Homework for 12.15.09-12.21.09

Students received a Reading Project today. It is due Tuesday, December 22nd.

Here are the details:
Write a five paragraph letter to an author of one of the realistic fiction books you read. In your letter, you will make a text-to-self connection to the book’s main character.

Paragraph 1 – INTRODUCTION – Write a theme statement that shows you are personally connected to the author. Share your personal response to the book.

Paragraph 2, 3 and 4 – BODY – Identify your personal story and thoughts about the theme of your letter. Be sure to use details and evidence from the text to support your statements.

* Tell about yourself and how you compare with the book’s main character by using details from the book to support your connection.

* Ask the author a question based on the character. Did the author have a similar experience to the main character’s experience(s)? Use details from the book to support your connection.

Paragraph 5 – CONCLUSION – Tell how the book influenced your life.

Sample Letter

475 Riverside Drive, Suite 1270
New York, NY 10115

Langston Hughes
c/o Harcourt, Inc.
6277 Sea Harbor Drive
Orlando, FL 32887


December 23, 2009


Dear Mr. Hughes,

My grandmother lives in Florida, and I do not see her very often. When she comes to visit my family in New York, my parents do not let me spend time with my friends for the entire length of her visit. I used to roll my eyes and think that I would rather be playing football than hanging out with an old lady. After I read your short story “Thank You, M’am, I have a new view on spending time with my grandmother. Roger was a young boy on the wrong path until he met Mrs. Jones. Your story taught me how important it is for young people like me to have a trusting relationship with an older person.

I noticed that Roger’s relationship with Mrs. Jones had a positive impact on his life. When I started reading “Thank You M’am,” I was very surprised that Mrs. Jones does not take Roger to the police. Why would she want to take home someone who just tries to steal from her? This part made me very curious.

When they get to her apartment, she shares her meal and an important lesson with him. She shows him that even though people are poor, they can make good decisions. Mrs. Jones explains how when she was young she wanted things that she could not have. After describing how she works hard at a hotel beauty shop, she gives him money to buy the blue suede shoes that he wants.

Mrs. Jones also reminds him not to steal other people’s money in the future. At this point, I understood the purpose of her actions. She is really a clever woman. When Roger says, “Thank You, M’am” at the end, I realized that he learned his lesson about stealing. Roger is able to make better decisions now because of the advice he got from an older person.

I now realize how lucky I am to have my grandmother around. She is a wise and caring woman with a lot of life experience, and she can teach me important lessons just like Mrs. Jones teaches Roger. Sometimes it is hard for me to talk to my parents or teachers about things that happen in my life, because I think they will get mad at me. Thank you for reminding me that I can learn so much from older people like my grandmother. Did you have older people in your life that influenced you?


Sincerely,