Book Celebrations

Book Celebrations!

Character

Setting

On this page you'll find a compilation of projects that students can complete after having read a book. When I taught, my students usually did 2-3 book celebrations per quarter...all done on books of their choosing. I think if I were to use these in the classroom now, I'd consider specifying that students choose projects from different categories each time they did a project.

Book Celebrations (Word Document for Download)

With special thanks to the teacher who originally posted these on NCTE-Middle Talk.

Book Celebrations!

Character

1. Write a letter from one character to another. Have the characters talk about their relationships or some problem that’s occurring in the book. You’ll want to reveal the characters’ personalities in the letter. Make sure that you’re writing the way the character would.

2. Use a journalistic style and write a news story about something that happened to one of the characters. Be sure to include the details of how, what, where, how, and when. Also, be sure to write in reverse pyramid-style (Most important details first…see me if you have questions)

3. Write a letter to the main character of the book. Ask them any questions that you may have about their actions or motivations.

4. Write a letter to the main character of the book. Write the letter he or she sends back. Make sure the reply is consistent with their behavior in the book.

5. Make three or more puppets of the characters in the book. Prepare a short puppet show to tell the story to the class.

6. Write a description of one of the main characters. Draw or cut out a picture to accompany the description. Make sure to justify your description by using supporting details from the text.

7. Make an ID card that belongs to one of the characters. Be sure to make the card look like the card for that particular state or country. Include a picture and all the information found on an ID card. Don’t forget the signature!

8. Dress up as one of the characters and tell the story from a first person point of view.

9. Write a diary as the main character would write it to explain the events of the story. You must include at least five entries to receive full credit.

10. Describe the problem or conflict existing for the main character in the book. Tell how the conflict was or was not resolved.

11. Make a “wanted” poster for one of the characters or objects in your book. Include the following: (a)a drawing or cut out picture of the character or object (b) a physical description of the character or object (c) the character’s or object’s deeds (or misdeeds) (d) other information about the character or object which is important (e) the reward offered for capture of the character or object.

12. Find the top ten websites a character in your book would most frequently visit. Include two-three sentences for each on why your character likes each of the sites.

13. Select one character from the book you read who has the qualities of a heroine or hero. List these qualities and tell why you think they are heroic.

14. Imagine you are about to make a feature-length film of the novel you have read. You have been instructed to select your cast from members of your English class. Cast all the major characters in your novel from your English classmates and tell why you selected each person for a given part.

15. Plan a party for the characters in the book you read. In order to do this, complete each of the following tasks: (a) design an invitation to the party which would appeal to all of the characters (b) Imagine that you are five of the characters in the book and tell what each would wear to the party (c) tell what food you would serve and why (d) tell what games or entertainment you would provide and why your choices are appropriate (e) tell how three of the characters will act at the party (f) what kind of party is this? (birthday, housewarming, un-birthday, anniversary, etc)

16. List five of the main characters from the book you read. Give three examples of what each character did or did not learn in the book.

17. Obtain a job application from an employer in our area and fill out the application as one of the characters in the book you read might do. Before you obtain the application, be sure the job is one for which a character in your book would be qualified. If a resume is required, write it.

18. You are a prosecuting attorney putting one of the characters from the book you read on trial for a crime or misdeed. Prepare your case on paper, giving all your arguments.

19. Do the previous activity, but find a buddy to help you. One of you becomes the prosecutor, the other is the defense. If you can’t find a buddy, try it on your own.

20. Pretend you are one of the characters in the book you read. Tape a monologue of that character telling of his or her experiences. Be sure to write out a script before taping. You could perform this “live” in front of the class if you want.

21. Tape an interview with one of the characters in a book you read. Pretend that a magazine or newspaper reporter is interviewing this character. You may do this project with a partner, but be sure to do a script before taping. You may choose to do a live version of this.

22. Make a list of at least ten proverbs or familiar sayings. Now decide which characters in the book you read should have followed the suggestions in the familiar saying and why.

23. Make a paper doll likeness of one of the characters in the book you read. Design at least three costumes for this character. Next, write a paragraph commenting on each outfit; tell what the clothing reflects about the character, the historical period, and events in the book.

24. Pick a national issue. Compose a speech on that topic to be given by one of the major characters in the book you read. Be sure the content of the speech reflects the character’s personality and beliefs.

25. Choose an interesting character from your book. Consider the character’s personality, likes and dislikes. Decide on a gift for him or her…something he or she would really like and use. Design a greeting card to go along with your gift. In the greeting, explain to your friend from the book why you selected the gift.

26. Read the classifieds. Find something a character in your book would like or was looking for. Cut out the classified ad. Write a short paragraph telling why he or she needs/wants the item. Would the one advertised be a good by for him or her? Why or why not?

27. Create cutout sketches of each character in your novel. Mount the sketches on a bulletin board. Include a brief character sketch telling more about the characters.

28. Design a symbol for the novel or a certain character. It should be something that is easily identified with the character or represents the character. Be sure to include a paragraph explaining why your design fits the book or the character.

29. Write a paper describing the goals, dreams, and motives behind a main character in the novel.

30. Develop a paper that explains the changes that take place within the main character in the novel. Present your findings to the class either orally or through some other medium.

31. Organize a panel discussion about similarities and differences among characters. To do this, you will need to work with several other students who are reading the same novel.

32. Stage a meeting between the main characters of two separate novels. Speculate on what they would talk about. Would they have anything in common? Could they be friends? Write a dialogue. If you can talk a buddy into helping, perform the dialogue for the class. You could also record it if you prefer.

33. Write a resume for a main character in the book. You may need to infer some information from the novel.

34. Pretend that you are one of the characters from the book. Tape monologues of the character telling about his or her experiences.

35. Pretend that you are a television reporter. Video tape an interview with the main characters of the novel. (You’ll need to enlist the aid of other classmates or family members to do this)

36. Create an “I-Am” or “Where I’m From” poem for a main character in the novel.

37. Create a debate between two characters on an issue. Write out the script. Remember to stay true to the characters the author created. Talk a buddy into helping you present it to the class.

38. Create a mock trial to judge the innocence or guilt of a character in your novel. If no one else has read this book, write out scripts and talk people into helping you out. The class will be the jury.

39. Create a diary as if you were the main character of the novel. Include entries on all the major events of the novel.

40. Create a personality folder for a colorful character in the novel. Using a file folder, create a montage of pictures portraying the character’s personality on one side. On the other side, write a detailed explanation of the illustrations.

41. Develop a character crest or coat of arms (Characteristics, what a character does, setting, or environment, any notable aspect of life). Be sure to include a motto for the character.

42. Nominate characters you have read about for awards that reveal something about their characters. Let your creative juices flow as you create awards that will show us something about the characters in your novel. List the character and award he or she is to receive. Then use a quote from the novel to tell us why you would present the character with that particular award. You can even create certificates or descriptions of prizes that go alone with the awards.

· FOR EXAMPLE: John Barron. Nose Sprayer Extraordinaire in The Haymeadow by Gary Paulsen. “The board hit him across the back of his shoulders like a sledgehammer. He saw something, a spray, out of his nostrils, saw it spray from the wind leaving his lungs because of the force of the board, saw it as he went down and though, funny, funny how that sprayed and I didn’t even see it coming. Funny…all fuzzy and funny how it happened and he was on his knees and then on his face and all the time he thought how funny and fuzzy it was, the spray.”

