Cyrus Peirce Middle School 2007 Summer Reading Packet and ...

1.) List and describe the characters involved.2.) Describe the setting. (time and place)3.) Describe the conflict (problem), if any. If the conflict is resolved (solved),explain how.4.) List in bullet form the main events of the chapter.Enjoy!Mrs. LombardiSummer Reading Assignments for Incoming 8th GradersThe eighth grade team of teachers requires and encourages all incomingstudents to have fun by reading over the summer. We are asking students to readChasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett as the required reading for all students andcomplete a book review focusing on the basic elements of fiction. In addition,students will select another novel from the combined middle school list. Eighthgraders should try to find a secondary novel that is both interesting andchallenging.Students should pick up the middle school summer reading packet andtheir two books from the Nantucket Atheneum. Chasing Vermeer should bebrought to school on the first day, as we will engage in classroom discussion andanalysis. Students should return their “Other Novel” choice to the Atheneum bythe end of the summer. Lost or severely damaged books will cost a minimum of$5.00.Chasing Vermeer: Assignment #1All students must read the novel and complete a book review. See theattached pages for a book review example and how to write one. (These pageswere taken out of The Write Source 2000) A book review is not just a summaryof a novel, but a critique; you must analyze and give a well supported opinionabout it. Your review must include the basic plot, major characters and a majortheme from the novel. It is perfectly acceptable if you did not enjoy the novel;just be sure to cite evidence in your review as to why. This review should be aminimum of one page typed, double spaced.*Don’t give away the ending of the novel; only hint at what happens in the end.*Special Note: We have added The Wright Three, the sequel to Chasing Vermeer,for those of you who enjoyed the first novel. We have also added Girl with aPearl Earring and Girl in Hyacinth Blue for those students who feel they want tochallenge themselves to learn more about the art and ideas found in ChasingVermeer. It is a suggestion, not a requirement, that those students hoping to takehonors English in high school should read one of these two more challengingnovels as their “Other Novel”.Other Novel: Assignment #2All students must complete a persuasive poster project for their secondnovel. The purpose of this poster is to persuade other students to want to readyour novel. The poster should be no smaller than 18” x 24” inches and shouldbe on sturdy, colorful paper. The following things should be on the poster and