BOOK TALK PRESENTATIONS – Marking Period 2 The objective of this presentation is to persuade your peers to read a specific book

by doing a presentation and a comic strip.

During the course of the marking period, you have been reading independently-chosen novels.

Now, it’s your time to SELL those novels to the class. You will have ample time to create presentations for your peers. (The novel you’re “selling” to the class must be approved by me first.)

Presentations assigned: January 5, 2016 • Presentations due: Monday, February 1st, 2016. This assignment is a project grade and will count for Marking Period 2.

Presentation Requirements:

- Complete 10 question graphic organizer – HAND IN - Introduce book title/author - Introduce the genre of the book - Summarize the events of the book without giving away the ending. CITE TEXTUAL

EVIDENCE - Select ONE question from the “Alternative Book Talk Question” list – answer in presentation

and comic o Read a relevant passage from the book - Present the THEME or CENTRAL IDEA of the novel - ANALYZE WHY all your peers should read this book o (“Because I said so” isn’t a good reason) - Present a comic to present to the class

! Suggestions: Comic Life, Glogster.com or ToonDoo.com, or posterboard (paper)

Grading Rubric:

30 pts. – book talker was well prepared and did a thorough presentation including a visual aide

5 pts. – Graphic organizer was handed in (10 questions)

10 pts. – book talker read a passage from the text or included it in the visual aide

5 pts. – book talker mentioned what genre the book is

5 pts. – book talker presented interesting points in the plot

5 pts – book talker selected one additional question from the list and answered/ put in comic

5 pts. – book talker had few or no errors in the visual aide

15 pts. – it was obvious that the book talker had read the book

5 pts. – the book talker DID NOT give away the ending

15 pts. – the book talker “sold” the book – WHY SHOULD WE READ IT?

Total: ______/100 points

Use this handout to plan your book recommendation. You will create a one-page document (in Comic Life or another similar application or website) using the information from this handout & images you find on the web. Before it is posted in the classroom you will present it to the class & explain why you chose your book.

STEP 1: Answer these questions about your book. ! *NO SPOILERS* (Donʼt give away the ending, please!)

1. What is the bookʼs title and who is the author? ______________________________

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2. Where and when does the book take place? (setting) _________________________

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3. What is the genre (adventure, tragedy, mystery, comedy, etc.)? _________________

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4. Describe the main character(s). __________________________________________

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5. Summarize what the book is about in two sentences. _________________________

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6. What is the theme or main idea of the story? (Example: One theme of Hatchet by Gary Paulsen is human versus nature, and our struggle to live harmoniously with nature.)

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7. What kind of person might enjoy reading this book? (Example: If you love stories about dystopian future societies, you wonʼt want to miss The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.)

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Good Reads Book Review Assignment

Good Reads Copyright ©2009-2011, Tracee Orman

8. What is your overall impression of the book? ________________________________

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9. Why do you think your classmates might enjoy reading this book? _______________

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10. Find at least four images relating to your book. One should be the cover of the book. The other three (or more) can be symbols, scenes, or anything that reminds you of the novel. You should not just have multiple pictures of different covers. (Example: A book about a football player could have a picture of a football game; a book about teens in high school could show scenes from a hallway or classroom.)

STEP 2: Putting your words/information into a Comic Life document (or use a ! site like Glogster.com or ToonDoo.com if you do not have Comic Life).

1. Open up a new file in Comic Life.

2. Place title of book & authorʼs name on page using the “lettering” button.

3. Place your name (such as “recommended by…”) somewhere on the page.

4. You may use a template or create your own page.

5. You should have ALL of the information from your handout somewhere on the page.

6. Use the bubbles for dialogue or thoughts (you can quote characters from the book) to enhance your review.

7. When finished, export as a PDF document & print. Ask permission before printing on a color printer.

8. Turn in your saved file via: ______________________________________________

9. DUE DATE: __________________________________________________________

Good Reads Book Review Assignment

Good Reads Copyright ©2009-2011, Tracee Orman

Alternative Questions for a Book Talk1. Summarize the book. Whoʼs the main character? Whatʼs the basic plot? Was it good

or bad? Why? How would you have changed the plot?

2. Did this book make you laugh? Cry? Smile? Cheer? Explode? Explain your reaction.

3. What was the author saying about life and living in this book?

4. What parts of the book seem most believable? Why? What parts seem unbelievable? Why?

5. Do you think the title fits the book? Why or why not?

6. Do you like ending of the book? Why or why not? Do you think there is more to tell? What do you think might happen next?

7. What do you feel is the most important part of the book? What is the most important event, character, feeling or decision? Why is it important?

8. Do any of the characters remind you of other characters youʼve encountered in your reading? What are the similarities?

9. Does the theme or content of the book remind you of other books you have read? What are the similarities?

10. Has this book helped you in any way? Explain. Have you changed any of your opinions or attitudes after reading this book? Explain

11. Are there any distinctive aspects of the authorʼs style of writing? Cite an example. Did the style make the book more enjoyable? Explain.

12. What kind of reader would find this book most interesting?

13. Tell us about a memorable scene in the book.

14. Would this be a good book to read as a class?

15. How would you rate this book on a scale of 1-10?

Good Reads Book Review Assignment

Good Reads Copyright ©2009-2011, Tracee Orman

Student SamplesI have a portion of my white board designated for “Good Reads”. A few years ago, I used to have students just write their recommendations there. But other students would ask, “Whatʼs that book about?” and “Why did so-and-so like that book?” So I decided to have them expand with the Comic Life project. Each month a new group puts up their recommendations. (You can have them sign-up, or just assign who goes each month.)

Good Reads Book Review Assignment

Good Reads Copyright ©2009-2011, Tracee Orman