43. After reading a brief description of astrological or sun signs, figure out which sign you think three of the main characters in your novel were born under. Write an explanation of why you think they fit that sign, drawing on their actions, attitudes, and thoughts.

44. Select two or three people your character would think of as a hero or superhero. Describe the characteristics that would be important to your character. Also, describe which characteristics your character would most want for himself/herself that the hero or superhero possesses.

45. If your main character is an adult, try to figure out what he or she would have been like as a child. Write the story of his or her childhood in such a way that shows why he or she is the way he or she is in the novel.

46. Select an organization that might have a lot to say about the actions or portrayals of characters in the novel you read and write a critique of the book from its point of view. For example, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals might have a lot to say about Lennie’s treatment of animals in Of Mice and Men, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored people on the portrayal of Crook, and the National Organization of Women on the portrayal of Curly’s wife and the fact that she was never given a name.

47. Create the application that a character you have just read about could write and submit to a college. Use all of the information you know and infer and create the rest. On the application include NAME, ACADEMIC RANK IN CLASS, HIGH SCHOOL COURSES taken and grades, EXTRACURRICULAR and PERSONAL ACTIVITIES and WORK EXPERIENCE. Choose one of the following questions to answer in a two-page essay from the character’s point of view: What experience, event or person has had a significant impact on your life? Discuss a situation where you have made a difference. Describe your areas of interest, your personality, and how they relate to why you would like to attend this college.

48. Write a summary appraisal from the school counselor’s point of view that assesses the character’s academic and personal qualities and promise for study in college. The college is particularly interested in evidence about character, relative maturity, integrity, independence, values, special interests, and noteworthy talents or qualities. Why do you feel this student would be well suited to attend college.

49. Select a character, think about his or her involvements and experiences and figure out which talk show would most want your character on as a guest. What would they want the character to talk about? Who else would they want to invite on the show to address the issues the character is involved in? Write up the correspondence between the talk show host and the character in which the host explains what the character should focus on while on the show. After the show, have them exchange one more letter mentioning how they felt about what happened.

50. Your character calls into a radio show for advice. Chose which show your character would call into and then create a conversation he or she would have with the radio show host.

51. From all the movies you’ve seen in the last year, pick five you would recommend that your character see. Give a brief summary of each movie and explain why you think the character should see it.

52. Select several characters and design a home page for each of them, picking out appropriate backgrounds and pictures and then creating information that would tell a viewer about your character. Also, create links to at least five different sites that you think your character would be interested in. Then write up and post on the page an explanation of how you make the decisions you did and what you believe this tells us about the character.

53. Imagine that your character has found other people to talk with while in a chat room he or she found while surfing the internet. Describe the chat room your character was in and why your character would be drawn to the kind of group that operates the chat room. Then construct the conversations your character had with others while in the chat room.

54. Create an email directory of all the people you can imagine your character keeping in touch with on email. Explain why you selected these people and what it shows about your character. Then construct several exchanges between your character and some of the people in your character’s directory.

55. Imagine what three or four characters from your novel were like in high school. Cut out a picture of a person from a magazine to represent each character. Mount one picture per page and under each picture, place the following information which you will create: Nickname; activities, clubs, sports they were involved in and the years; class mock award—“class clown”; quotation that shows something about the person and what is important to him or her; favorites such as colors and foods; a book that has a great impact on him or her; voted “most likely to…”; plans after high school.

56. Create a letter exchange between a character and the author or write a series of self reflective letters from several characters on what the character learned about himself, others, and life

57. Where do you think your character would most like to go on vacation? Pick a spot, describe it, and explain why he or she would want to go there or download information from the Internet on the place. Then write a day-by-day itinerary of what the character would do each day and why you think the character would enjoy this activity.

58. Think about the kinds of mementos you would put in a scrapbook for your character, cutting out pictures from magazines or drawing the mementos he or she would have in a scrapbook.

59. Find two or three photos or magazine pictures that would have special significance for your character. Mount them on a sheet of paper and write an explanation of why they would be important to your character.

60. Imagine that three classmates are each assigned the role of one of the characters in the book. You and your fellow classmates have to figure out which person is the character. Only twenty questions may be used. Create the questions you and your classmates can use to figure out the identity of each of the three students.

61. Adapt the persona of one of the characters that you feel is portrayed in a sexist or racist manner. Write a compliant explaining what you feel was unjust in the portrayal and explain the action you would like the author to take to remedy the biased portrayal.

62. Select a character and figure out what two or three things you believe your character most needs or wants. Draw or cut out pictures to represent these gifts and write to your character an explanation of why you picked these things out for him or her.

63. Write an opinion column like those that appear on the editorial page of the newspaper. Choose a theme or topic from the novel you just read and write the column from the point of view of one of the characters. Your character might write about the importance of education or why we should accept people who are different from us.

64. Select an event in the story that characters have different views on. Then write up two or three characters’ opinions of the same event in the form of a monologue.

65. Answering machine messages have gotten more and more creative over the years, reflecting the interests and idiosyncrasies of the owners. Select five characters from your novel and create an answering machine message for each of them. Pay particular attention to diction and tone.

66. Select a character from the novel you have just read that you consider powerful or interesting. Then select words, lines, and phrases that you think project strong images and show the impact the chapter makes. Arrange this material in a poem.

67. Select a few of the characters from the novel. Look up each of their names in a name book to see what each name means. Write the meanings down and then write a short essay for each character explaining in what ways the name is suitable and in what ways the name does not fit the character.

68. One way we get to know characters is to think deeply about them and make inferences based on their actions and on what they or others say about them. Through a person’s actions we can learn what they fear and what they want to avoid the most. Select several characters from your novel and write short essays on what you believe they fear the most and what evidence you used to come to this conclusion.

69. Select five current news or feature stories from TV or news magazines that you think your character would be interested in. Then explain how your character would respond to each of the stories and the opinions your character would have about what was happening in the story.

70. To show your understanding of character, go through several magazines and newspapers looking for advertisements of goods you think your character might like. Cut out the pictures, mount them neatly on a poster board, and under each picture, write a few lines about why this product would appeal to your character.

71. Think of an issue that is very important to your character. Then create a pamphlet aimed at persuading others of the importance of the issue. Include factual information, testimonials, pictures or graphics, etc. For instance, Charlotte in The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi might want to create a pamphlet explaining the reasons women should have more life choices.

72. If you are artistic, think of an important scene and draw it the way you see it. Place the characters in the scene too an then figure out where you were in relation to the characters when you read the book. Write an explanation of why you drew the scene the way you did and why you think you were where you were in the scene. What does it tell you about whom you are related to in the novel?

73. Select two characters. Then think about three to five people, living or dead that you would like your character to meet. Write about how you selected these new acquaintances and what you’d like the character to learn from the people you introduced to him or her. For instance, after reading The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, you might want Charlotte to meet Sojourner Truth so she can see other women who do important work, Madame Curie who worked in a field not many women ever entered, and so on.

Setting

1. If a journey was involved, draw a map with explanatory notes of significant places and why the story needed to go through those places.

2. Make a diorama and explain what it shows.

3. Make a diorama showing the setting or a main event from the book.

4. Make a travel brochure inviting tourists to visit the setting of the book. What types of activities would there be for them to attend? Why would they want to attend this place?

