Guidelines for Realistic Fiction Book Report Project Realistic fiction relates primarily to characters and themes dealing with basic truths of human nature. Such books present the feelings and innermost thoughts of the main characters. Your project is to write a letter to a main character in your book, giving advice and understanding about their problem, the challenge they face, or their feelings. Be sure to relate to the character by comparing yourself with him/her. Such sentences might begin or include phrases like this: I remember when I once was in a similar situation, and I felt W hen happened, I got the impression you were feeling I think I understand how you were feeling when However, be aware that including this type of sentence is only a start; be sure to go into a deeper discussion than just a passing mention. Also be sure to point out differences between you and the character to whom you are writing. Such sentences might include such phrases as: I think I would have reacted differently when I didn t understand why you chose to instead of I admire the way you I know if it had been me who was faced with that decision, I would have The letter must be in the correct format of a friendly letter, so be sure to include the following: * Return address * date * greeting * closing Also include the following in the body of your letter: * mention of the book title and author * retelling a portion of the plot that has to do with your advice * mention of other characters in the book that relates to your advice * your own opinions about other characters or situations * the part of the story you found most interesting Your book report is to be placed in a large envelope that can hold an 8 ½ x 11 paper without having to fold it. Do NOT seal the envelope.
Sample Large Envelope
your name Forcey Christian School Fourth Grade Mr . Shaper o s Class
Name of character Title of Book Name of author
The envelope should be able to hold an 8 ½ x 11 inch paper so it need not be folded.
Dear Sam,
Joe Student 321 Oak Tree Ave. Lima, Ohio 12345 January 14, 2006
I just finished reading Whatever Happened to Jason McPherson? by W alter Jenkins, and I couldn t believe all the challenges you had to overcome within the course of a week. I can only begin to imagine what it must feel like to have your best friend move away so suddenly without so much as a good-bye. I admire the way you reasoned it through in your mind, never giving up faith in Jason that he wouldn t have just moved away as he did without a word. I m also impressed that you were able to piece together the clues he left behind leading you to discover that he had not moved, but had been kidnapped. I thought that was the most intriguing part of the book. I don t know how you managed to keep a clear head and work with the police to locate his whereabouts. One thing I must mention, I think you were taking a big chance when you went against the detective s advice to stay clear of the motel where the kidnappers were holding Jason. Didn t you realize you were putting yourself and Jason in danger? What were you thinking disguising yourself as a pizza delivery boy entering the room? What do you suppose the kidnappers would have done if Jason had accidentally given away your identity? Not only would both of you have been held captive, but the kidnappers would also realize that the police were closing in. I think this might cause them to do something desperate like threaten Jason s life. Having said that, I will admit that I don t think I would have had the courage to follow the kidnappers on my bike, riding 10 miles out of the city limits to the Moonraker Motel. I d be afraid the kidnappers would have been suspicious. Jason is lucky to have a dedicated friend like you. I don t even know if I could have kept up with them. I wish I had a friend like you! I cheered when you stuck up for Jason by telling Monica that you didn t appreciate her comment about Jason probably being kicked out of school to explain his disappearance. What a snob! I know she didn t run in Jason s circles, but for gosh sakes, she didn t even know him; how dare she presume the worst about Jason. Girls like that make me mad. I bet you felt vindicated when she apologized to Jason after the case was solved. Give Jason my best, and tell him I m glad he s returned home safe and sound, and tell him from me to think next time before he wanders off down a strange pier alone at midnight. Your friend,
Joe Student Joe Student.
Realistic Fiction Reading Rubric Reading Rubric
3
2
1
0
Problem Identify the problem the character faces.
Student identifies the problem that characters must come to grips with in the book.
Make Suggestions - In your letter suggest a different way for the character to resolve his or her problem.
Students comes up with a Students mentions how the No suggestion or suggestion for a different problem was resolved in mention at all of how way for the character to the book. to resolve the problem. solve his problem
Double Point Value of Above
Double point value of the Double point value of the Double point value of above above the above
Compare yourself to the character - mention both similarities and differences between you and the character to whom you are writing.
Student mentions both similiarities & Student mentions differences between self similarities OR and the character in differences in detail. detail.
Double Point Value of Above
Double point value of the above
The problem is not identified by the student in the letter
No comparison is Student slightly mentions made between the similiarities and/or student and the differences. character to whom he writes.
Double point value of the Double point value of the Double point value of above above the above
Discuss the most interesting part of the book - provide some interesting details
Student provides details Student barely mentions about the part of the story the part of the story he he finds most interesting. finds most interesting.
No mention of student's favorite part of the story.
Double Point Value of Above
Double point value of the Double point value of the Double point value of above above the above
Envelope - shows (1) Return address, (2) Addressed to Character, Title, Author (per example in directions)
The students (1) return address and (2) address Only one of the addresses to character on envelope is shown on the envelope per example
No address of any kind is shown on the envelope -or- envelope is not turned in.
Complete Assignment Attached includes rubric, directions, and samples - everything in the packet
Complete Writing Assignment is attached
Complete Writing Assignment is NOT attached
Neat, Legible Work - Work is neatly organized and can easily be read. Computer generated is acceptable (and encouraged).
Neatly organized and readable
Neither neatly organized, nor readable
Points: 20/20 = 100%
Realistic Fiction Writing Rubric 3
2
1
0
All four present: date, return address, salutation & closing
3 out of 4 present
2 out of 4 present
less than 2 of the four present
Very conversant style
Somewhat conversant
Barely conversant
Dull and lifeless - like your mom or dad made you write this
Letter contains humor or shows emphathy for the person to whom it is written
Letter contains some humor or empathy (as appropriate)
Letter barely contains humor or empathy
Letter does not attempt to reach the adressee on any emotional level
Sentence Beginnings - sentences generally begin differently
Generally, sentences begin in a different manner to avoid boring repetition
Several sentences begin the same way
Many sentences begin the same way
Most sentences begin the same way
Sentence Flow I- Sentences flow goes in a logical sequence. Also run-on sentences should not be present
Well above average
Average
Fair
Poor
Sentence Flow II- Sentences are not short and choppy; student shows an ability to combine phrases.
Well above average
Average
Fair
Poor
Sophisticated enough for the 4th grade level
Average level of vocabulary usage
Fair
Poor
Writing Rubric Friendly Letter Format - dated
with return address & salutation & closing Wriing Style I - letter is
conversant (sounds like a conversation) as opposed to stiff and stilted. Wriing Style II - letter shows
either humor or empathy (as appropriate)
Vocabulary - Student uses vocabulary words that are appropriate for 4th grade
CUPS (Capitalization, word Usage, All sentences are error free Punctu-ation, and Spelling)
All but 1 sentence is error All but 2-3 sentences are More than 3 sentences free error free are not error free
Complete Assignment Attached includes rubric, directions, and samples - everything in the packet
Complete Writing Assignment is attached
Complete Writing Assignment is NOT attached
Neat, Legible Work - Work is neatly organized and can easily be read. Computer generated is acceptable (and encouraged).
Neatly organized and readable
Neither neatly organized, nor readable
Points: 26/26 = 100%
