Independent Reading Overview

Independent Reading Overview

This year, in addition to the books, plays and stories we’ll be reading as a class, you will be required to read at least 6 books independently. These will be books of your choosing, each a minimum of 150 pages in length. These books can be either fiction or nonfiction. Of these eight books, you must read one of each of the following:
• A classic novel
• A nonfiction book
• A book from our classroom library

Please check with me before you begin reading your classic, nonfiction and classroom library books so I know what you’ve chosen. Students can also choose up to two graphic novels as independent reading options.

For three of the books, you will write a short response to the book (one or two paragraphs). These responses will answer one of the following questions:
• Pick one quote from the book that stayed with you. What was that quote? Why did it stick with you?
• What was your favorite aspect of this book (characters, writing style, plot, etc)?
• How did the main character(s) change?

For each of the other three books, you will write a book review to go in the class independent reading binder. Your classmates, as well as future 7th and 8th graders, will use these reviews to help them choose their own independent books.

Review Format
A review gives a reader a sense of whether this book might be right for him or her. Your review needs to include specific examples and direct quotes from the book. In order to help you organize this review, I’ve broken down the steps for completing this assignment. You can think of each step as a paragraph.

1. Context
The first step is to give the reader the background they need to understand the book. So, in your opening paragraph you should include the basic background information. What kind of book is it? Does it take place in a particular time in history? Is it part of a series? Think of any information the reader of your review needs to know in order to understand it.

2. Description
A short description (but not a summary) should be given so that the reader will have some understanding of the book’s overall plot. In a detailed paragraph, include an overview of the story. What events set the story in motion? If, for example, the book is about a journey, what leads the main character(s) to begin it? Knowing what gets the story going is especially important because it will give the reader of your review a sense as to whether they might be interested in the book without giving away too many of its secrets.

3. Evaluation
In this section, discuss what you think the author was trying to get across in the
book. Was it supposed to be funny? Sad? A nail-biter? This is also the place
where you get to give your review, writing first about what you think the author was trying to accomplish, then sharing how successful the author was in doing so. The evaluation section is also a good place to recommend this book to a particular reader. “If you love _________ books, ________ might be the one for you.”

4. Conclusion
Finally, sum up your main points about the book. Do you recommend it? Why or why not? Who seems to be its intended audience? Restate the major points you had about the book.


Submitting a Review
All book reviews must be submitted electronically. Please email it to me at tgrattan@manhattancountryschool.org when you have completed your book review. If it is a complete and carefully written, it will be added to the binder. Those needing more detail, evaluation or proofreading will be returned to you with editing suggestions, so that you can revise and resubmit.


Important Dates
December 7: At least two books read; one review completed
February 24: At least four books read; two reviews completed
May 3: At least six books read; three reviews completed