Independent Reading: Book Projects

Fiction Book Projects

Remember: Each month you need to pick a different project.


Sixth grade responses should be a minimum of two paragraphs, seventh grade responses a minimum of three paragraphs, and eighth grade responses a minimum of four paragraphs.

1. Interview a character from your book. Write a least ten questions that will give the character the opportunity to discuss his/her thoughts and feelings about his/her role in the story. Write the answers you think the character would give to these questions. Answers should not be one word answers. Answers should include information that happened in the story and be a couple of sentences. Select at least ________ (see above, based on grade) questions to answer more in depth in short response format.

2. In at least_________ paragraphs (see above, based on grade) explain how the story would be different in your neighborhood. Give specific details about your neighborhood and the setting in the book. Contrast the two settings using transitional words.

3. In at least _________ paragraphs (see above, based on grade) explain the main conflict in the book. Evaluate the way the character or characters responded to the conflict and the resolution. If you were the main character, how would you have responded? Explain.

4. In at least _________ paragraphs (see above, based on grade) write a diary entry that one of the stories main characters might have kept before, during, or after the books events. Remember that the character’s thoughts and feelings are very important in a diary.

5. In at least _________ paragraphs (see above, based on grade) rewrite a chapter of the book from another characters point of view (not the narrator). Briefly explain how and why this differed from the actual narrator.

6. Write or perform a song that tells the story of the book. The song should cover the whole plot, not just one part of the story. Write at least _________ stanzas (see above, based on grade) not including the chorus.

7. In at least _________ paragraphs (see above, based on grade) write a letter to the author. Share your reading experience with the author. Share the thoughts and questions you had while your read the book. Then, explain to the author what you liked and disliked about the text. Use textual details to back up what you say.

8. Imagine you are the agent for the author of the book you just read. In at least _________ paragraphs (see above, based on grade) write a letter to a movie producer trying to get that person interested in making your book a movie. Explain why the story, characters, conflicts etc. would make a good film. Suggest actors and a setting that would best fit your text and use textual evidence from the book to prove that they would be a good match.

9. Imagine you are a newscaster. In at least _________ paragraphs (see above, based on grade) write the monologue that you would deliver on the nightly news to explain the plot (the 5 Ws and How) of your book.

10. In at least _________ paragraphs (see above, based on grade) write a letter to the main character of your book asking questions, protesting a situation, and/or making a complaint or suggestion This must be done in correct letter format. (Extra credit if you write an additional letter imagining you are character responding to the above letter written.)

11. Rewrite the story for younger children in a picture book form You still must tell the entire story with a couple sentences on each page that would add up to at least _________ paragraphs (see above, based on grade)

12. In _________ paragraphs (see above, based on grade) describe a character you would add to the book. Explain how this person would affect each part of the plot in the book (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution). How would the story change with this addition?

13. Create a display board or diorama for your book with images. Explain each part of the board or diorama and its relationship to the book. Write about the plot, characters, themes, and author in at least _________ paragraphs (see above, based on grade).

Non-Fiction Book Projects Choices 

Remember: Each month you need to pick a different project.

Sixth grade responses should be a minimum of two paragraphs, seventh grader responses a minimum of three paragraphs, and eighth grade responses a minimum of four paragraphs.

1. For memoirs, biographies, and autobiographies interview a character from your book. Write a least ten questions that will give the character the opportunity to discuss his/her thoughts and feelings about his/her role in the story. Write the answers you think the character would give to these questions. Answers should not be one word answers. Answers should include information that happened in the story and be a couple of sentences. Select at least ________ (see above, based on grade) questions to answer more in depth in short response format.

2. For memoirs, biographies, and autobiographies in at least _________ paragraphs (see above, based on grade) write a diary entry that one of the stories main characters might have kept before, during, or after the books events. Remember that the character’s thoughts and feelings are very important in a diary.

3. In at least _________ paragraphs (see above, based on grade) explain the main conflict(s)/ obstacles that your topic faces. Explain the causes of these problems. Then explain the way the people should or have responded to the conflict/ obstacles. If you were in control how you would have responded? Explain.

4. Create a Power Point that informs others on your topic. You must cite information in your book. While the information can be on multiple slides, the total content must be at least _________ paragraphs (see above, based on grade).

5. In at least _________ paragraphs (see above, based on grade) write an expository piece about the topic of your book. You must cite information by noting the author and page number

6. Create a display board or diorama with pictures and cited facts about the topic of your book. The total amount of writing must be at least _________ paragraphs (see above, based on grade). Explain the history, important facts, interesting facts, the problems, and parts of your topic.

7. In at least _________ paragraphs (see above, based on grade) write a persuasive essay or speech convincing others to take action on the topic of your book. You should explain the problem, causes, and the steps people should take. You must cite the facts from your book by noting the author and page number.

8. Create an informational brochure highlighting the different aspects or parts of topic that your book addresses. Cite all facts by noting the author and page.

9. Write a song or poem that explains the topic of your book in at least _________ stanzas (see above, based on grade) not including the chorus. Explain the various parts of the topic, not just one aspect.