5. Make a map showing where the story takes place. Include all the important landmarks and places.

6. Make a display of the time period of your book.

7. Research and write a one-page report on the geographical setting of your story. Include an explanation as to why the setting is important to the effect of the story.

8. If the book you read involves a number of locations within a country or geographical area, plot the events of the story on a map. Make sure the map is large enough to read the main events clearly. Attach a legend to your map. Write a paragraph that explains the importance of each event indicated on your map.

9. Make a shoebox diorama of a scene from your book. Write a paragraph explaining the scene and its effect in the book on your title page.

10. Imagine that you have been given the task of conducting a tour in the town in which the book you read is set. Make a tape describing the homes of your characters and the places where important events in the book took place. You may want to use a musical background for your tape.

11. Do some research on the hometown of your book’s author. You may be able to find a description of his or her home, school, favorite hangouts, etc. What is of interest in the town? Imagine that you are conducting a tour of the town. Make a tape describing the places you show people on the tour. You may want to include a musical background to your tape.

12. Change the setting of the book you read. Tell how this change of setting would alter events and affect characters.

13. Create a setting booklet that shows drawings of at least five settings from the novel.

14. Compare and contrast settings within the novel.

Plot

1. Write the first paragraph (or two) for a sequel. Outline what would happen in the rest of the book. Make sure that the sequel you envision meshes with the original text.

2. Write a new conclusion for the book. What would you have happen that didn’t? Do you think you could have resolved things better or differently? How would you improve it or change it?

3. Write a new introduction for the book. How would you have done things differently? Now’s your chance to do it better than the author did.

4. Create a new book jacket complete with artwork and what you would tell readers to get them interested in reading your book. Be sure to make it interesting but no so interesting as to give away the story. You want to hook them, but you don’t want them to feel as if all they needed to do was read the back cover.

5. Use email to tell a friend about the book you just finished reading. Either send me a copy of the email at jalex@washoe.k12.nv.us or print a copy of the email that you have sent. Tell your friend about the characters and the story but don’t give it all away. You’ll want to make sure that I can tell you’ve actually read the book.

6. Participate with three or four classmates in a television talk show about the book. In order to do this, you all will need to have read the same book. One of you will want to be the host and the others can perhaps be the author and the main characters. You will all need to be in costume and character.

7. Cut out magazine pictures to make a collage or a poster illustrating the idea of the book. You will need to explain why you have chosen the pictures that you do, and you’ll want to explain why you came to the conclusion that what you’re illustrating is the idea of the book.

8. With two or three other students do a reader’s theater presentation or act out a scene from the book. It is better if you have all read the book, but if the other students have not, you’ll need to turn in a copy of the “script” you have written for them.

9. Lead a small group discussion with other readers of the same book. Focus on a specific topic and report your group’s conclusion to the class.

10. Keep a reading journal and record your thoughts at the end of each chapter in the book. What do you think is going to happen next? Are you agreeing with how the author is presenting the information? What do you think of the characters and their actions?

11. Write a book review in the style of The New York Times. If you need a copy of what a New York Times book review looks like, go to http://www.nytimes.com and look under the “Book Section.”

12. For fun, exaggerate either characteristics or events and write a tabloid-style news story related to your book. It will need to be complete with the front-page headlines and “photos.”

13. Draw a comic-book page complete with bubble-style conversations showing an incident in your book. It will need to be complete with illustrations.

14. Write a paragraph telling about the title. Is it appropriate? Why or why not?

15. Decide on an alternate title for the book. Why is what you’re suggesting appropriate? Is it better than the one the book has now? Why or why not?

16. Make a poster advertising your book. Include artwork for a scene that would grab someone’s attention.

17. Prepare a list of 15-20 questions for use in determining if other people have read the book carefully.

18. This is the same as the previous, except this time include some “thought” questions like “how” and “why”.

19. Rewrite the story as a picture book. Use simple vocabulary so that younger students may enjoy your picture book.

20. Make a mobile showing pictures or symbols of happenings in the book. Explain why you choose the symbols or pictures that you did.

21. Make a collage representing some event or part of your book. Explain why you choose the event that you did and why you choose the pictures to represent it.

22. Make a crossword puzzle using ideas from the books. You will need at least twenty-five entries to receive full credit. (You can make the puzzle on line at http://www.school.discovery.com)

23. Choose any topic from your book and write a one-two page research report on it. Include a one-paragraph explanation as to how it applies to your book (not in the paper itself—on your title page)

24. Design and make the front page of a newspaper from the material in your book. You will need to write short news stories and headlines and include “photos.”

25. Write a song for your story. It must include music.

26. Write a poem or poems about your story. Must be at least three stanzas long.

27. Pretend you are a teacher, preparing to teach your novel to the entire class. Create five journal prompts to get your students thinking about the major themes or characters in the book.

28. Make a comic strip of your book. Must be complete with artwork and “bubble” conversation.

29. Make a banner of cloth or paper about your book. Include the title of the book, the name of the main characters and some representations of the main theme of the book.

30. Create a movie announcement for your book complete with the names of the actors who would play the main characters.

31. Create a radio ad for your book. Write out the script and tape record it as it would be presented. Don’t forget the background music!

32. Design an advertising campaign to promote the sale of the book you read. Include each of the following: a poster, a radio or TV commercial, a magazine or newspaper ad, a bumper sticker, and a button.

33. Write a scene that could have happened in the book you read but didn’t. After you have written the scene, explain how it would have changed the outcome of the book.

34. Create a board game based on the events and characters in the book you read. By playing your game, members of the class should learn what happened in the book. Your game must include the following: a game board, a rule sheet and clear directions, events and characters from the book.

35. Make models of three objects that were important in the book you read. On a card attached to each model, tell why that object was important in the book.

36. Design a movie poster for the book you read. Cast the major characters in the book with real actors and actresses. Include a scene or dialogue from the book in the layout of the poster. Remember, it should be persuasive. You want people to come see the movie.

37. Complete a series of five drawings that show five of the major events in the plot of the book you read. Write captions for each drawing so that someone who did not read the book can understand the illustrations.

38. Make a test for the book you read. Include 10 true-false, 10 multiple choice, and 10 short essay questions. After writing the test, provide the answers for your questions.

39. Make a television box show of ten scenes in the order that they occur in the book you read. Cut a square from the bottom of a box to serve as a TV screen and make two slits in opposite ends of the box. Slide a butcher roll on which you have drawn the sense through the two side slits. Make a tap to go with your television show. Be sure to write out a script before taping or performing “live.”

40. In The Catcher in the Rye Holden Caufield describes a good book as one that “when you’re done reading it, you wish the author that wrote it was a terrific friend of yours and you could call him up[ on the phone whenever you felt like it.” Imagine the author of the book you read is a terrific friend of yours. Write out an imaginary telephone conversation between the two of you in which you discuss the book you read and other things as well.

41. Write the copy for a newspaper front page that is devoted entirely to the book you read. The front page should look as much like a real newspaper page as possible. The articles on the front page should be based on events and characters in the book.

42. Make a collage that represents major characters and events in the book you read. Use pictures and words cut from magazines in your collage. Don’t forget to include an explanation.

43. Make a time line of the major events in the book you read. Be sure the divisions on the time line reflect the time period in the plot. Use drawing or magazine cutouts to illustrate events along the time line. You could present this to the class, taking use through the time line, event by event.

44. Retell the plot of the book you read as it might appear in a third grade reading book. Be sure that the vocabulary you use is appropriate for a younger audience. Tape your storytelling.

