Book Review Models!

By Lauren Schroer

Happy Monday!

I hope you had an amazing spring break! 

Now that we're all rested, we're going to start today by looking at some book reviews that you can use as models for your book reviews that are due on 

Goal #1: Looking at awesome book reviews

1. Take some time to read this book review about a book called The Alchemist.
2. In your English Journal, write about what makes this book review a good book review. What are the qualities that make it strong? What is the difference between a book review and a summary?
3. If you would like another example to learn from, check out this one about City of Thieves.

Goal #2: Rhetorical Precis 

1. Before you left for break, you wrote a rhetorical precis. Go find it in your English Journal and read it.
2. Take a look at this rubric to see what things you might be missing. It is very specific! 
3. I will be grading your rhetorical precis. Use the rubric to make sure that you have EVERYTHING you need to have in your rhetorical precis. Use the resources below if you don't remember what it looks like!

If you finish all of this, maybe start writing your book review. Even if you aren't done reading, you should be in a place where you can do at least the first couple paragraphs.

A note about grades:
You should have all gotten an email over spring break that has your scores for the Poe/Laughton essay according to the scoring guide. After school today I will unlock your essays so that you can revise them. If you choose to revise, your revisions must be done and submitted to me no later than Monday, May 20.

AOW #6

 #Read

Goal #1: Update Goodreads

• By the end of next week, you should be finishing your first book of the grading period. 
• Right now, go log into Goodreads and update your "Currently Reading" shelf. 
• Update your status to show what page you're on right now.

Goal #2: "Advice" of the Week

• This week, I have found some advice for you from other young adults who have completed NaNoWriMo before!
• Click here to view the advice. Read through it carefully.
• Pick 2-3 quotes that you find helpful for you.
• Write a paragraph or two about those pieces of advice and how they help you specifically. 

If you get this far:

Have you finished one of your independent reading novels for the six week grading period? You can begin writing your book review! Do it now while the book is fresh in your mind, and it'll be less you have to do later.

You may also continue working on your character questionnaire or your conflict questionnaire.

If you're feeling nervous about NaNoWriMo, there is also more advice from a couple authors (including Scott Westerfeld) to read at your leisure if you click here.