Reading Workshop Assignment: 8th Grade Book Recommendation

Your Summer Reading List Recommendation

Due date: Friday, May 20, 2011

In order to compile an SGS Summer Reading Suggestions (List) that is relevent for

Middle School girls, I’ve decided to solicit suggestions from YOU…the soon-to-be SGS

graduates! Sooo…here’s what I need you to do:

1. Think about all the titles you’ve read this year and choose one that seems to stand out

as a GREAT read.

2. Submit it as your personal recommendation, using the following format:

FIRST LINE

a. State your name, followed by the word “recommends…”

b. Bold and italicize the title of the book you’re recommending

c. Do not bold or italicize the author’s name…but do put “by” in front of it!

SHORT ANNOTATION (plot description and/or rating)

a. indent your short annotation paragraph

b. check it carefully for spelling and punctuation errors

c. tell enough of the story to hook the reader but not spoil the story

AN EXAMPLE: (font = Geneva, size 12)

Sally McLaughlin recommends…Toning the Sweep by Angela Johnson

Grandmama Ola is dying of cancer, so her granddaughter Emily and her daughter Diane

go down to the desert to help Ola pack up her life, her friendships, and her memories.

This story is a lyrical examination of three women’s lives, memories and thoughts on life

and death.

Your assessment for this assignment will be based on the following considerations:

1. whether you submit your recommendation on time

2. whether you write a thoughtful and engaging annotation for your title

3. whether you correctly follow the format outlined above.

1. When you’ve completed this assignment, email Sally a Word Document copy of your

recommendation to smclaughlin@seattlegirlsschool.org

…and YES…you may suggest more than one book!! If you do, please add “also” to your

phrase, as in Sally McLaughlin also recommends…