45. After reading a nonfiction book, become a teacher. Prepare a lesson that will teach something you learned from the book. It could be a how-to lesson or one on content. Plan carefully to present all the necessary information in logical order. You don’t want to confuse your students! Present your lesson to your students. How did you do? If you taught a how-to lesson, look at the final product to see if your instructions to the class were clear. If your lesson introduced something new, you might give a short quiz to see how well you taught the lesson.

46. Look through magazines for words and pictures that describe your book. Use these to create a collage on a bookmark. Make the bookmark available to others to use as they read the same book. Include an explanation for why you selected the words and pictures you did.

47. Write the title of your book. Decide on some simple word-picture-letter combinations that will spell out the title “rebus” style. Present it to the class to solve. (I will make a transparency or copies for you) After they have solved the rebus, invite them to ask questions about the book.

48. After reading the book, design a game based on the book as its theme. Will you decide on a board game, card game, concentration? The choices are only limited to your creativity. Be sure to include clear directions and provide everything needed to play.

49. Design a poster to advertise your book. Be creative…use detail…elaborate…use color! Can you make it 3-D or moveable?

50. Make a large poster that could be a cover for your book. Imagine that you are the book and plan a way to introduce yourself. Make the group feel that they would like to know you better. Organize your best points into an into an introduction to present to the class. Be sure to “wear” your cover!

51. Gather a large collection of current events that reflect incidents that closely parallel those in your novel. Include an explanation for why you have selected these particular current events and how they are connected to your novel.

52. Write a letter to the author of the book you read and explain how you feel about the book.

53. Prepare and present an oral interpretation of the book to the class. Include your thoughts on why the author and the characters have done what happened and whether you liked the book or not. Be detailed and be sure to answer the question “why?”

54. Create a poster that could be used as an advertisement.

55. Do a five-minute book talk that is designed to make the class want to read your book.

56. Write a particularly memorable, provocative, alarming, or confusing paragraph on one side of a piece of paper. Below it, paraphrase the paragraph and write any questions or comments.

57. Present a particularly vivid section of the novel to the class. Discuss why this particular section had an impact on your reading

58. Create a reader’s support kit to help prepare future students for the novel. Include reflection papers, any activities you have done, pictures, puzzles, questionnaires, and other appropriate items.

59. Write a scene that could have happened in the book but did not. Explain the effect it would have had on the novel.

60. Create models of four objects that were important in the book you read. Present the models to the class and tell why they are important.

61. Complete a series of five drawings (or composites or cut-outs) that show five of the major events in the plot of the book. Write captions for each drawing so that the illustrations can be understood.

62. Rewrite the novel as a play. You may abridge and condense or you may choose 1-2 important scenes to rewrite.

63. Create a photo presentation that captures the main events of the novel. Create a sound track that could be used if the novel were ever produced as a movie.

64. Fill a bulletin board with pictures, quotes, and art pertaining to the novel. Include an explanation of your choices.

65. Create a sales pitch designed to persuade your classmates to read the book you have read. Do you need any visuals or other gimmicks? (Freebies and food always work well) Present it to the class.

66. Videotape a TV commercial that advertises the novel you have read.

67. Find some reviews of the book you have read (try http://www.amazon.com as a beginning place). Read and present a summary of at least five reviews. You may present through an oral presentation, a bulletin board or poster, or in written form. Include your own review and an opinion statement about the other reviews.

68. Create a picture book based on the novel.

69. Create a pop-up book based on the novel.

70. Create a comic strip series based on the book. Must contain at least three comic strips.

71. Design a mural based on the action in the book. It will be hung on a wall in the classroom or in the hall.

72. Design a sweatshirt, T-shirt, scarf, or tie based on the book. Be sure to include an explanation.

73. Create bulletin board selling the novel.

74. Is your book also a movie? With your parents’ permission, view the movie (after reading the book). Compare/contrast the book and the movie. Present it to the class in some manner (orally, visually, written, etc).

75. Has your book ever been on a banned book list? If so, research to find out why. Write a position statement, stating why you think the book should or should not be banned.

76. Collect sentences from your novel. As you are reading be watching for sentences that have an effect on you for one reason or another. Maybe it is just a sentence that you really, really like. Or maybe it is a sentence that says something just the way it should be said. Write it into a sentence journal. After each sentence, write down the title of the novel from which it came and the page number on which it appeared. Then briefly tell why you have included this sentence in your journal.

77. This activity requires that you have a partner and that the two of you read the same novel at the same time. You must plan ahead for this to work. After reading only a few pages, write in your reading journal about your reactions to the novel. Your partner should do the same. Exchange journals. Read what your partner has written. React to what your partner wrote. Return the journal. Now, you may write a reaction to more of the novel or to what your partner has written. You should do this at least ten times throughout the novel.

78. If the events in the novel merit it, write up a report as a social worker would on the conditions of the home and whether or not it’s a good environment for a child. For example, if a social worked went to the McNabb’s House in Maniac McGee by Jerry Spinelli, how would he or she describe the home and parenting style of Mr. McNabb? What would the recommendation be?

79. After reading the novel, figure out how you would divide the book up into sections. Then select a piece of music that you think captures the feel or tone of each section. Record the pieces and if possible do voice overs explaining what is happening in the novel during the piece of music and why you felt the piece of music fits the section of the novel.

80. Write three poems in response to the novel. The poems can be about the character, where the book takes place, or the themes in the book. Each poem should be at least three stanzas long.

Theme

1. Take a sheet of construction paper and write the title of the book down the side of the paper.
For each letter in the title, construct a sentence that begins with that letter and that tells something significant about the story.

2. Create a series of six drawings in six squares that show significant events in the novel. Under each picture or cartoon, write a few lines of explanation.

3. Write the title of the book in the center of a sheet of paper. Then look through magazines for words, phrases, and sentences that illustrate or tell something about your book. As you look think in terms of the theme, setting, and plot as well as characters. Work to get fifty such words, phrases, or sentences so the whole sheet of paper will be filled. The visual impact of the collage should tell a potential reader a lot about the book.

4. Create and perform a talk show around one of the major issues or themes in the novel. For example, after reading The Crazy Horse Electric Game by Chris Crutcher, you might want to discuss the issue of running away from home. Include people to represent several points of view on the issue. You might want to include characters from the book, a social worker, a police officer, a gang member, etc.

5. Write a letter to the author of the book explaining to him or her why you think he or she wrote the book and what you think he or she is trying to show through the book. Be sure to explain what you got out of the book. If the author is till alive, send the letter to the author via the publishing company. Provide me with a copy of the letter.

6. Think of fifteen words that are essential to the understanding of the book. Explain why you picked the words you did and how you would define them in terms of the story.

7. Find a song or a poem that relates to the theme of your book. Explain the similarities and why you choose the song that you did. You’ll need to turn in a copy of your poem or song with your explanation

8. Create a bulletin board that captures the essence of the novel.

9. Create a bulletin board that captures the essence of the novel.

10. Complete each of these eight ideas with material growing out of the book you read.

1. This book made me wish that…

2. This book made me realize….

3. This book made me decide…

4. This book made me wonder about…

5. This book made me see…

6. This book made me believe…

7. This book made me feel…

8. This book made me hope…

11. Write a poem that captures the essence of the novel. It must be at least three stanzas long.

Linked Wonders

Wonderful Images

Daily Wonderings

Wonderous Writing

Wonderful Cooking

Book Celebrations

Teaching Wonders

On this page you'll find a compilation of projects that students can complete after having read a book. When I taught, my students usually did 2-3 book celebrations per quarter...all done on books of their choosing. I think if I were to use these in the classroom now, I'd consider specifying that students choose projects from different categories each time they did a project.

