Book Talk Directions and Guidelines

1
Book Talk Directions and Guidelines

• Put this in the notes section of your notebook!

2
What book can I read?

• You can read almost any book that you want to as
  long as it fits in the following requirements
• At least 175 pages
• Something you havent read before or wont read
  in class this year (no school assigned novels)
• Proper reading level (i.e. not grade 4)
• Approved by me

3
Extra Credit is possible

• Reading a book on the Advanced Placement (AP)
  list
• Reading a book from the Banned book list
• Completing the book talk requirement within a
  month of library day.
• Those are each worth 5 pts. extra credit.

4
But what do I have to do?

• Step 1 Select a book and get it approved by me
  (all AP books are automatically approved)
• Step 2 Read your book and think critically about
  it. Jot a few notes to help you during our
  discussion.
• Step 3 Come in before or after school to spend
  5-7 minutes talking about your book.
• YOU MUST BRING YOUR BOOK WITH YOU SO I CAN LOOK
  AT IT AND ASK QUESTIONS FROM IT!

5
How is a Book Talk graded?

• The book talks are graded on the following
  criteria
• Demonstrated critical thinking
• Used 3 literary terms to discuss the book.
• Accurately summarized book
• Fulfilled time requirement
• Answered questions thoroughly

6
Im so nervouswhat will you ask me?

• Questions commonly asked
• What was your favorite part?
• What was your least favorite part?
• What was the author trying to say (theme) with
  this book?
• Why did you read it?
• What is your opinion of the book?
• What was the moral of the story?
• Who was the antagonist/protagonist?

7
So why should I care about Book Talk?

• It is worth 50 points towards projects (30 of
  your grade), which can be very good for you, or
  very bad, depending on how seriously you take it.
• If you read the book, spend some time thinking
  about it, and come to book talk prepared to
  present your book and answer questions about it,
  your grade will benefit.
• If you dont do a book talk (no late passes, no
  exceptions), you will receive a 0 out of 50.
  OUCH.

8
One more tidbit

• New this year is a faculty recommended reading
  list that I have put together.
• Check out the books that your favorite staff
  member recommends and have an insightful
  conversation with him or her about it!
• Bring a note from that teacher saying that you
  discussed it with him or her and I will give you
  5 pts. Extra credit.