This Month's Genre Project DUE BY THURSDAY!

Award-Winning Books

Assigned 3/8/11; project due NO LATER THAN 3/31/11

This month’s genre project is not based on a specific literary genre; rather, you are to read a book that has won an award of some sort. It needs to be an AR book that you quiz on by the end of the month. You will share your book and its award(s) using one of the projects below, including an oral presentation {10 pts.}. You may share your project before the 31^st. Whatever project you choose to create, be sure to include the following information:

• Title of book and author {10 pts.}
• Award(s) and what the award(s) mean(s) {20 pts.}
• A summary of the plot, characters, and setting (without giving away the ending) {30 pts.}
• A recommendation of the book {10 pts.}

Here are a few project suggestions. If you have an idea not on the list, be sure to get your idea approved before beginning. Make sure that no matter what project you choose, you include all of the abovementioned elements and that it is appropriate to your book {10 pts.}!

• Create a new book jacket (front/back cover), a mobile, or a diorama (complete with illustrations and award).
• Create a timeline showing a chain of important events from the book.
• Dress as one of the characters and act out a characterization, or put on a puppet show.
• Fill a paper bag with symbols or artifacts from the book. You will need to explain how each one relates to the book you read.
• Talk to the class about your book by saying a little about the author, explain who the characters are and explain enough about the beginning of the story so that everyone will understand what they are about to read. Finally, read an exciting, interesting, or amusing passage from your book. Stop reading at a moment that leaves the audience hanging and add something like, "If you want to know more you'll have to read the book." If the book talk is well done almost all the students want to read the book.
• Appeal to your classmates’ stomachs by making an edible book report! Locate a recipe for a food dish that plays a role in a book or one that represents the setting of the book. When you share the food with your classmates, you will need to explain how the dish relates to the book read.
• Create a map highlighting places described in the story. Many of the map’s features should be based on information provided by the book’s author. The map might show the immediate neighborhood or community in which the book takes place; if the author offers ample description of the home or another place as the central setting for the book, then your map might detail that place. In most cases, the completed maps will involve some conjecture on the part of the mapmaker. Explain his or her reasoning when you present your map and book to the class.

Whatever you choose, make sure that your project is neat (as in legible and creative) {10 pts.}! Both your AR test score and your project score will count as a reading test grades.