Book Celebrations (Word Document for Download)

With special thanks to the teacher who originally posted these on NCTE-Middle Talk.

Book Celebrations!

Character

1. Write a letter from one character to another. Have the characters talk about their relationships or some problem that’s occurring in the book. You’ll want to reveal the characters’ personalities in the letter. Make sure that you’re writing the way the character would.

2. Use a journalistic style and write a news story about something that happened to one of the characters. Be sure to include the details of how, what, where, how, and when. Also, be sure to write in reverse pyramid-style (Most important details first…see me if you have questions)

3. Write a letter to the main character of the book. Ask them any questions that you may have about their actions or motivations.

4. Write a letter to the main character of the book. Write the letter he or she sends back. Make sure the reply is consistent with their behavior in the book.

5. Make three or more puppets of the characters in the book. Prepare a short puppet show to tell the story to the class.

6. Write a description of one of the main characters. Draw or cut out a picture to accompany the description. Make sure to justify your description by using supporting details from the text.

7. Make an ID card that belongs to one of the characters. Be sure to make the card look like the card for that particular state or country. Include a picture and all the information found on an ID card. Don’t forget the signature!

8. Dress up as one of the characters and tell the story from a first person point of view.

9. Write a diary as the main character would write it to explain the events of the story. You must include at least five entries to receive full credit.

10. Describe the problem or conflict existing for the main character in the book. Tell how the conflict was or was not resolved.

11. Make a “wanted” poster for one of the characters or objects in your book. Include the following: (a)a drawing or cut out picture of the character or object (b) a physical description of the character or object (c) the character’s or object’s deeds (or misdeeds) (d) other information about the character or object which is important (e) the reward offered for capture of the character or object.

12. Find the top ten websites a character in your book would most frequently visit. Include two-three sentences for each on why your character likes each of the sites.

13. Select one character from the book you read who has the qualities of a heroine or hero. List these qualities and tell why you think they are heroic.

14. Imagine you are about to make a feature-length film of the novel you have read. You have been instructed to select your cast from members of your English class. Cast all the major characters in your novel from your English classmates and tell why you selected each person for a given part.

15. Plan a party for the characters in the book you read. In order to do this, complete each of the following tasks: (a) design an invitation to the party which would appeal to all of the characters (b) Imagine that you are five of the characters in the book and tell what each would wear to the party (c) tell what food you would serve and why (d) tell what games or entertainment you would provide and why your choices are appropriate (e) tell how three of the characters will act at the party (f) what kind of party is this? (birthday, housewarming, un-birthday, anniversary, etc)

16. List five of the main characters from the book you read. Give three examples of what each character did or did not learn in the book.

17. Obtain a job application from an employer in our area and fill out the application as one of the characters in the book you read might do. Before you obtain the application, be sure the job is one for which a character in your book would be qualified. If a resume is required, write it.

18. You are a prosecuting attorney putting one of the characters from the book you read on trial for a crime or misdeed. Prepare your case on paper, giving all your arguments.

19. Do the previous activity, but find a buddy to help you. One of you becomes the prosecutor, the other is the defense. If you can’t find a buddy, try it on your own.

20. Pretend you are one of the characters in the book you read. Tape a monologue of that character telling of his or her experiences. Be sure to write out a script before taping. You could perform this “live” in front of the class if you want.

21. Tape an interview with one of the characters in a book you read. Pretend that a magazine or newspaper reporter is interviewing this character. You may do this project with a partner, but be sure to do a script before taping. You may choose to do a live version of this.

22. Make a list of at least ten proverbs or familiar sayings. Now decide which characters in the book you read should have followed the suggestions in the familiar saying and why.

23. Make a paper doll likeness of one of the characters in the book you read. Design at least three costumes for this character. Next, write a paragraph commenting on each outfit; tell what the clothing reflects about the character, the historical period, and events in the book.

24. Pick a national issue. Compose a speech on that topic to be given by one of the major characters in the book you read. Be sure the content of the speech reflects the character’s personality and beliefs.

25. Choose an interesting character from your book. Consider the character’s personality, likes and dislikes. Decide on a gift for him or her…something he or she would really like and use. Design a greeting card to go along with your gift. In the greeting, explain to your friend from the book why you selected the gift.

26. Read the classifieds. Find something a character in your book would like or was looking for. Cut out the classified ad. Write a short paragraph telling why he or she needs/wants the item. Would the one advertised be a good by for him or her? Why or why not?

27. Create cutout sketches of each character in your novel. Mount the sketches on a bulletin board. Include a brief character sketch telling more about the characters.

28. Design a symbol for the novel or a certain character. It should be something that is easily identified with the character or represents the character. Be sure to include a paragraph explaining why your design fits the book or the character.

29. Write a paper describing the goals, dreams, and motives behind a main character in the novel.

30. Develop a paper that explains the changes that take place within the main character in the novel. Present your findings to the class either orally or through some other medium.

31. Organize a panel discussion about similarities and differences among characters. To do this, you will need to work with several other students who are reading the same novel.

32. Stage a meeting between the main characters of two separate novels. Speculate on what they would talk about. Would they have anything in common? Could they be friends? Write a dialogue. If you can talk a buddy into helping, perform the dialogue for the class. You could also record it if you prefer.

33. Write a resume for a main character in the book. You may need to infer some information from the novel.

34. Pretend that you are one of the characters from the book. Tape monologues of the character telling about his or her experiences.

35. Pretend that you are a television reporter. Video tape an interview with the main characters of the novel. (You’ll need to enlist the aid of other classmates or family members to do this)

36. Create an “I-Am” or “Where I’m From” poem for a main character in the novel.

37. Create a debate between two characters on an issue. Write out the script. Remember to stay true to the characters the author created. Talk a buddy into helping you present it to the class.

38. Create a mock trial to judge the innocence or guilt of a character in your novel. If no one else has read this book, write out scripts and talk people into helping you out. The class will be the jury.

39. Create a diary as if you were the main character of the novel. Include entries on all the major events of the novel.

40. Create a personality folder for a colorful character in the novel. Using a file folder, create a montage of pictures portraying the character’s personality on one side. On the other side, write a detailed explanation of the illustrations.

41. Develop a character crest or coat of arms (Characteristics, what a character does, setting, or environment, any notable aspect of life). Be sure to include a motto for the character.

42. Nominate characters you have read about for awards that reveal something about their characters. Let your creative juices flow as you create awards that will show us something about the characters in your novel. List the character and award he or she is to receive. Then use a quote from the novel to tell us why you would present the character with that particular award. You can even create certificates or descriptions of prizes that go alone with the awards.

· FOR EXAMPLE: John Barron. Nose Sprayer Extraordinaire in The Haymeadow by Gary Paulsen. “The board hit him across the back of his shoulders like a sledgehammer. He saw something, a spray, out of his nostrils, saw it spray from the wind leaving his lungs because of the force of the board, saw it as he went down and though, funny, funny how that sprayed and I didn’t even see it coming. Funny…all fuzzy and funny how it happened and he was on his knees and then on his face and all the time he thought how funny and fuzzy it was, the spray.”

