1st Quarter Book Project
A Trip Down Memory Lane Podcast
Definition:
A digital audio or video file made available on the internet for downloading to a computer or mobile device, typically available as a series, new installments of which can be received by subscribers automatically.
You are going to create one episode of a podcast based around a piece of children’s literature.
Tasks
This project is being given to you and discussed in class on Friday, August 14, 2026.
The PROJECT is due by Monday, September 28, 2026.
================================================================================
Suggestions for writing a quality book review
Though it is YOUR review, there should be no personal pronouns in the text. The reader will know these are YOUR thoughts.
EXAMPLE:
No: I think this is the greatest book ever written.
Yes: This is one of the greatest books ever written.
Read the book and take notes
Write down your notes or use a voice recorder to document any thoughts or impressions you have of the book as you are reading. They don't have to be organized or perfect, the idea is to brainstorm any impressions you may have of the book.
Think about the book's genre
Consider how the book fits or does not fit in its genre or field of study. If necessary, use outside sources to familiarize yourself with the field of study and the genre of the book.
Determine the major themes of the book
The theme is often a lesson or overall message that the reader perceives between the lines. The theme can also be the fundamental and often universal ideas explored in a book. Authors may present multiple themes in their writing, especially works of fiction.
Pay attention to the preface, any quotes, and/or references in the book’s introduction
This content will likely shed light on the book’s major themes and viewpoint. A simple way to determine one of the major themes of a book is to sum up the book in one word. Once you have your one word in mind, stretch that word into a message or lesson.
Consider the author's writing style
Ask yourself if the style suits the book's intended audience. Remember that genre is a category of writing and style is the manner in which a subject is expressed or performed. So, depending on the style used, the author can present different viewpoints to the intended audience.
If the book is written in the first-person narrative - the author lived the events and is recounting them. Is this more powerful than someone else writing about the events?
Think about how well the author develops the major areas or points in the book
What areas are covered/not covered? Why? Locating gaps in the time frame or character development of the book can help you think critically. As well, noticing any well developed elements of the book will help you create good points for your review.
Consider any literary devices in the book
If the book is a work of fiction, think about how plot structure is developed in the story. Take notes on the book's character, plot, setting, symbols, mood or tone and how they relate to the overall theme of the book.
Think about how unique the book is
Does it add new information to a genre? The author may be trying to challenge or expand the existing rules and norms of a genre. Consider how the book does this, and how this may affect the intended audience's reception of the book.
Assess how successful the book is
Was the author successful in carrying out the overall purposes of the book and did you feel satisfied by the book's ending? Would you recommend this book to others?
To best write a book review, it is essential to keep track of the answers to the following questions, either as you read the book or as soon as you have finished it. All of the answers can then be incorporated into your review.
Questions to Consider in your Review
Narration
Who narrated the story? Was it first-person narration or third-person narration? Was the narrator a reliable source of information.
Setting
Note the time period and location the boot is set. How did the setting drive or influence the plot of the book?
Theme
Not the overall theme or message of the book.
Genre
What genre of literature was it? How did it compare to another work in this genre?
Author
Name the author. Consider any of their previous works and how they compare with this work.
Plot
Give a brief plot summary without giving away any key details. Don’t spend too much time on this since your review is the most important part.
Evaluation - Your Opinion
This is the most important part of the review. What this a good book? Why or why not? Should others read this book? Would you read other books by this author? What were the book’s strongest points? What were the book’s weakest points?
A Trip Down Memory Lane Podcast
Definition:
A digital audio or video file made available on the internet for downloading to a computer or mobile device, typically available as a series, new installments of which can be received by subscribers automatically.
You are going to create one episode of a podcast based around a piece of children’s literature.
Tasks
- Choose a non-chapter book from your childhood that you remember as a favorite. Please consider more than one possibility, as some are better to “perform” than others.
- Think about sound effects, music, voices, etc. that will bring your book to life as you record yourself reading it aloud. Think of this as a performance of the book.
