Independent Reading

Talking about what we're reading is a great way to connect with others and to deepen our critical thinking. Use these standards-based questions to discuss a variety of elements in the books you are reading. A great activity to do as a small group or in a class circle!  Ideas: Choose a single question to prepare for as you read, or draw one at random. 

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Characters & Setting (RL 9-10.3/RL 11-12.3)

1. Which character did you most relate to and why?

2. Who was your favorite character? Why?

3. Which character or moment prompted the strongest emotional reaction for you? Why?

4. What motivates the actions of each of the characters in the book?

5. Did the characters seem believable to you? Did they remind you of anyone you know?

6. If the book were made into a movie, who would play each of the lead characters?

7. What were the power dynamics between the characters and how did that affect their interactions?

8. How does the way the characters see themselves differ from the way others see them?

9. Were there times you disagreed with a character’s actions? What would you have done differently?

10. Which character would you most like to meet in real life?

11. How did the characters grow and change throughout the book? 

12. How important was the time period or the setting to the story? Did you think it was accurately portrayed?

13. How would the book have played out differently in a different time period or setting?

14. Which location in the book would you most like to visit and why?

15. What do you think will happen next to the main characters?

Theme/Central Ideas (RL 9-10.2/RL 11-12.2)

1. What is the significance of the title? Did you find it meaningful, why or why not?

2. Would you have given the book a different title? If yes, what would your title be?

3. What were the main themes of the book? 

4. What do you think the author’s goal was in writing this book? What ideas were they trying to illustrate? What message were they trying to send?

5. What did you learn from this book?

6. Would you recommend the book to a friend? How would you summarize the story if you were to recommend it?

Citing Textual Evidence (RL 9-10.1/RL 11-12.1)

1. Were there any quotes (or passages) that stood out to you? Why?

2. Were there any quotes that made you feel an particular emotion? Why? 

3. Use a quote that gives you a strong understanding of one of the characters. What inferences do you draw? 

4. Is there a quote that you could give to describe the atmosphere of the book? What feelings does it evoke? 

Author Choices (structure/lanugage) (RL 9-10.5/RL 11-12.5)

1. If you could talk to the author, what burning question would you want to ask?

2. Were there any plot twists that you loved? Hated?

3. Did the author do a good job of organizing the plot and moving it along? Was it ever too slow/fast/confusing?

4. How would you describe the structure of storytelling (linear/time jump/multiple perspectives, etc.)? Was it effective? 

5. What (if any) questions do you still have about the plot? 

6. How did you feel about the ending? How might you change it? Did the author leave any loose ends? 

7. In what ways did the author's use of language impact the storytelling?