Alternatives+to+Book+Reports

First Book Project

1. Write the first paragraph to the sequel. Outline what would happen in the rest of the book.

2. Write a new concluding chapter.

3. Draw a map with explanatory notes of significant places.

4. Choose a significant scene in the book. Rewrite it as a screenplay.

5. Rewrite the story as a picture book. Use simple vocabulary and simplified concepts so that it may be enjoyable for younger children.

6. Create sketches of each character in your novel. Mount the sketches on poster board. Include a brief character sketch telling us about each of the characters.

7. Design a game based on that book and its theme. Will you decide on a board game, card game, or another type? The choices are only limited to YOUR CREATIVITY. Be sure to include clear directions and provide everything needed to play.

8. Design a 3-D model representing a significant scene from the book.

9. 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.

10. Find the top 15 web sites a character in your book would most frequently visit. Include 2-3 sentences for each on why your character likes each of the sites.

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

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

13. 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 the illustrations can be understood by someone who did not read the book.

14. 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 will provide and why your choices are appropriate (e) Tell how the characters will act at the party (f) What kind of party is this? (Birthday, housewarming, anniversary)

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

16. Pretend that you are one of the characters in the book you read. Videotape a monologue of that character telling of his/her experiences. Be sure to write out a script before taping. You could also perform this “live” if you choose.

17. 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 of the plot. Use drawings or magazine cutouts to illustrate events along this timeline. You could present this to the class, taking us through time – event to event.

18. Design a mural (poster board) based on the action in the book. Include a paragraph detailing your design using details from the book.

19. After reading brief descriptions of the astrology or sun signs, figure out which sign you think five of the main characters from your book were born under. Write an explanation of why you think they fit the sign, drawing on their actions, attitudes, and thoughts from the book.

20. Write 5 poems in response to the novel. The poems can be about the characters, where the book took place, or the themes of the book.

21. Make a soundtrack for your book with at least 6 songs and burn it to a CD. Include a paragraph for each song selected and how it relates to your book.

22. Choose a new setting for the book. Explain how this change would alter the characters, events, and situations of the book.

23. Create a grocery list for the main characters in the book. Your list should reflect some aspect of a person's preferences or habits. You should include a title at the top, such as "groceries," or "camping supplies," or "what to pack." You must have at least 20 items on your list. A paragraph should accompany this list with the significance of each item.