Summer Reading
  When You Reach Me 

By: Rebecca Stead

Summer Assignment:

Due the first day of school in September (9/6/23)

Once you have read the summer book, you need to choose one of the following activities to turn in for your first grade of the school year. If the assignment is not handed in on the first day of school, it will be subject to point deductions for lateness.

1. Keep a diary or journal as the main character from the book: You can follow the events of the novel and give your chosen character(s) impressions and reflections on those events. Be sure to go beyond the obvious. Sure, she might be scared when she gets the first letter but tell me what her plan might be going forward and then adjust that plan as the story goes on. Who does she turn to for support? What happens after the first letter? Details!!! 

Pick this project if you feel like the book’s characters really came alive for you! Must be between 300-500 words

2. Write Letters Between Characters: This project can be done in two ways. You could write letters back and forth between two characters from the book. Or you could think outside the box a bit more and write  letters between one character in the book and another person from literature or history. For example, your character could write letters to Sherlock Holmes. At least 300 words. What would you say to each other? How would they get along? What stories might they share? 

Pick this project if you think interaction between characters is more Interesting than introspection from one character.

3. Create a Film Poster: Imagine that the book has been made into a movie. How would you create a poster that shows something significant about the plot, tone, and/or theme of the story while simultaneously attracting a big audience? What famous actors would best play the roles? Who would direct it? On the back of the poster, include a fictional review of the movie from someone like Roger Ebert.

Pick this project if you think of yourself as a film buff or pop culture know-it-all. Review must be 300-500 words

4. Design a CD Cover and Burn a Playlist for your Book: If the characters in the book or the theme of the book remind you of certain songs you love, go ahead and use that inspiration for your project! Designa cool looking CD cover that relates to your book, and in the CD booklet, include reasons you chose each song (how they related to the story’s characters, plot points, theme, or tone), Include at least one sentence explaining why you picked each song. If you have 12 songs, you need 12 explanations. 10 songs minimum.

Pick this project if music is your life!

5. Make a Mini-Movie About the Book: If you’re lucky enough to have advanced movie making software (like iMovie) on your computer, go make your masterpiece!  

Pick this project if you dream of being the next Steven Spielberg, M. Night Shyamalan, or Adam Goldberg! Two minute minimum

6. Create a PowerPoint Presentation: I admit they’re not exactly cutting-edge technology anymore, but don’t overlook the possibility of a PowerPoint presentation. If you use those smarts of yours, you can take advantage of the many features they now include, like sound effects and animation. Be careful, though; you don’t want to distract your audience from the content of your presentation. Well-done Powerpoints only use the flashy features when they add to the content or highlight it. 

Pick this project if you want to show off your technology and public speaking skills. You must include at least 20 slides and 5 pictures.

7. Redesign the cover: You may use any medium you choose, but it must be in color and publish worthy. Include a 250 word essay on why you choose to create the cover you did.

8. Write a letter to the author: And mail it to them. Turn in an un-mailed copy to me. (300-500 word minimum)

9. Create a Book Trailer: In the spirit of movie trailers, book trailers allow students to create video advertisements to entice new readers. Not only do these projects ensure that students have a firm grasp on the story’s plot, setting, theme, and main characters, but they also provide an opportunity to address persuasive writing as well as digital literacy concepts like copyright and publishing. Students could use iMovie or Animoto to create and publish their videos. 2 minute minimum.

10. A Personal Response Journal: Complete in either a notebook or a digital copy. Keep a chapter journal of what you think/feel as you read your novel. Write five notes for twenty pages. Label the pages covered and number the notes. This can be a personal reaction to something the writer mentions that you agree or disagree with, comments on the writing styles, etc. Please label each chapter and have a class heading with your name, the name of the book, and the name of the author of the book. The purpose is to have you interact with the text positively and not to take notes like we do in class.