The Novel 1

The Novel 1

With Mrs. Sayre

Prologue

Reading is such a simple act and yet reading makes us who we are. The stories we tell ourselves, the lives we live vicarious, and the questions we ask and answer through reading help us define ourselves and our place in the world. I read to gain empathy and understanding by walking in others' shoes. I read to escape my own skin, my own reality, and return to my own life more aware of my humanity. I read to learn things I didn't even realize I wanted to know. I read to welcome new voices into my head (and to quiet the current inhabitants). I read to explore new worlds and to learn how to change my own.

Our Class

This class is intended to be self-paced and can be solo or social depending upon your reading style. The class will look different depending on what kind of reader you are and what types of books you elect to read.

Start by set reading goals:

Do you want to read a certain number of books this semester? Do you want to tackle an author? A topic? Do you want to push yourself out of your reading comfort zone or return to some favorites? It's all up to you!

Select your books:

While there are some parameters (the class is called the novel, not the magazine, or the blog) you choose what you read. The focus is on long-form reading, but you may choose fiction, nonfiction, autobiography, how-to, it's up to you! (That rhyme was completely unintentional).

Conversations about reading:

My favorite part of reading is talking to others about what I've read. In fact, I've become a bit of a book pusher, cajoling my friends and acquaintances into reading my favorite books so that I can discuss them with new people. Maybe you will form reading clubs within the class, maybe you will convince your mom to read with you, maybe you will find an online community to discuss the book with. Conversations about books can be as important as the books themselves.

Hand Drawn Book Clun with Flowers Decoration

Group of Friends Taking Part in Book Club at Home

Book Challenges:

These projects are self-selected and should not take up a large part of your class time. You can choose from a menu of options to help you process your books. Remember this is not an "English" class. You are not trying to show me that you read the book. You are simply processing what you read and moving on to the next book!

A few ground rules

YOU HAVE TO READ

This is the novel, not the study hall. Study hall is a course we offer, so if you need one, no judgement, feel free to switch out. My promise to you is that I will safeguard this time for reading.

*You have ONE pass per quarter that you can use for a "desperation day" to cram, do homework etc. (Because we all have those days).

COMPLETE AT LEAST TWO CHALLENGES

That means you have to finish at least two books, one per quarter.

*We can discuss equiveillance if you choose to read something like War and Peace. However, try to keep your time parameters in mind as you select your novels.

Choosing your books

There's nothing I like better than a pile of books on my bedside table, just waiting to be read. It simultaneously fills me with a sense of relaxation and excitement. So, with our reading goals in mind, let's curate our piles!

Remember, the class is only a semester (not long enough, I know!) and you don't want to spend precious reading time waiting for an Amazon delivery. Plan ahead and make sure you always have a book waiting in the wings (have a longer list than you think you will read).

Feeling stumped, check out some of these book lists.

Dinner with the Author

The

Book Club

Sometimes I finish a book and I must immediately discuss it with others. But what do you do when you don't know anyone else who's read the book? You start a book club! The best book clubs are a mix of free-form conversation, tangential rants, and optional questions (and heaven help you if you forget the snacks!).

If you choose this challenge you will:

1. Organize a book club with at least two other people.

-Set meeting times with assigned chunks of the book. Create an agenda.

2. Write at least five questions for each chunk you've assigned.

*Bonus: Actually start the book club & record one of the meetings.

The

Book Pitch

I don't know if you are aware, but teachers at Indian Hill have a lot of autonomy regarding the reading we assign to our classes. However, between teaching, grading, leading clubs, keeping up with education research, and (occasionally) having a life, it can be hard to find that next great book to add to your syllabus.

Help your teachers out by pitching a book for their course!

Write a proposal to convince a teacher to adopt your book for their class. (Little known fact, you can read in ANY class, not just English.)
Set up a meeting with that teacher and pitch your book!

The

Book Talk

Embrace your inner book-nerd a-la John Greene and create a book talk. The goal of a book talk is NOT the same as a Flipgrid book rant or even a book critique. The goal of a book talk is to hook the reader. You tell them just enough about the book to make them want to read it.

You book talk should:

Include a summary (without spoilers)
Discuss what you liked about the book
Consider who else might enjoy it and why

*Bonus for some graphics and sound effects!

The

One-Pager

If you've taken a class with me before you've probably created a one-pager. If you haven't the assignment is basically this:

On one page use visuals, structure, and bits of text to communicate something important about your latest read.

*The best one pagers capture quotes, big ideas, and lovely images. Remember this isn't for "English" no one is going to tell you the theme is incorrect. You decide what goes on your page.

