Mrs. Paugh - Critical Thinking II
Course Expectations and Policies
For Your Information: Every summer teachers read and write reviews of books they hope to have included in the curriculum. In your review you should convince your reader why this book should or should not be read by others. If you think it is valuable as an OSR choice rather than full inclusion, discuss that issue as well.
Objective: You will write a review of your book with particular emphasis on its value as a reading choice for other students.
Format:
1. Essential Information: Write the complete title of your book (underlined or italicized), the author's full name and the number of pages in your book. In one sentence describe the book's setting (time and place).
2. Synopsis: In a carefully written paragraph summarize the basic plot of your book. Be certain to include the major characters in the story, but be careful not to go into elaborate detail about the book. The synopsis should be no longer than a page, and, if done carefully, it may be much shorter.
An example of a very brief synopsis for Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'dell could be: "When Karana is twelve years old she lives on an island in the Pacific with the other members of her Indian village, Ghalas-at. When members of her village sail for the East, Karana is left behind. Karana is a brave and inventive girl. She describes her struggle to preserve her village's traditions and the ways she survives alone on the island."
3. Review: In a well-developed paragraph convince your reader through use of evidence from the book why this book should or should not be included on a book list for recommended reading in high school. Discuss the following issues in your review.
a. Specifically address its relevance as a multicultural or "diversity" selection. Does it give us insight about a culture, gender issue, ethnicity, etc.?
b. Does it appeal to teenagers? Why or why not? Is it appropriate for high school? Should it be read by all students or only as an OSR option?
c. Does it have literary merit or value? Is it "good writing?" Again provide examples to support your view.
d. Does it have something to say to the reader? What is the theme or message of the book? (Suggestion: Refer to the supplementary sheet of questions to help you brainstorm for ideas about this section.)