English 10H Reading Log
READING LOG DUE DATES FOR SECOND SEMESTER
January 25, February 29, March 28, May 2
(You need 10 points and 1100 pages for SECOND SEMESTER)

Directions: Choose books from the extensive list provided OR get a book approved by me. The numbers on my list that follow each book correspond to the difficulty of that book. Submit a Reading Log at the beginning of the period on the due date.
Put the following on a cover sheet OR at the top of the first page of your log:
•Your Name •The Date
•Book Title•Author
•Number of Pages •Point Value
Then answer the following on separate pieces of paper.

Section 1: Summary
1. Write a fairly brief synopsis (summary) of the work you read for this log. Be sure to cover the main occurrences in the book, including what you feel is the climax, but don't get too detailed. 1-2 pages MAXIMUM.  Note that a synopsis of this type should NEVER be a single paragraph.  Instead it should change paragraphs with shifts in time and place at the very least.

Section 2: Analyses - THINK 5-PARAGRAPH ESSAY
1. Evaluate one of the main characters by discussing ONE of the following, making sure you use details and at least one quotation for EACH body paragraph. This writing should be at least a page in length, though it usually winds up being longer.  Note that NONE of the following can be done in a single paragraph!
a) Discuss at least three specific problems that the main character faces in the story and how he/she deals with them.
b) Discuss three influences on the main character. State each influence and give specifics about how each impacts him/her.
c) Discuss three of the main character's traits. Clearly state each trait and support your choice with specific incidents.
d) Show how the main character changes from the beginning of the story to the end.  Use three distinct specific incidents.

2. Discuss one of the following (in a multi-paragraph writing using support quotations in each body paragraph):
a) How does the setting (time period, place, etc.) play a role in the book's development of character, plot,  and/or theme.  All of the items listed need not be covered, but this should be a thorough analysis of the setting’s importance.  For example, the fact that To Kill A Mockingbird takes place in Maycomb, Alabama, in the early part of the 20th century profoundly affects racial attitudes.
b) Choose a scene you feel is important and analyze it closely. Show why the scene is important given what happens. Make sure you pay close attention to how the author's words convey meaning.  What does he/she describe or have the characters say to one another?  What is left up to the reader to fill in?  For example, the balcony scene in Romeo and Juliet establishes the rash nature of Romeo’s love and foreshadows problems that will arise.
c)  Choose a symbol or motif that becomes important over the course of the novel (or for a time in the novel) .  For example, in To Kill A Mockingbird the tree on the street becomes a symbol of friendship as Boo gives Scout and Jem items showing he cares about them.
d)  Discuss how the author’s choices of point of view and narrative voice convey meaning.

3. Discuss the theme of the work, writing a thesis and showing how it develops. For example, a theme of To Kill A Mockingbird is prejudice.  A good thesis about this theme is TKAM shows that prejudice may be overcome by the empathy of walking in someone’s shoes.Use specifics and support quotations in each body paragraph.
 
4. Given the Literary Terms which have been introduced to you, choose one, then show how it can provide new insight into the novel you have read.  (Multi-paragraphs & quotes are once again needed).   You may not use a term more than twice in a semester.  Please come by so that we can talk about your ideas and make sure you are addressing these new concepts properly.

Section 3: Review
1. Review the book - Would you recommend it to others? Why or why not?  This does NOT need to be more than 1/2 - 3/4 of a page.

Personal Response once ONE CRITERION (either points or pages) is met:
As discussed in class, you have both a page AND point requirement regarding reading logs.  HOWEVER, once you fulfill ONE OR THE OTHER REQUIREMENT, you no longer have to write a WRITTEN reading log.  Instead, you have choices of personal response:
a)  Come in for a 5-10 minute discussion of the novel.  Consider this a BRIEF oral reading log.
b)  Write 2 pages about how the book influenced you - changed your thoughts on an issue, taught you something important, etc.
c)  Respond artistically to the book through a poem, drawing/painting, CD liner notes (songs that connect/explain characters), a page of the story from a different character’s point of view, a letter to the author, a short story sequel, or some other idea you come up with.