43. After reading a brief description of astrological or sun signs, figure out which sign you think three of the main characters in your novel were born under. Write an explanation of why you think they fit that sign, drawing on their actions, attitudes, and thoughts.

44. Select two or three people your character would think of as a hero or superhero. Describe the characteristics that would be important to your character. Also, describe which characteristics your character would most want for himself/herself that the hero or superhero possesses.

45. If your main character is an adult, try to figure out what he or she would have been like as a child. Write the story of his or her childhood in such a way that shows why he or she is the way he or she is in the novel.

46. Select an organization that might have a lot to say about the actions or portrayals of characters in the novel you read and write a critique of the book from its point of view. For example, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals might have a lot to say about Lennie’s treatment of animals in Of Mice and Men, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored people on the portrayal of Crook, and the National Organization of Women on the portrayal of Curly’s wife and the fact that she was never given a name.

47. Create the application that a character you have just read about could write and submit to a college. Use all of the information you know and infer and create the rest. On the application include NAME, ACADEMIC RANK IN CLASS, HIGH SCHOOL COURSES taken and grades, EXTRACURRICULAR and PERSONAL ACTIVITIES and WORK EXPERIENCE. Choose one of the following questions to answer in a two-page essay from the character’s point of view: What experience, event or person has had a significant impact on your life? Discuss a situation where you have made a difference. Describe your areas of interest, your personality, and how they relate to why you would like to attend this college.

48. Write a summary appraisal from the school counselor’s point of view that assesses the character’s academic and personal qualities and promise for study in college. The college is particularly interested in evidence about character, relative maturity, integrity, independence, values, special interests, and noteworthy talents or qualities. Why do you feel this student would be well suited to attend college.

49. Select a character, think about his or her involvements and experiences and figure out which talk show would most want your character on as a guest. What would they want the character to talk about? Who else would they want to invite on the show to address the issues the character is involved in? Write up the correspondence between the talk show host and the character in which the host explains what the character should focus on while on the show. After the show, have them exchange one more letter mentioning how they felt about what happened.

50. Your character calls into a radio show for advice. Chose which show your character would call into and then create a conversation he or she would have with the radio show host.

51. From all the movies you’ve seen in the last year, pick five you would recommend that your character see. Give a brief summary of each movie and explain why you think the character should see it.

52. Select several characters and design a home page for each of them, picking out appropriate backgrounds and pictures and then creating information that would tell a viewer about your character. Also, create links to at least five different sites that you think your character would be interested in. Then write up and post on the page an explanation of how you make the decisions you did and what you believe this tells us about the character.

53. Imagine that your character has found other people to talk with while in a chat room he or she found while surfing the internet. Describe the chat room your character was in and why your character would be drawn to the kind of group that operates the chat room. Then construct the conversations your character had with others while in the chat room.

54. Create an email directory of all the people you can imagine your character keeping in touch with on email. Explain why you selected these people and what it shows about your character. Then construct several exchanges between your character and some of the people in your character’s directory.

55. Imagine what three or four characters from your novel were like in high school. Cut out a picture of a person from a magazine to represent each character. Mount one picture per page and under each picture, place the following information which you will create: Nickname; activities, clubs, sports they were involved in and the years; class mock award—“class clown”; quotation that shows something about the person and what is important to him or her; favorites such as colors and foods; a book that has a great impact on him or her; voted “most likely to…”; plans after high school.

56. Create a letter exchange between a character and the author or write a series of self reflective letters from several characters on what the character learned about himself, others, and life

57. Where do you think your character would most like to go on vacation? Pick a spot, describe it, and explain why he or she would want to go there or download information from the Internet on the place. Then write a day-by-day itinerary of what the character would do each day and why you think the character would enjoy this activity.

58. Think about the kinds of mementos you would put in a scrapbook for your character, cutting out pictures from magazines or drawing the mementos he or she would have in a scrapbook.

59. Find two or three photos or magazine pictures that would have special significance for your character. Mount them on a sheet of paper and write an explanation of why they would be important to your character.

60. Imagine that three classmates are each assigned the role of one of the characters in the book. You and your fellow classmates have to figure out which person is the character. Only twenty questions may be used. Create the questions you and your classmates can use to figure out the identity of each of the three students.

61. Adapt the persona of one of the characters that you feel is portrayed in a sexist or racist manner. Write a compliant explaining what you feel was unjust in the portrayal and explain the action you would like the author to take to remedy the biased portrayal.

62. Select a character and figure out what two or three things you believe your character most needs or wants. Draw or cut out pictures to represent these gifts and write to your character an explanation of why you picked these things out for him or her.

63. Write an opinion column like those that appear on the editorial page of the newspaper. Choose a theme or topic from the novel you just read and write the column from the point of view of one of the characters. Your character might write about the importance of education or why we should accept people who are different from us.

64. Select an event in the story that characters have different views on. Then write up two or three characters’ opinions of the same event in the form of a monologue.

65. Answering machine messages have gotten more and more creative over the years, reflecting the interests and idiosyncrasies of the owners. Select five characters from your novel and create an answering machine message for each of them. Pay particular attention to diction and tone.

66. Select a character from the novel you have just read that you consider powerful or interesting. Then select words, lines, and phrases that you think project strong images and show the impact the chapter makes. Arrange this material in a poem.

67. Select a few of the characters from the novel. Look up each of their names in a name book to see what each name means. Write the meanings down and then write a short essay for each character explaining in what ways the name is suitable and in what ways the name does not fit the character.

68. One way we get to know characters is to think deeply about them and make inferences based on their actions and on what they or others say about them. Through a person’s actions we can learn what they fear and what they want to avoid the most. Select several characters from your novel and write short essays on what you believe they fear the most and what evidence you used to come to this conclusion.

69. Select five current news or feature stories from TV or news magazines that you think your character would be interested in. Then explain how your character would respond to each of the stories and the opinions your character would have about what was happening in the story.

70. To show your understanding of character, go through several magazines and newspapers looking for advertisements of goods you think your character might like. Cut out the pictures, mount them neatly on a poster board, and under each picture, write a few lines about why this product would appeal to your character.

71. Think of an issue that is very important to your character. Then create a pamphlet aimed at persuading others of the importance of the issue. Include factual information, testimonials, pictures or graphics, etc. For instance, Charlotte in The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi might want to create a pamphlet explaining the reasons women should have more life choices.

72. If you are artistic, think of an important scene and draw it the way you see it. Place the characters in the scene too an then figure out where you were in relation to the characters when you read the book. Write an explanation of why you drew the scene the way you did and why you think you were where you were in the scene. What does it tell you about whom you are related to in the novel?

73. Select two characters. Then think about three to five people, living or dead that you would like your character to meet. Write about how you selected these new acquaintances and what you’d like the character to learn from the people you introduced to him or her. For instance, after reading The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, you might want Charlotte to meet Sojourner Truth so she can see other women who do important work, Madame Curie who worked in a field not many women ever entered, and so on.

Setting

1. If a journey was involved, draw a map with explanatory notes of significant places and why the story needed to go through those places.

2. Make a diorama and explain what it shows.

3. Make a diorama showing the setting or a main event from the book.

4. Make a travel brochure inviting tourists to visit the setting of the book. What types of activities would there be for them to attend? Why would they want to attend this place?