The

New Cover

Okay, be honest, have you ever read a book because of it's cover? Have you ever put one DOWN because of it's cover? A bad cover is like walking around with spinach in your teeth, it may not impact the "content of your character" but it will certainly change the way people see you. For this task you will.

Design a new cover for your book.
Explain why the cover needed a change (you can write this or Flipgrid).

*Those who use actors from the MOVIE poster on the cover of a BOOK will be voted off the island

Buy

The Rights

Did you know that The Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfus are being turned into a series. Lin Miranda is working on the music! Did you know that Warner Bros is remaking The Phantom Tollbooth? Are you as excited to watch Diasy Jones and The Six on Netflix as I am? Whether you think the book is always better, or are just waiting to see your favorite characters on the silverscreen this project is for you.

Create a movie trailer for the upcoming adaptation of your recent read.

Film the trailer (include important scenes and reveal some casting choices).
Include an "outtake" section where you (the director) discuss your artistic vision for the adaptation. What aspects did you HAVE to keep the same and which ones did you take creative liberties with?

Rant

Or Rave

Sometimes you love it and sometimes you hate it. Use Flipgrid (or your preferred video tool) to plan and deliver a rant or a rave about the work you just finished.

Bring the passion!
Bring some specific examples.

Graphic

Novel

When I read sometimes I lose sight of where I actually am because I'm so immersed in the world of the book. I may have missed my stop on a train and ended up in the... wrong country... because I was reading. For this challenge you will bring your imaginings to life.

Create at least five frames of a graphic novel that brings your book to life.
Must include images and quotes.
Should match what you believe is the mood/tone of the book.

Journal

Some books are private. The experience you have while reading is intensely personal and transformative. For this type of book you may choose to simply journal your experience.

Write at least 3 journal entries as you read to process the text.
Turn in what you feel comfortable submitting (excerpts, redacted pages, full entries, etc.)

Genius

Hour

Many books inspire more questions than they answer. For this challenge go down a rabbit hole to find some answers. Have you become obsessed with the author, find out everything you can! Do you HAVE to know more about the disease the main character had? Is it possible to actually survive on Mars with only potatoes for food? Whatever the question, spend an hour following your curiosity.

Use Padlet to create a board full of resources. (podcasts, songs, images, articles, other books etc.)
Write or Flipgrid a short reflection about your "research" experience

Sketch

Note

Sketch notes are a way to make sense of your reading. The process is similar to annotating and can go hand in hand. Some people use this as a study tool after annotating by translating their annotations into a more accessible visual.

Choose one chapter of your book to create a sketch notes page for. (This may be especially geared toward non-fiction). See the video for an example.

Dinner With

The Author

What would Harry Potter be without the butterbeer, Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, and the Hogwarts feasts? For so many novels the food, feasts, drinks, and dinner party ambiance are an essential part of the book. Also... eating and reading just go together!

For this challenge you will:

Create at least a 3 course meal menu inspired by your book.
Create an invitation to your dinner party inviting the author to partake in the meal.
Create a list of at least six other guests (fictional or otherwise) who will attend the party.

*Bonus if you actually send it to the author!

*Depending on school restrictions we MAY be able to share some of the meal in class if you want to actually make it!

Collage

Connections

If you've ever taken a class with me, it's no secret that I can't draw. For this project you don't need to! Use pictures, text etc. to create a collage that communicates your connection to the book.

Use images from the book and images from your life.
Communicate a message about your connection to a theme, character etc.

FanFic

Some readers are also writers and sometimes the two go hand in hand to create Fan Fiction! For this challenge you get to play in the world the author created. Write an alternate ending, add a new character, continue the story, start a sequel, it's up to you.

Your fanfic should be approximately two pages. It can be longer but be careful not to turn The Novel into Creative Writing (... you should take that next, it's across the hall with Mr. Millard)

Code A

Setting

This page contains the sum of my knowledge about coding... but if you know something about code and you want to use that knowledge to do a book project, go for it! .... then teach me what code is.

Conversations about reading:

There are three ways to engage in conversations about your reading. These will shift depending on who is in your class, when you take the course, and what you choose to read.

Classroom conversation

As a whole class we will take some time to chat about our books, make connections, listen to what other people are reading, and maybe even find our next great read.

Book Clubs

In some classes you may be lucky enough to find your reading soulmate. Someone who shares your interests and your tastes (or at least someone willing to compromise and read a book with you). During our conversation time your book group can get together and discuss your reading.

#Books-tagram

One of the blessings of the internet is that you can connect with people you may not otherwise be able to connect with. Post some thoughts, insights, quotes, discussion questions on Instagram, @ the author and see what happens!

Use #SayreBookstagram23

Contact Mrs. Sayre

austin.sayre@ihsd.us

Instagram @MrsASayre

513-272-4585

Connect to the class Canvas Page