Incoming 6th graders must read either Holes by Louis Sachar or Taking Sides by Gary Soto. Students will also get Extra Credit if they read The Big Empty by J. B. Stephens. Who doesn't like starting out the school year with a little extra credit in the grade book?
To ensure that you actually read the novel (and not a summary online), you are required to complete a Reading Journal. This journal can be typed or kept in a notebook and must include five entries to receive full credit. You may choose any five of the following questions to answer, but each entry must consist of at least two well-developed paragraphs made up of five or more thoughtful sentences. Capturing your ideas on sticky notes as you read may help when you sit down to write your entries.
*** All of this information is also posted on TechBoston Academy's web page.
To ensure that you actually read the novel (and not a summary online), you are required to complete a Reading Journal. This journal can be typed or kept in a notebook and must include five entries to receive full credit. You may choose any five of the following questions to answer, but each entry must consist of at least two well-developed paragraphs made up of five or more thoughtful sentences. Capturing your ideas on sticky notes as you read may help when you sit down to write your entries.
- What is the plot of this book? Summarize the plot using your own words.
- Who are the main characters? What words would you use to describe them?
- What is the setting of the story? Could the story be the same if it were set in another time and place?
- Does this book remind you of any other books you’ve read? In what ways are the stories similar and/or different?
- What bothers you about this book? What bothers you about certain characters?
- How has reading this book changed your opinion of a certain person or topic?
- Do the characters seem real and believable? Do you know anyone like them?
- If this book were trying to teach you a lesson about life, what might that lesson be? Explain your answer.
- What do you consider to be the three most memorable moments in the book? Explain what made these scenes so unforgettable.
- What is your personal rating of this book (using 1-5 with five being the highest)? What are your reasons for this rating?
*** All of this information is also posted on TechBoston Academy's web page.