- After you have recorded yourself reading the book aloud, you will also record your analysis of the book. You will have the role of a high-level literary analyst looking for deeper meaning and metaphor in the book you have selected. Attached are some questions you can use in creating your analysis. Be sure you are not using personal pronouns in this analysis piece! You are never telling the audience this book is a favorite of yours. You are analyzing the book as a scholar!
- You will create a script for your podcast. The written version of your analysis will be turned in as part of your project. The script should be at least one typed, double-spaced page with 12-point font. Plan on turning in your script before you record it so it can be checked for originality and to ensure you are following project parameters. Plan on sharing it by 9/14/26. There will be a place in Google Classroom for you to submit your script.
- To record, use any device you are able to feel comfortable with: Your phone, a computer, etc.You need to ensure it is a platform you’re able to turn in via Google Classroom.
- Think of a name for your podcast. It’s yours - so make it a good one! You must start the recording stating the title of your podcast.
- Presentation: You will play your podcast for the Realm and field any questions as the literary expert you are!
This project is being given to you and discussed in class on Friday, August 14, 2026.
The PROJECT is due by Monday, September 28, 2026.
================================================================================
Suggestions for writing a quality book review
Though it is YOUR review, there should be no personal pronouns in the text. The reader will know these are YOUR thoughts.
EXAMPLE:
No: I think this is the greatest book ever written.
Yes: This is one of the greatest books ever written.
Read the book and take notes
Write down your notes or use a voice recorder to document any thoughts or impressions you have of the book as you are reading. They don't have to be organized or perfect, the idea is to brainstorm any impressions you may have of the book.
Think about the book's genre
Consider how the book fits or does not fit in its genre or field of study. If necessary, use outside sources to familiarize yourself with the field of study and the genre of the book.
Determine the major themes of the book
The theme is often a lesson or overall message that the reader perceives between the lines. The theme can also be the fundamental and often universal ideas explored in a book. Authors may present multiple themes in their writing, especially works of fiction.
Pay attention to the preface, any quotes, and/or references in the book’s introduction
This content will likely shed light on the book’s major themes and viewpoint. A simple way to determine one of the major themes of a book is to sum up the book in one word. Once you have your one word in mind, stretch that word into a message or lesson.
Consider the author's writing style
Ask yourself if the style suits the book's intended audience. Remember that genre is a category of writing and style is the manner in which a subject is expressed or performed. So, depending on the style used, the author can present different viewpoints to the intended audience.
If the book is written in the first-person narrative - the author lived the events and is recounting them. Is this more powerful than someone else writing about the events?
Think about how well the author develops the major areas or points in the book
What areas are covered/not covered? Why? Locating gaps in the time frame or character development of the book can help you think critically. As well, noticing any well developed elements of the book will help you create good points for your review.
Consider any literary devices in the book
If the book is a work of fiction, think about how plot structure is developed in the story. Take notes on the book's character, plot, setting, symbols, mood or tone and how they relate to the overall theme of the book.
Think about how unique the book is
Does it add new information to a genre? The author may be trying to challenge or expand the existing rules and norms of a genre. Consider how the book does this, and how this may affect the intended audience's reception of the book.
Assess how successful the book is
Was the author successful in carrying out the overall purposes of the book and did you feel satisfied by the book's ending? Would you recommend this book to others?
To best write a book review, it is essential to keep track of the answers to the following questions, either as you read the book or as soon as you have finished it. All of the answers can then be incorporated into your review.
Questions to Consider in your Review
Narration
Who narrated the story? Was it first-person narration or third-person narration? Was the narrator a reliable source of information.
Setting
Note the time period and location the boot is set. How did the setting drive or influence the plot of the book?
Theme
Not the overall theme or message of the book.
Genre
What genre of literature was it? How did it compare to another work in this genre?
Author
Name the author. Consider any of their previous works and how they compare with this work.
Plot
Give a brief plot summary without giving away any key details. Don’t spend too much time on this since your review is the most important part.
Evaluation - Your Opinion
This is the most important part of the review. What this a good book? Why or why not? Should others read this book? Would you read other books by this author? What were the book’s strongest points? What were the book’s weakest points?
