December+Book+Reflection

= = =December Book Reflection/Review=


 * This novel review/reflection should be targeted toward a __young adult audience__. Assume that your audience knows very little, or nothing, about this novel. Perhaps your audience is familiar with the author and genre, but assume that the novel is unknown. __Your job__ is to provide an in-depth review of the novel. In this review, I'm asking you to apply what we've learned about responding in-depth to literature.

Below are various paragraph descriptions. Each paragraph should address the areas or questions I've suggested. I've tried to arrange the questions in an order that will help you organize your thinking and writing.**

Requirements (Four Paragraphs):

 * Summary Paragraph**: Identify author, title, main idea. Identify the novel's genre. Provide a brief summary of the novel in terms of beginning, middle and end; a"hint" or question about the ending is best. Your summary should be about 6-8 sentences in length. Try to summarize (not retell) the story in an interesting way that "hooks" your reader. Consider the following summary as an example:


 * Example**: In Cornelia Funke's new novel, //Igraine the Brave//, Princess Igraine dreams of becoming a famous knight just like her great grandfather. However, life at the family castle is rather boring --- until the nephew of the baroness-next-door shows up. He has a dastardly plan to capture the castle and claim as his own the wonderful singing spell books that belong to Igraine's magician parents. To make matters worse, at the very moment of the siege, her mom and dad botch a spell, turning themselves into pigs! Aided by a Gentle Giant and a Sorrowful Knight, it's up to Igraine to be brave and save the day. ([|www.kidsread.com] -- lots of reviews to look at here)


 * Setting Paragraph:** Identify the setting of the novel -- tell when and where it takes place. Give specific details about what makes the setting unique -- does the setting change? Explain why the author has selected this setting. How is it important to the main idea or theme of the novel? (Does the setting allow the author to put the main characters in a situation that forces them to change? Does the author use the setting to show the challenges of a different culture/time period? Does the author create a setting with unique challenges for the character to overcome?). For this portion of the assignment, review some //The Cay// reflections I've posted to look at solid setting paragraphs.


 * Character Development Paragraph**: Discuss a main character in novel. How does the character __develop__ in the novel? Describe the main character at the beginning of the novel? What are their significant traits? What key events or challenges does the character encounter in the novel that cause him or her to change during the middle of the novel? How is the main character different at the end of the novel? What traits does the main character possess that you admire, or would want in a friend? Why? What can the reader learn most from the main character? You need to include a quote/page number in this section.


 * Theme/Message Paragraph:** Explain what you think the "message" of the novel is. What is the author trying to communicate through this story? Why did he write the novel? Describe an event(s) in the novel that "prove" what you think. You need to include a quote/page number in this section

Above and Beyond (you can choose any of these):

 * Critic's Choice Paragraph:** How would you rate this novel? Explain why you liked the novel, or disliked it. What made it good/bad? Who might enjoy a novel like this? Or why should students read this novel?


 * Author’s Craft (6-8 sentences)** Discuss the author’s style (how he/she uses dialogue, description, structures the story). Discuss what you like/not like. Include some quotes/passages that show examples of what you like or notice is interesting and unique.


 * Compare/Contrast (6-8 sentences)** Discuss how this novel is similar to another text you’ve read. Describe how it’s similar and how it’s different. Tell why one is better than the other.

1. Italicize (//Igraine the Brave)// is the title of the novel. You should format it as I did the last sentence. 2. Avoid using the word "I" in your paper. (//I think __The Cay__ is a survival story// should be //__The Cay__ is a survival story. I think Igraine the Brave is without a doubt this year's best new novel// __should be__ //Igraine the Great// is without a doubt this year's best new novel. ) The reader knows it's your thinking. Simply state your idea. 3. Proofread your paragraphs. Do you have a strong topic sentence? Do you have 6-8 sentences for each paragraph? If not, read each sentence and ask your self questions -- who, **what**, where, when, **why, how**? 4. Did you check spelling? 5. When including passages, include quotations around passage and page number: I//graine dreams of adventure and of life as a knight. "Incantations, spells, lists of ingredients for magical powders and potions --- learning all that by heart gave her a headache." (page 154)// 6. Use the sentence starter suggestion link I've provided on the wikispace to improve your sentence fluency.
 * General Reminders**:

=Assessment: 50 points=


 * Overall Development** (10 points): How well does the writer follow the directions for the assignment? How well does the paper flow? How well the writer explains his/her ideas CLEARLY and with SPECIFIC DETAILS?


 * Organization (10 points):** Does writing show careful planning from beginning to end? Does the order of ideas (as a whole, and in each paragraph) make sense? Do the ideas flow well from one paragraph to the next? Does the conclusion pull it together?


 * Sentence Fluency (10 points):** Are sentences complete and correct (run-ons/fragments)? Do sentences start in interesting/different ways? Do sentences vary in length?


 * Word Choice (10 points):** Do you use effective vocabulary? Perhaps some of our vocabulary words? Does your vocabulary sound like you? Is your language vivid and "paint" a picture?


 * Conventions (10 points):** Spelling, punctuation, captilization, and grammar.


 * Above and Beyond (7 points)**