Embedded Files
This summer, you will be required to read two novels:
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
A novel of your choice
See instructions below for each part of your summer reading assignment!
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Before you read:
This novel follows a universally-used plot structure known as the Hero’s Journey, a concept created by academic Joseph Campbell. Before you get started reading The Hobbit, review this plot structure using the link below:
CLICK HERE to access The Hero's Journey Resource Page
While you read:
Annotate TWO passages per chapter that connect to one of the questions listed below. For 7th-grade ELA, annotating means two things:
Underline or highlight a paragraph, sentence, phrase, or word
Write your thoughts to the side (the blank space is called the margins)—explain why the quote is important or how it connects to one of the guiding questions.
Annotation Questions:
What is the hero’s major motivation in a particular step of the journey? Where do you notice the hero’s motivations changing?
How does a particular scene or moment represent a step of the hero’s journey?
How does a particular step of the hero’s journey serve as a turning point for the protagonist or the plot?
Why does the hero make certain choices? How is the hero influenced by other characters throughout their journey?
How does the setting (time, place, societal structures, etc.) influence the hero’s values, choices, and journey?
How do certain parts of the journey reveal important life lessons?
Where do you notice interesting language choices (tone, figurative language, poetic devices, etc.) add interest to this novel? How do these language choices impact the message of a particular scene?
You aren't required to answer these questions with each annotation, but they should guide your thinking as you demonstrate your comprehension, interpretation, and analysis of The Hobbit through your annotations!
Example of a BAD Annotation:
Example of a GOOD Annotation:
What to Turn In: You must bring your physical, annotated copy of your book to school during the first week of school to get credit. Important:
No digital books or screenshots.
Do not use AI tools, outside research, or work with other students.
Grading Rubric:
100: Every chapter of the book is expertly annotated with two thoughtful annotations based on the Guiding Questions. Each annotation has a relevant, underlined quote and a clear analysis/explanation written to the side. The work is exemplary.
85: Most chapters of the book are annotated with relatively thoughtful annotations connected to the Guiding Questions. Most of the annotations are relevant to the guiding questions and include okay analysis/explanation written on the side. The work is proficient.
50: Few chapters of the book are annotated. Annotations provided are lacking detail and/or are not relevant to the Guiding Questions. Annotations include little to no explanations. The work is not sufficient.
0: Work is too similar to another student’s work OR shows evidence of AI assistance or outside research.
Choice Novel & Project:
Choice Novel & Project:
This summer, you will also read one book of your choice. Your book should match your reading level and be appropriate for middle school students. The goal is to enjoy reading, try something new, and be ready to talk about your book when school begins.
Choice Novel Requirements:
Your book must be one you have not read before.
Pick a book that interests you and is appropriate for a middle school reading level.
You may choose a book in any genre you'd like, but try to read something that is 150 pages or more!
Complete one of the following projects in response to your book:
Complete one of the following projects in response to your book:
Novel Storyboard: A storyboard is a grid of drawings or pictures that show the order of events in a story. People who create movies and TV use storyboards to plan out what will happen in each part of a story. Each drawing represents a different scene and usually includes notes about what the characters are saying and doing.
Directions: Create a storyboard including 4 important moments/events that take place in the book you read. Draw your 5 illustrations by hand, and summarize each moment in your own words. You can print the template provided or design your own storyboard; this can be done on paper or digitally, but all illustrations should be hand-drawn.
Print or make a copy of this template to get started: Storyboard Template #1
Requirements:
Four neat, colorful illustrations
Each illustration clearly represents an important moment from the book
Summary of each illustration using full sentences
Clear indication of effort and creativity
2. Timeline (Nonfiction Books Only): Create a visual timeline of the major events depicted throughout a nonfiction book. Can be created physically or digitally.
Requirements:
Minimum of 7 timeline points
Clear description of events in your own words
Explanation of the importance/significance of events in comparison to the overall topic OR how events cause/impact later events OR how an event demonstrates a major problem/solution OR similarities/differences to another event on the timeline.
Illustration/Images to represent each event (original illustrations ONLY)
Visually appealing and organized design
3. Book Talk Video: Create a video giving a review of your novel.
Requirements:
Video must be at least 1 minute 30 seconds long.
Includes the book's title, author, publication year, and genre
Includes brief summary of the book -- plot, characters, conflict, setting, themes, etc.
Explain what you personally liked or disliked about the book. Provide at least 2 components/aspects of the books you liked OR disliked. Give examples from the book to explain your stance.
You do not have to be on camera, but you do need to personally speak in the video!
Be creative with your presentation style, visuals, music, props, etc.
4. Fan Fiction Short Story: Write a piece of fan fiction based on the book you read. Fan fiction is writing inspired by the events of a published piece of literature, and you can run in many different directions!
Story Ideas:
Re-write the final chapters to alter the story’s ending.
Write a chapter/scene/event from a different character’s perspective. How would it change the storytelling?
Write a story about a secondary character in the novel or a different event in the main character’s life.
Write about something that takes place way before or after the story.
Requirements:
500 words (typed) OR front & back of notebook paper (handwritten)
Student composes a creative story that adds something new to the original book -- changes or additions to conflict, setting, characters, etc. that convey a new perspective on the book
Minimal spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and other grammatical errors
Include an author’s note (1-2 paragraphs) explaining:
Any required background information/context needed for readers to understand your story
What inspired your fan fiction story
What changes you made from the original text and why you made these changes
Submit your project to your teacher during the first week of school! If you have a physical project to submit, please bring it with you. If you have a digital project, your teacher will provide submission instructions!
Report abuse