Choose A or B
A) The book is written from Slam�s point of view. You are to choose two other prominent characters from the book and have each one write a character sketch of Slam from their points of view. What would they have to say about him? Would they have concerns/complaints about him? You must �become� the characters you choose (i.e. speak like them, think like them, etc.). Each sketch must be 2.5 pages minimum (5 pages total) Be creative!
B) After completing the book, think about whether Slam is a dynamic or a static character. Then write a persuasive essay in which you argue your view, citing evidence from the book and explaining your reasoning clearly. You will first need to think carefully about Slam�s character. (4 pages minimum)
C) Imagine you are Goldy, and Slam has asked you to write him a recommendation. You need to be laudatory (look this up), but you also need to be realistic. (4 pages minimum)
The Giver Assignment
Choose 1 of the following:
A) In an interview, Lois Lowry suggests one reason why she wrote the book:
I will say that the whole concept of memory is one that interests me a great deal. .. I�ve always been fascinated by the thought of what memory is and what it does and how it works and what we learn from it. [italics mine]
You are to write an essay in which you consider the theme of memory in the book, specifically keeping in mind the italicized portions of the quote above. Begin with your own brainstorming on the theme of memory and then brainstorm what the book communicates about memory before attempting to write your paper. (3.5 pages minimum)
B) Some readers might not be satisfied with the ending of the Giver because it seems like there should be at least another chapter. Your job is to write chapter 24. Your last chapter (if written well) should seem like it could have been written by Lowry herself; in other words, it should be convincing. (4 pages minimum)
OR
C) Choose one of the questions for discussion on the following page and write an essay in response to it. Whichever question you choose, be sure to make reference to the book in your essay response. (3.5 pages minimum)
Stargirl Assignment
Choose 1 of the following:
A) Individuality is a clear theme in Stargirl. You are to write an essay in which you discuss what the book communicates about this theme and how. Considering the following questions should help you to structure your paper:
a) What does it mean to be an individual?
b) What are the consequences of being an individual?
c) What are the obstacles to being an individual?
d) What are the influences which lead someone to want to be an individual?
e) Is individuality good or bad? Always? Sometimes? When?
Your discussion should start from the book itself, and use parts of the book to show what Spinelli is trying to say about this topic (not what you think about this topic). (4 pages minimum)
B) Be Stargirl (or Starboy) for a week, keep a journal about your experiences, and then write a short reflective essay about these experiences. Based on the book, you figure out what �being Stargirl/Stargirl� means. Throughout the week, keep a record of what you do and what happens. Then, write an essay in which you 1) briefly describe what you did 2) discuss the effect of your actions on others and yourself and 3) explain your thoughts about the experience. Remember, there will be obstacles to your being �just like Stargirl� (for example, word will probably quickly get around, unless you can somehow �keep it a secret�, that you are just doing an assignment for Mr. K. and didn�t really change who you are, and, people will see a change in you whereas they always knew Stargirl as Stargirl.) You may want to write about these obstacles too. (journal and 3 page essay)
Writing Assignment for Hoot
Choose 1 of the following:
A) Research paper: The endangered species controversy is an important element in the story. In your paper, you should explore the reality of this controversy. You must begin with focus questions to guide your research, such as a) What are the arguments presented for and against protecting endangered species? B) What are some obstacles and or difficulties with regards to protecting endangered species? C) What is the status of some specific endangered species? D) What are the methods of protecting endangered species? Be sure to check out the links on my website under �Writing Help� which have to do with writing a research paper, writing a bibliography, and avoiding plagiarism. (4.5 pages plus bibliography)
B) Hoot presents several different methods of responding to and dealing with injustice. You are to write an essay in which you explain a) what they are b) how they are shown in the book and c) the advantages and disadvantages of each method and how these are shown in the book. You will need to consider specifically Roy, Mullet Fingers, and Beatrice. (4 pages)