Book Reports

Earth - Term 4 Reading

350+ pages

Multicultural Literature with a focus on BIPOC Authors and/or Main Characters of Color.

   Students will be reading Multicultural Literature. Multicultural literature represents different cultures and beliefs around the world. It portrays people's lifestyles, conceptions, ideas and values of a particular group which allow the readers  to grasp a clear understanding of the culture being exposed. Your choices are vast in that you can read any genre within this category. For example: You can read any genre that you enjoy: Science Fiction,  Fantasy, Mystery, Historical fiction, Romance, Action/Adventure, Realistic fiction, or Nonfiction. 

    Why are we reading this genre? Reading diverse literature helps develop deeper knowledge and strengthened relationships. It can bridge the gap between students from diverse cultural backgrounds, stimulating an understanding of diversity, and building an understanding of and respect for people from other cultures. 

    You will be required to read ONE book in Term 4. The page count for the book should be about 350+ pages. If it does not meet the page requirement, show it to Ms.Packer for possible (but, maybe not) approval. You will be required to take notes on every 25 pages. Note major plot movement and character growth. 

     The Media Center has over 500 books for you to peruse. You can also go to the Robbins Library and peruse the books in person.  

NO BOOKS THAT ARE MOVIES!

Information for Term 4 book reports:

• You must state the name of the book and the author’s name clearly. Then give Ms.Packer the page count.  

• You must tell Ms.Packer what the genre of the book is; Science Fiction,  Fantasy, Mystery, Historical fiction,    

    Romance, Action/Adventure, or Realistic fiction.

• Information about the author (Who are they, where are they from, why did they become a writer?- Google this if it is not in the book)

1. Who is your main character and tell me what kind of being they are? (shy, brave, etc.)

**. In all of these genres, the main character always has something to do. Tell me what the main character has to

      achieve?

2.What problems (conflicts) do they face in the book? There are usually multiple conflicts in these stories.

    What obstacles do they have to overcome? Tell at least two of their adventures.

*** If there is a Historical context, what is it and how is the main character affected by it?

3 Who is the mentor/adult in the novel, and what guiding phrases/moral compass do they provide your characters?

4. Who are the “sidekicks” or friends who help the main character? and How do they help? 

5. There is always an antagonist  (villain or evil entity) who tries to stop your main character from achieving the goal.

    Who is this? Why do they want the main character to fail? How do they try to stop the characters? 

6. How does your book end?  Are you satisfied with the ending? Why or why not? How would you change it?

7. What did you learn from this novel that you never knew before? Would you read this author again? Why or Why 

     Not?

JUNE 2nd!

NO BOOKS THAT ARE MOVIES!!!

TERM 3 Book Reports

In term THREE, students MUST read the TWO genres that are on the opening letter that was sent home in September. They are to read one book which is a PURE Science Fiction(not horror), and one book which is Fantasy.  NO CROSSOVER. Ask if you are unsure. They are NOT allowed to read books that are television shows or movies. They are not allowed to reread books that they have already read.  If the student or the parents are unsure of the book, it is best to ask me. Each student must read 700 pages. This can be broken into as many books as the student wishes(But a minimum of two books must be read for the term. After every book the student reads, they must give an oral book report to me or to Mr. Babbin, or to Ms. Rakers. The student MUST have the book and his/her Reading Log with them when they give the oral report. At Midterm, the Book Report grade will be calculated so that the real end of term grade is reflected. This is so that each student knows how much work he/she still must complete in the 5 weeks after the midterm grade. Check out the list below.  

Only Genres to be read- One of each

Science Fiction

A literary or cinematic genre in which fiction, typically based on speculative scientific discoveries or developments, environmental changes,             space travel, or life on other planets, forms part of the plot or background.

A science fiction story must be set against a society significantly different from our own -- usually, but not necessarily,                 because of some change in the level of science and technology -- or it is not a science fiction story.

          It is also important that science fiction should to some extent be in accordance with science; it should not be completely unbelievable,               because it then ventures into the genre fantasy. The boundary line does get fuzzy with some strange examples of mixed magic and                   technology, but there is still a fundamental line separating SF and fantasy: whether it is plausible or not.

Fantasy

The definition of this fictional genre could be described as something that contains rudiments that are not realistic,                                    such as magical powers, talking animals, etc. Fantasy is often characterized by a departure from the accepted rules by which                            individuals perceive the world around them; it represents that which is impossible (unexplained) and outside the parameters                              of our known, reality. Make-believe is what this genre is all about.  

Another description of a Fantasy Novel is any book that contains unrealistic settings, or magic, often set in a medieval universe,                                  or possibly involving mythical beings or supernatural forms as a primary element of the plot, theme, or setting. Something                                magical is almost always part of fantasy and magic may be seen in the setting or in the plot. The characters may even practice it.

Fantasy usually describes those stories that could not happen in real life. Fairy tales by known authors, such as those by Hans Christian Andersen, are considered modern fantasy and have no problem relating to young children.

Some Science Fiction Authors

                                          There are many more-Follow the criteria!!! No Magic!!! Ask if you are unsure!!

In term TWO , students MUST read the TWO genres that are on the opening letter that was sent home in September. They are to read one book which is a MYSTERY (not horror), and one book which is HISTORICAL fiction (The story must happen before the year 1930). They are NOT allowed to read books that are television shows or movies. They are not allowed to reread books that they have already read.  If the student or the parents are unsure of the book, it is best to ask me. Each student must read 650 pages. This can be broken into as many books as the student wishes. After every book the student reads, they must give an oral book report to me or to Mr. Babbin, or to Ms. Rakers, or Ms.Carr. The student MUST have the book and his/her Reading Log with them when they give the oral report. At Midterm, the Book Report grade will be calculated so that the real end of term grade is reflected. This is so that each student knows how much work he/she still must complete in the 5 weeks after the midterm grade. Check out the list below.  

In term one (September 2023), students are allowed to read the genre of their choice. They are NOT allowed to read books that are television shows or movies. They are not allowed to reread books that they have already read.  If the student or the parents are unsure of the book, it is best to ask me. Each student must read 600 pages. This can be broken into as many books as the student wishes. After every book the student reads, they must give an oral book report to me or to Mr. Babbin, or to Ms. Rakers, or ms.Carr. The student MUST have the book and his/her Reading Log with them when they give the oral report.. At Midterm, the Book Report grade will be calculated so that the real end of term grade is reflected. This is so that each student knows how much work he/she still must complete in the 5 weeks after the midterm grade. 

Book Sources

Archive - Free website to check out books.       archive.org/ 

ADOBO.    Free website to check out books.    abdobooks.com/covid-19-resources 

DO NOT FORGET 

Robbins Library- This is the Minuteman Library System- There are multiple ways to get books. You can order online and go and pick them up, or you can read online.

Boston Public Library- This is the BPL system- There are multiple ways to get books. You can order online and go and pick them up, or you can read online.

Some Mystery Authors- HORROR IS NOT MYSTERY

No books that are movies!

John Bellairs

Carol or Mary Higgins Clarke

Mary Stewart

Christopher Golden/Rick Hautla

Lynne Reid Banks

Willo Davis Roberts

Anne Turner

Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Nancy Garden

Judy Delton

Carolyn Keene

Frank Dixon

Robert Newman

Agatha Christie

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Clive Cussler

Hugh Holton

Peter Robinson

P.T. Deuterman

J.A. Jance

Aaron Elkins

Gerald A. Browne

Andrew Lane