent novel to the the group book shelf and rate it.

The weather has gotten cold and Christmas is almost upon us. How do you think Christmas
would be celebrated where your protagonist lives? Is hot? Cold? Also, what three things
would your character most want for Christmas and why?
EXTRA CREDIT:
Compare your character's ideal Christmas presents to someone else's response. Tell that
person how your characters are similar or different.

Do you know what you are going to read for your second quarter project? If so, what is it?
Have you started? Do you know anyone else who has read it? What made you choose this
book? If you have not chose your book, do you have any ideas?

If your protagonist had gone to Camp Kern with us, which parts would he/she liked and
which would he/she not like? Use reasoning from your book. What kind of person is he/she?
Would getting dirty have been fun? Spending that much time with people, etc. GET
SPECIFIC! Also, respond to two other people’s posts.

If the protagonist of your book had a Twitter account, what would he or she have Tweeted at
the end of the book. REMEMBER: Twitter posts can only be 140 Characters. Type it in
Microsoft Word or at lettercount.com to avoid having to count each character.

If you happen to log on and answer this question before Monday morning at 8 AM, you can
earn up to 10 extra credit points!! WHOOO HOOO! Who is the protagonist of your novel?
What conflict is she/he facing? If you met this person in real life, do you think you would be
friends? Why or why not?

If you were to pick a color that represented the protagonist of your novel, what color would
you pick and why? Provide three solid examples from the text.

Post a description of the main conflict in your book and be sure to include the name of your
book. Then, respond to one person who seems to have a similar conflict in their book. Tell
them why you think it is similar and if you think that person would like your book.

Tell the main conflict of your book in one to two sentences. Then, describe how you would
handle this situation similarly or differently.

What objects in this book does your character value? Do you value similar objects? Why or
why not? Also, respond to someone else’s telling if you share similar values.

Go to Cnn.com or wcpo.com. Find a news article/story you think your main character would
be interested in. Would be local or global? Current Events or Fashion? After you find your
article, share the title, where you found it and what it is about (briefly); then tell why you
think your character would be interested in this.

Find an important line within your book and tell why it is important.

What do you think your author’s greatest talent is as a writer? Cite a line or summarize an
event that illustrates this talent. Is there a way you could incorporate this skill in your
writing?

Imagine that your main character is coming over to your house tonight to watch a movie.
What movie would the two of you watch together? Why would you choose this movie? Also,
respond to two other people’s posts and say whether you would like that movie, too. This
might be a book you want to read in the future!

What song would be your character’s favorite song? Why? Can’t pick one? Pick two. Also,
respond to another student’s post.
Contact Information
Sarah Bunger, NBCT
The Latin School of Chicago
Upper School English Teacher
Service Learning Coordinator, 9th and 10th
Chicago, IL
sbunger@latinschool.org
Margo Fisher-Bellman, NBCT
Nativity School
Junior High Language Arts
Cincinnati, Ohio
msbellman@gmail.com
www.msbellman.weebly.com- documents and PowerPoint posted here
Cate Hagerty
Librarian
Urban Assembly New York Harbor School
New York, New York
www.newyorkharborschool.org
Ann Reddy Damon
Library Media Specialist
Tiffin Columbian High School
Tiffin, OH
http://web.me.com/areddy2/Site/TCHSVL.html