5. Make a map showing where the story takes place. Include all the important landmarks and places.

6. Make a display of the time period of your book.

7. Research and write a one-page report on the geographical setting of your story. Include an explanation as to why the setting is important to the effect of the story.

8. If the book you read involves a number of locations within a country or geographical area, plot the events of the story on a map. Make sure the map is large enough to read the main events clearly. Attach a legend to your map. Write a paragraph that explains the importance of each event indicated on your map.

9. Make a shoebox diorama of a scene from your book. Write a paragraph explaining the scene and its effect in the book on your title page.

10. Imagine that you have been given the task of conducting a tour in the town in which the book you read is set. Make a tape describing the homes of your characters and the places where important events in the book took place. You may want to use a musical background for your tape.

11. Do some research on the hometown of your book’s author. You may be able to find a description of his or her home, school, favorite hangouts, etc. What is of interest in the town? Imagine that you are conducting a tour of the town. Make a tape describing the places you show people on the tour. You may want to include a musical background to your tape.

12. Change the setting of the book you read. Tell how this change of setting would alter events and affect characters.

13. Create a setting booklet that shows drawings of at least five settings from the novel.

14. Compare and contrast settings within the novel.

Plot

1. Write the first paragraph (or two) for a sequel. Outline what would happen in the rest of the book. Make sure that the sequel you envision meshes with the original text.

2. Write a new conclusion for the book. What would you have happen that didn’t? Do you think you could have resolved things better or differently? How would you improve it or change it?

3. Write a new introduction for the book. How would you have done things differently? Now’s your chance to do it better than the author did.

4. Create a new book jacket complete with artwork and what you would tell readers to get them interested in reading your book. Be sure to make it interesting but no so interesting as to give away the story. You want to hook them, but you don’t want them to feel as if all they needed to do was read the back cover.

5. Use email to tell a friend about the book you just finished reading. Either send me a copy of the email at jalex@washoe.k12.nv.us or print a copy of the email that you have sent. Tell your friend about the characters and the story but don’t give it all away. You’ll want to make sure that I can tell you’ve actually read the book.

6. Participate with three or four classmates in a television talk show about the book. In order to do this, you all will need to have read the same book. One of you will want to be the host and the others can perhaps be the author and the main characters. You will all need to be in costume and character.

7. Cut out magazine pictures to make a collage or a poster illustrating the idea of the book. You will need to explain why you have chosen the pictures that you do, and you’ll want to explain why you came to the conclusion that what you’re illustrating is the idea of the book.

8. With two or three other students do a reader’s theater presentation or act out a scene from the book. It is better if you have all read the book, but if the other students have not, you’ll need to turn in a copy of the “script” you have written for them.

9. Lead a small group discussion with other readers of the same book. Focus on a specific topic and report your group’s conclusion to the class.

10. Keep a reading journal and record your thoughts at the end of each chapter in the book. What do you think is going to happen next? Are you agreeing with how the author is presenting the information? What do you think of the characters and their actions?

11. Write a book review in the style of The New York Times. If you need a copy of what a New York Times book review looks like, go to http://www.nytimes.com and look under the “Book Section.”

12. For fun, exaggerate either characteristics or events and write a tabloid-style news story related to your book. It will need to be complete with the front-page headlines and “photos.”

13. Draw a comic-book page complete with bubble-style conversations showing an incident in your book. It will need to be complete with illustrations.

14. Write a paragraph telling about the title. Is it appropriate? Why or why not?

15. Decide on an alternate title for the book. Why is what you’re suggesting appropriate? Is it better than the one the book has now? Why or why not?

16. Make a poster advertising your book. Include artwork for a scene that would grab someone’s attention.

17. Prepare a list of 15-20 questions for use in determining if other people have read the book carefully.

18. This is the same as the previous, except this time include some “thought” questions like “how” and “why”.

19. Rewrite the story as a picture book. Use simple vocabulary so that younger students may enjoy your picture book.

20. Make a mobile showing pictures or symbols of happenings in the book. Explain why you choose the symbols or pictures that you did.

21. Make a collage representing some event or part of your book. Explain why you choose the event that you did and why you choose the pictures to represent it.

22. Make a crossword puzzle using ideas from the books. You will need at least twenty-five entries to receive full credit. (You can make the puzzle on line at http://www.school.discovery.com)

23. Choose any topic from your book and write a one-two page research report on it. Include a one-paragraph explanation as to how it applies to your book (not in the paper itself—on your title page)

24. Design and make the front page of a newspaper from the material in your book. You will need to write short news stories and headlines and include “photos.”

25. Write a song for your story. It must include music.

26. Write a poem or poems about your story. Must be at least three stanzas long.

27. Pretend you are a teacher, preparing to teach your novel to the entire class. Create five journal prompts to get your students thinking about the major themes or characters in the book.

28. Make a comic strip of your book. Must be complete with artwork and “bubble” conversation.

29. Make a banner of cloth or paper about your book. Include the title of the book, the name of the main characters and some representations of the main theme of the book.

30. Create a movie announcement for your book complete with the names of the actors who would play the main characters.

31. Create a radio ad for your book. Write out the script and tape record it as it would be presented. Don’t forget the background music!

32. Design an advertising campaign to promote the sale of the book you read. Include each of the following: a poster, a radio or TV commercial, a magazine or newspaper ad, a bumper sticker, and a button.

33. Write a scene that could have happened in the book you read but didn’t. After you have written the scene, explain how it would have changed the outcome of the book.

34. Create a board game based on the events and characters in the book you read. By playing your game, members of the class should learn what happened in the book. Your game must include the following: a game board, a rule sheet and clear directions, events and characters from the book.

35. Make models of three objects that were important in the book you read. On a card attached to each model, tell why that object was important in the book.

36. Design a movie poster for the book you read. Cast the major characters in the book with real actors and actresses. Include a scene or dialogue from the book in the layout of the poster. Remember, it should be persuasive. You want people to come see the movie.

37. Complete a series of five drawings that show five of the major events in the plot of the book you read. Write captions for each drawing so that someone who did not read the book can understand the illustrations.

38. Make a test for the book you read. Include 10 true-false, 10 multiple choice, and 10 short essay questions. After writing the test, provide the answers for your questions.

39. Make a television box show of ten scenes in the order that they occur in the book you read. Cut a square from the bottom of a box to serve as a TV screen and make two slits in opposite ends of the box. Slide a butcher roll on which you have drawn the sense through the two side slits. Make a tap to go with your television show. Be sure to write out a script before taping or performing “live.”

40. In The Catcher in the Rye Holden Caufield describes a good book as one that “when you’re done reading it, you wish the author that wrote it was a terrific friend of yours and you could call him up[ on the phone whenever you felt like it.” Imagine the author of the book you read is a terrific friend of yours. Write out an imaginary telephone conversation between the two of you in which you discuss the book you read and other things as well.

41. Write the copy for a newspaper front page that is devoted entirely to the book you read. The front page should look as much like a real newspaper page as possible. The articles on the front page should be based on events and characters in the book.

42. Make a collage that represents major characters and events in the book you read. Use pictures and words cut from magazines in your collage. Don’t forget to include an explanation.

43. Make a time line of the major events in the book you read. Be sure the divisions on the time line reflect the time period in the plot. Use drawing or magazine cutouts to illustrate events along the time line. You could present this to the class, taking use through the time line, event by event.

44. Retell the plot of the book you read as it might appear in a third grade reading book. Be sure that the vocabulary you use is appropriate for a younger audience. Tape your storytelling.

