Dear Future 7th Grade Students,
Students entering 7th grade have a required summer reading assignment to complete before school
begins in August. They will have 3 books to read:
7th Grade
Required class book: Sword of the Rightful King by Jane Yolen (Questions)
Required all-school read: The Great Trouble: A London Mystery by Deborah Hopkinson
Lone Star book of your choice from the 2015-2016 list. (Collage Project)
7th Grade All-Class Required Book: Sword of the Rightful King by Jane Yolen
This 7th grade assignment sheet has been given to returning students, who will need to purchase their
copies. Students will follow the directions and complete the attached information sheets. This writing
assignment is due on the first day of class and should be neatly hand-written and independently
completed by the student. Students may have a writing assignment or test on the novel. Tip: Read the
class book last so you can remember it! Enjoy your reading!
7th Grade Lone Star Book choice: Students will choose a novel from the 2015-2016 Texas Lone Star list
to read. They will also create a two-dimensional (lies flat) collage, no larger than 9” x 12”) on paper or
cardstock (not foam or plaster) with art/craft materials.
A collage is a symbolic work of art that covers the entire background paper and displays a variety of
items and materials. The collage must have pictures or items that represent the setting, the
protagonist, the antagonist, a major conflict and a theme in the story. The book’s title and author’s
name should be part of the collage. Students must write their full names on the lower right corner. The
collage is due on the first day of school. A grade sheet that outlines expectations and point values for
the collage project and the presentation is included. These sheets should be brought to school on the
first day along. Students will present their collages and share their opinions of their reading choices with
the class. TIP: Read and follow directions!
7th Grade All-school read The Great Trouble: A London Mystery by Deborah Hopkinson. Students will
answer the prepared questions and fill in the information. Later, during the first trimester, students will
further their study of this genre. The library department is working on some project near the time of this
author’s visit to our school. There is no project for this book at this time.
Enjoy your summer reading!
Mrs. Howard
7th and 8th Grade English Teacher
1
7th Grade All Class Novel
Sword of the Rightful King
Full Name __________________________7__
Date Due: First day of class
Fill in this sheet for your class novel. Please handwrite your answers neatly, spell correctly and use
correct grammar and punctuation. Each answer is worth 5 points. This book should be read last so that
you will remember it. You may want to use separate college rule paper for your answers. Use a heading
for each answer, for example,
Plot
#1 (then answer)
Plot
2#
Title:________________________________________________________________________________
Author(s): __________________________________Type/genre of fiction: ________________________
# of pages: ______Copyright Date: _______ Publisher _____________________Rating: ______1-10
(10 = Excellent)
Plot
1. Write a brief summary of the story (5-10 sentences).
2. Describe the major conflict in the story (who, what, when how or why).
3. Explain how the title fits the book.
Characters
4. Describe the protagonist(s) and the antagonist(s).
5. Who are your favorite characters and why do you like them?
6. From whose point of view do you understand the story?
Themes
7. What is the major theme of the book?
8. What is the setting (time and place)?
9. Would this book make a good movie? Why or why not?
Overall Effect
10. What is your general opinion of the book?
11. Would you recommend this book to your classmates? Why or why not?
12. What three adjectives would you use to describe this novel?
2
7th English -Literature
Collage Project and Presentation
2015-2016 Lone Star Free Choice
Full Name: __________________7____
Due: First day of class
Rubric for Grading Collage & Presentation
Fill out the following starred (*) items only.
*Lone Star Book Title: ______________________________________________________________
*Author: _______________________________________________________________________
*Genre:
_________________*Publisher____________________*Copyright_____* # pgs. _____
Teacher Grading Sheet Do not fill in theses spaces below.
I. Content (30 points)
________
Student introduces the book with the title, author and genre/type.
The setting (time and place) is represented and described.
Student explains major conflict, theme, main characters and their symbols.
Student shares a brief summary and avoids telling the ending.
Speaker describes content to class accurately.
Personal opinions and recommendations of book are shared.
II. Presentation (30 points)
Speaker speaks clearly and loudly
Preparation is evident with regard to time limits (1 - 3 minutes.)
Speaker sounds confident and takes pride in his/her work
Pace is moderate
Posture and body language is not distracting
Speaker faces forward and looks at audience
________
III. Project (30 points)
________
Collage shows student followed all directions
Collage is neat, legible, relevant, and creative
A variety of symbols, words and pictures are displayed
Student used appropriate materials and (non-food/wet) items
Original background paper is hidden with items
Collage is labeled correctly
IV. Audience Skills (10 points)
Effort to support speakers is evident
Interruptions or distractions are avoided
TOTAL POINTS
________
Deduction (10 points @ day for tardiness)
- _______
FINAL GRADE
________
________
3