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Independent Reading Projects
For your independent reading selection, you will work on TWO projects to demonstrate your close reading
of your chosen text.
Complete any TWO of the projects below. Follow all stated requirements. Always use quotes when
applicable. Projects will need to be submitted on CANVAS. [50 assessment pts.]
Retelling a Scene
Pick a scene and retell the events from a different character’s perspective . . .
Identify the scene, the character, and how the scene is different in your retelling.
Imagine you have entered the mind of that other character. You can write the scene as if you are that
character recounting the events. You must use dialogue. Scenes need to be approximately two pages long.
Character Comparison
Compare/contrast one of the characters with someone else—you may use real people or other characters
from novels or movies. Use specific examples about appearance, actions, personality, likes/dislikes,
vocabulary, etc. Support your examples with citations from your novel (page number). You must have at
least 10 criteria for comparison/contrast.
Alternative Ending
Write an alternative ending for the book. Try to maintain consistency with the author's style. You must
actually write the ending and not simply describe it. Minimum of two pages.
Searching for Literary Devices
Find and write down any 20 literary devices from your book (similes, metaphors, personification, hyperbole,
pun, irony, oxymoron, etc.). Label each and give the page number. Choose ten of them and explain in detail
why you chose them and their effect.
Character Sketch
Write a character sketch describing your favorite character. Tell what the character is like outside (age,
gender, hair, etc.) and inside (personality). Pay more attention to the internal qualities of your character than
to the external qualities. Include a drawing or photo of your character. The drawing is in addition to the
written sketch. Include at least 5 quotes and explanations that encapsulate your character.
Revising Tone
Choose a passage from the book and rewrite it, changing words to change the tone. Identify the original tone
and then select what type of tone you wish to use. For example, you could sound angry, sympathetic,
satirical, etc. Include the page numbers. Passages should be at least one page.
Fortune Cookies
You are dining at a Chinese restaurant with 3 characters from the novel you read. On that particular night,
the fortune cookies are amazingly appropriate. Tell what each fortune cookie said and why it was especially
fitting to the character who received it by using 3 or more specific examples from the text for each character.
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Time Capsule
Make a time capsule for the book you read. Tell what each character would put in and why. Also include
items that relate to the theme, plot, and setting. Explain those as well. You should write 3+ sentences for
each item in the time capsule. You need at least 10 items included in your time capsule.
Gift Giving
Think of what 5 (or more) gifts would be perfect to give to the main character. They can be tangible or
intangible but should be things that he/she would really want or use. Explain why you chose each gift and
why it fits your character. One paragraph minimum per gift.
Illustrator
Make 10 or more cartoons or drawings that show the major events in the story. Below each, write a brief
explanation (2-5 sentences) of each scene.
Poetry Time
Decide on what the theme of your book is and then write a song or poem to communicate the novel’s theme,
including your personal thoughts on the topic. Your song or poem must have a title that fits the main idea.
Minimum of 4 stanzas.
Selling the Book
Design 2 advertisements that will sell your book to two of the following: the owner of a bookstore, a
concerned parent, a reluctant reader, a movie watcher, someone from your family. For each advertisement,
identify the need (why does the person need your book), create an attention getter, and show the satisfied
customer (how he or she is happy with the book). Make each ad clear for which audience it is intended.
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RUBRICS
PROJECT RUBRIC: NAME _____________________________ ________________ / 50
Advanced All requirements are exceeded (i.e. more than minimum number of pages or
40-50 examples); copious examples and quotes from the text; content is clear and always
accurate; few, if any, grammatical and/or spelling errors; project is exceptionally
creative and visually pleasing; projects are well organized; obvious evidence of
effort beyond the minimum
Developing All requirements are met; examples and quotes from the text; content is mostly
30-39 clear and usually accurate; some grammatical and/or spelling errors; project is
somewhat creative and somewhat visually pleasing but may lack professionalism;
projects are organized but may be difficult to follow; some evidence of effort
Basic Some requirements are not met; few, if any, examples and quotes from the text;
<30 content is unclear or often inaccurate; multiple grammatical and/or spelling errors;
project lacks creativity and/or any visual professionalism (i.e. pictures may be
haphazard or fonts may be difficult to read); projects lack logical organization; lack
of effort
