Book Reports

FEBRUARY BOOK REPORT

ATTENTION: ALL CLASS PERIODS

THE MCKINLEY LIBRARY IS CLOSED DUE TO RENOVATION AND MAP TESTING.

The Roosevelt House has begun reading

Freedom Train, by Dorothy Sterling.  

 We will be completing several activities having to do with this true story of Harriet Tubman

in lieu of a February Book Report. 

Class periods 3 & 5 are creating Character Journals.

Creativity is the key as students record journal entries for each chapter of Freedom Train from the perspective of Harriet Tubman.

Be sure to check the the assignment guidelines (below) and the rubric.

DUE: MONDAY, MARCH 21 

Character Journal Requirements

As a part of our study of Freedom Train, you will be responsible for keeping a Character Journal.  The purpose of this journal to help you analyze key issues and events in the novel, and to explore how your own personal values and beliefs shape your understanding of events.

Format Requirements:  All entries should be hand-written.  Entries can be written on lined or unlined paper. Your journal should have at least 20 entries reflecting Harriet’s life throughout the book.   It should be set up like a diary and include the day and year of the entry.  You should try to provide some information so the reader can understand where you are in the story.  Your journal should include at least 5 illustrations with captions placed chronologically in the journal.  Any other embellishments are optional.

Journal Cover:  Covers will be constructed out of paper bags in class.

Content Requirements 

Basic: Your journal gives Harriet Tubman’s perspective on the events in the chapter and how she acts in a given situation.  You should also predict upcoming events based on the events that have occurred in the scene, and offer advice to other characters or ask advice from them.

Moderate: Your journal also gives Harriet’s reactions to the other characters --- do you think them foolish, wise, crazy, blind, etc.?

Mastery: Your journal also gives Harriet’s reflections on the major issues and themes, and demonstrates how personal beliefs influence her reactions.

Thinking Questions:

·      What did Harriet think of a specific event?  How might she respond to the event?  What evidence in the text led you to these conclusions?

·      What would Harriet do in another character’s shoes?

·      If Harriet (or another character) were to be punished for some action or behavior, what consequence would Harriet consider to be appropriate?

·      What reward doe Harriet think is owed to her?

·      How does Harriet feel about other characters?

·      What is Harriet’s reaction to other character’s actions?

·      What might Harriet do to influence or change another character?

·      What does Harriet think will happen in the future?

·      If Harriet could give advice to another character, what would it be?

·      How could Harriet warn another person about an upcoming event? Would she?

·      How does society view Harriet?  Does this influence her behavior?

·      What behavior is expected of Harriet?  Does she live up to the expectations? What evidence can you find to prove this?

**Harriet Tubman could neither read, nor write in real life.  However, for the purposes of this journal, you will be responsible for recording her thoughts and actions.  You can choose to record each journal entry as though she were a fluent reader and writer, or you can choose to be “creative” in the way you record your journal entries.  Both are acceptable.

Character Journal Rubric (Freedom Train)  -  Student Name: ___________________________________________________