STEP 1
Choose one of the following novels to read: We have provided recommendations for both Honors and Standard students based on Lexile levels and text complexity. It is strongly encouraged that you select a novel that aligns with your ELA level. If you are enrolled in Honors ELA, you are required to choose a novel from the Honors list, as this project will be submitted for a grade in Quarter 1.
Please Note: While many of these novels have been adapted into films or television series, these versions do not explore the hero’s journey in the same depth as the original text. You are welcome to watch the adaptation after you finish the book to compare, but it will not be sufficient to complete the note catcher assignment.
Parents/Guardians: Please assist your student in selecting an appropriate novel.
Honors Recommendations:
The Odyssey by Homer (Lexile 1260)
The Hobbit by J.R. Tolkien (Lexile 1000)
The Golden Compass by Phillip Pullman (Lexile 930)
Life of Pi by Yann Martel (Lexile 830)
Scythe by Neal Shusterman (Lexile 830)
Standard Recommendations:
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (Lexile 810)
Redwall: A Tale from Redwall by Brian Jacques (Lexile 800)
The Maze Runner by James Dashner (Lexile 770)
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle (Lexile 740)
Holes by Louis Sachar (Lexile 660)
Recomendaciones de Libros:
Los Juegos del Hombre (Lexile 810)
STEP 2
Learn about the Hero's Journey. Use the video and provided notes linked below.
Notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SM14e2TlYP5KKr7d8mK289RmUfQallqAF6HOqNBmpG4/edit?usp=sharing
STEP 3
As you read your novel, complete the note catcher. Track each stage of the hero’s journey that your protagonist experiences. This document will be submitted to your 8th grade ELA teacher, so be thorough and thoughtful in your responses.
Note Catcher:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/11-Cbdjl4y37jUSt5rOPDq-oD5LvnDYBAnx74rZGJsDw/copy
STEP 4
Use the exemplar and grading rubric provided below to guide your work. Review them carefully to ensure your submission meets the criteria for a grade of Mastery or Above Mastery.
Exemplar Note Catcher: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ds7TTC_whnjAFrU4ENeQ0DDTw0YzPupXzUQoAOUNIps/edit?usp=sharing
Rubric: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aXp55Pr0xI-cMbyF5MGwvfcfokZkbsYovpDaRNV4acA/edit?usp=sharing
Vocabulary (to assist you with meeting the writing criteria):
STEP 5
Submit your work to your teacher. You will submit your note catcher when instructed by your teacher. Submission methods may include email, Google Classroom, Canvas, or sharing via Google Drive—your teacher will let you know which method to use.
Standard Students:
If you do not complete this project over the summer, you will be required to finish it during Quarter 1 outside of class time. It will be graded as part of your Quarter 1 coursework.
Honors Students:
If you do not complete this project over the summer, you will be required to finish it during Quarter 1 outside of class time. It will be graded as part of your Quarter 1 coursework.
AI Use and Academic Integrity
Grade 8 ELA teachers routinely use AI detection tools when grading written student work. These programs are highly effective at identifying AI-generated content. We also know what authentic middle school writing looks like—we’ve been doing this a long time!
Our main concern is the use of AI to generate answers. While it’s okay to use tools like Grammarly to help with grammar, spelling, and punctuation, students should take the time to understand the corrections being made.
All work submitted to your teacher must be your own. Doing the work yourself shows integrity. Your teachers want to give you feedback on your ideas and help you grow as a writer and thinker.