Reader’s Notebook Procedures
Language Arts – Eighth Grade – Second Trimester
Chinnici/ D’Amico
Each reading reflection in your Reader’s Notebook should be structured as an essay
draft.
Notes to you:
 Each time you decide to use one of these prompts for your reader’s notebook,
highlight/check off so you do not use the same prompt twice.
 Before you turn your notebook in, go through the rubric and setup thoroughly to
ensure you’ve included everything.
Reader’s Notebook setup structure, in addition to the holistic rubric score:
1. (5 points):Title and author of the book at top of the page, title capitalized and
underlined (Ex: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton)
2. (5 points): Date in upper right hand corner
3. (5 points): Write the number of the prompt on first line
4. (5 points): Blue or black pen only. No pencil, please.
Helpful hints:
 Your response should be 4-6 organized paragraphs
 Introductory paragraph, including a hook (first sentence) and a thesis (last
sentence)
 2-4 body paragraphs. Begin with a topic sentence and use strong, specific
examples to support your ideas
 Closing paragraph that sums up your thoughts about your thesis
 Use Smiley Face Tricks (in moderation – overuse is as bad as not using any)
 Use strong vocabulary (look to your vocab lists for help in finding strong
words). Remember that words must be used correctly in order to be
effective! Refer back to the sentences for help with this.
 Use transitions
1. Tone is the mood or feeling the author intends the reader to experience. How does the
author’s tone enhance the writing in your book?
2. Often in literature there is a heroic figure or archetype. Discuss the characteristics of an
archetype, using specific examples from your book.
3. Using specific examples from your book, explain how a novel might influence change in
society.
4. The theme of a literary piece is the central idea or message that it delivers. What is the theme
of your book?
5. Illustrate how the technique of personification is used throughout your book.
6. Explain how the setting complements the story in a novel you have read.
7. Explain the events that lead to the climax of your book, what happens at the climactic scene,
and how the story changes after the climax.
8. Third person point of view is when the narrator has no part in the action. A story would be
very different if it were told from the first person point of view. How would your book be
different if it were told in first person?
9. Describe a character from your book that you would trade places with and explain why.
10. The protagonist in a story is usually the do-gooder, or the character that readers most
empathize with. Identify a book where the author wants us to empathize with the antagonist
or evil-doer.
11. Explain how the author uses foreshadowing and how the use of foreshadowing adds to the
plot.
12. Discuss a character in literature that you loathed. Explain the techniques the author used that
caused you to feel this way.
13. Explain how this book is an example of character-vs-character conflict.
14. Explain how this book is an example of character-vs-nature conflict.
15. Explain how this book is an example of character-vs-self conflict.
16. Explain the most important lesson you learned from your book.
17. Often in literature a character is viewed as an outsider or a loner. Discuss such a character
from your book. Be sure to describe this character’s attitude towards himself or herself, and
how s/he deals with the isolation that comes from such labels.
18. Discuss a character from your book that seems to be present only for comic relief. Explain how
this character adds to or detracts from the work.
19. Death has been symbolized many different ways in literature. Discuss the symbols used for
death in your book and describe their impact and effectiveness.
20. Often an author will give the reader more information than the characters have. Speculate on
the effectiveness of this technique in your book.
21. Sometimes an author will write dialogue that illustrates a person’s intelligence, cultural
background, or locality. Is this technique helpful? How does it add to the effectiveness of the
writing?
22. Discuss the theme of personal survival in your book.
23. The coming of age theme refers to a pre-adolescent boy or girl going through many difficult,
life-altering experiences in order to reach young adulthood. Discuss this theme in your book.
24. Discuss how the author’s use of imagery enhanced your reading experience.
25. Explore the theme of social breakdown or anarchy in your book.
26. Discuss the theme of social injustice in your book.
27. Discuss the theme of prejudice in your book.
28. Discuss the way your personal views of another culture were changed by reading your book.
29. How were symbols used throughout your book?