the 40 book challenge “failure is not an option, so why talk about it?” - donalyn miller, the...
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The 40 Book Challenge
“Failure is not an option, so why talk about it?” - Donalyn Miller, The Book Whisperer
You Want Me To Do What?
You will be reading FORTY books this year. This includes books that we read together for class.
You will be reading from a variety of genres in order to explore books you might not ordinarily read and to develop an understanding of literary elements, text features, and text structures.
The Expectations
Poetry anthologies/novels: 2
Traditional literature: 2
Realistic fiction: 6
Historical fiction: 2
Fantasy: 4
Science fiction: 3
Mystery: 2
Informational: 5
Biography, autobiography, memoir: 2
Personal-choice chapter books: 11
Something REALLY important
Any book you read that is more than 350 pages long will count as TWO books.
Noteworthy: POETRY ANTHOLOGIES/NOVELS
Shortened form of writing
Contains figurative language – similes, metaphors, personification
Author’s expression of feelings, opinions
May follow a form/structure but does not have to
POETRY ANTHOLOGIES
Noteworthy:
REALISTIC
FICTION
NOTEWORTHY: HISTORICAL FICTION
Takes place in the past (forty years before now is considered historical)
Plot (storyline) contains historical events
Characters may be historical figures
HISTORICAL
FICTION
NOTEWORTHY: Fantasy
Contains unrealistic or unworldly elements
Characters may have magical powers in addition to human qualities
Theme is often focused on good versus evil
Fantasy
NOTEWORT
HY:
Science
Fiction
Noteworthy: Mystery
Involves something unknown
Centered around person investigating wrongdoing or obtaining secret information
Mystery
Noteworthy:Traditional Literature
NOTEWORT
HY:
Information
al
NOTEWORTHY: BIOGRAPHY
AUTOBIOGRAPHY
MEMOIR
40 Book Challenge
How you will be graded: Grades will be based on documentation of reading log,
postings on Hardin’s Chalkboard (Facebook) and average test scores (not AR points!) each quarter. Keep a reading log
Document reading with Ms. Hardin’s signature
Read novels that are upper middle school or above for reading levels.
Each week:
Post two discussions on Hardin’s Chalkboard Facebook page:
Book summary in your own words (1-2 sentences) Book recommendation (who would like this book?) Comment on five peer threads.
Take AR test on books you have read.
Your quarter grade is based on average test scores (not AR points!)
Information taken from:
http://kirstenfoti.wikispaces.com/file/view/The%20Forty%20Book%20Challenge%202011-2012%20PPT.pdf