45. After reading a nonfiction book, become a teacher. Prepare a lesson that will teach something you learned from the book. It could be a how-to lesson or one on content. Plan carefully to present all the necessary information in logical order. You don’t want to confuse your students! Present your lesson to your students. How did you do? If you taught a how-to lesson, look at the final product to see if your instructions to the class were clear. If your lesson introduced something new, you might give a short quiz to see how well you taught the lesson.

46. Look through magazines for words and pictures that describe your book. Use these to create a collage on a bookmark. Make the bookmark available to others to use as they read the same book. Include an explanation for why you selected the words and pictures you did.

47. Write the title of your book. Decide on some simple word-picture-letter combinations that will spell out the title “rebus” style. Present it to the class to solve. (I will make a transparency or copies for you) After they have solved the rebus, invite them to ask questions about the book.

48. After reading the book, design a game based on the book as its theme. Will you decide on a board game, card game, concentration? The choices are only limited to your creativity. Be sure to include clear directions and provide everything needed to play.

49. Design a poster to advertise your book. Be creative…use detail…elaborate…use color! Can you make it 3-D or moveable?

50. Make a large poster that could be a cover for your book. Imagine that you are the book and plan a way to introduce yourself. Make the group feel that they would like to know you better. Organize your best points into an into an introduction to present to the class. Be sure to “wear” your cover!

51. Gather a large collection of current events that reflect incidents that closely parallel those in your novel. Include an explanation for why you have selected these particular current events and how they are connected to your novel.

52. Write a letter to the author of the book you read and explain how you feel about the book.

53. Prepare and present an oral interpretation of the book to the class. Include your thoughts on why the author and the characters have done what happened and whether you liked the book or not. Be detailed and be sure to answer the question “why?”

54. Create a poster that could be used as an advertisement.

55. Do a five-minute book talk that is designed to make the class want to read your book.

56. Write a particularly memorable, provocative, alarming, or confusing paragraph on one side of a piece of paper. Below it, paraphrase the paragraph and write any questions or comments.

57. Present a particularly vivid section of the novel to the class. Discuss why this particular section had an impact on your reading

58. Create a reader’s support kit to help prepare future students for the novel. Include reflection papers, any activities you have done, pictures, puzzles, questionnaires, and other appropriate items.

59. Write a scene that could have happened in the book but did not. Explain the effect it would have had on the novel.

60. Create models of four objects that were important in the book you read. Present the models to the class and tell why they are important.

61. Complete a series of five drawings (or composites or cut-outs) that show five of the major events in the plot of the book. Write captions for each drawing so that the illustrations can be understood.

62. Rewrite the novel as a play. You may abridge and condense or you may choose 1-2 important scenes to rewrite.

63. Create a photo presentation that captures the main events of the novel. Create a sound track that could be used if the novel were ever produced as a movie.

64. Fill a bulletin board with pictures, quotes, and art pertaining to the novel. Include an explanation of your choices.

65. Create a sales pitch designed to persuade your classmates to read the book you have read. Do you need any visuals or other gimmicks? (Freebies and food always work well) Present it to the class.

66. Videotape a TV commercial that advertises the novel you have read.

67. Find some reviews of the book you have read (try http://www.amazon.com as a beginning place). Read and present a summary of at least five reviews. You may present through an oral presentation, a bulletin board or poster, or in written form. Include your own review and an opinion statement about the other reviews.

68. Create a picture book based on the novel.

69. Create a pop-up book based on the novel.

70. Create a comic strip series based on the book. Must contain at least three comic strips.

71. Design a mural based on the action in the book. It will be hung on a wall in the classroom or in the hall.

72. Design a sweatshirt, T-shirt, scarf, or tie based on the book. Be sure to include an explanation.

73. Create bulletin board selling the novel.

74. Is your book also a movie? With your parents’ permission, view the movie (after reading the book). Compare/contrast the book and the movie. Present it to the class in some manner (orally, visually, written, etc).

75. Has your book ever been on a banned book list? If so, research to find out why. Write a position statement, stating why you think the book should or should not be banned.

76. Collect sentences from your novel. As you are reading be watching for sentences that have an effect on you for one reason or another. Maybe it is just a sentence that you really, really like. Or maybe it is a sentence that says something just the way it should be said. Write it into a sentence journal. After each sentence, write down the title of the novel from which it came and the page number on which it appeared. Then briefly tell why you have included this sentence in your journal.

77. This activity requires that you have a partner and that the two of you read the same novel at the same time. You must plan ahead for this to work. After reading only a few pages, write in your reading journal about your reactions to the novel. Your partner should do the same. Exchange journals. Read what your partner has written. React to what your partner wrote. Return the journal. Now, you may write a reaction to more of the novel or to what your partner has written. You should do this at least ten times throughout the novel.

78. If the events in the novel merit it, write up a report as a social worker would on the conditions of the home and whether or not it’s a good environment for a child. For example, if a social worked went to the McNabb’s House in Maniac McGee by Jerry Spinelli, how would he or she describe the home and parenting style of Mr. McNabb? What would the recommendation be?

79. After reading the novel, figure out how you would divide the book up into sections. Then select a piece of music that you think captures the feel or tone of each section. Record the pieces and if possible do voice overs explaining what is happening in the novel during the piece of music and why you felt the piece of music fits the section of the novel.

80. Write three poems in response to the novel. The poems can be about the character, where the book takes place, or the themes in the book. Each poem should be at least three stanzas long.

Theme

1. Take a sheet of construction paper and write the title of the book down the side of the paper.
For each letter in the title, construct a sentence that begins with that letter and that tells something significant about the story.

2. Create a series of six drawings in six squares that show significant events in the novel. Under each picture or cartoon, write a few lines of explanation.

3. Write the title of the book in the center of a sheet of paper. Then look through magazines for words, phrases, and sentences that illustrate or tell something about your book. As you look think in terms of the theme, setting, and plot as well as characters. Work to get fifty such words, phrases, or sentences so the whole sheet of paper will be filled. The visual impact of the collage should tell a potential reader a lot about the book.

4. Create and perform a talk show around one of the major issues or themes in the novel. For example, after reading The Crazy Horse Electric Game by Chris Crutcher, you might want to discuss the issue of running away from home. Include people to represent several points of view on the issue. You might want to include characters from the book, a social worker, a police officer, a gang member, etc.

5. Write a letter to the author of the book explaining to him or her why you think he or she wrote the book and what you think he or she is trying to show through the book. Be sure to explain what you got out of the book. If the author is till alive, send the letter to the author via the publishing company. Provide me with a copy of the letter.

6. Think of fifteen words that are essential to the understanding of the book. Explain why you picked the words you did and how you would define them in terms of the story.

7. Find a song or a poem that relates to the theme of your book. Explain the similarities and why you choose the song that you did. You’ll need to turn in a copy of your poem or song with your explanation

8. Create a bulletin board that captures the essence of the novel.

9. Create a bulletin board that captures the essence of the novel.

10. Complete each of these eight ideas with material growing out of the book you read.

1. This book made me wish that…

2. This book made me realize….

3. This book made me decide…

4. This book made me wonder about…

5. This book made me see…

6. This book made me believe…

7. This book made me feel…

8. This book made me hope…

11. Write a poem that captures the essence of the novel. It must be at least three stanzas long.

Last Updated August 4, 2007

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