7th Grade Independent Book Project Directions and Due Date

Independent Book Project – 7^th Grade

Character Suitcase

Due: Thursday 2/12 (100 points)

Please Note… Book Projects are a HARD DEADLINE.  They are not accepted late for any reason other than an absence on the due date.  Students may NOT turn in a book project for late or partial credit.  After school or after class is considered late.  Projects are due IN CLASS on the due date.

Project Summary:  Create, decorate, and pack a suitcase for a main character in your book.  Decide on a destination your character would like to visit based on an actual event in the book.  The items in the suitcase need to represent the traits of a main character’s personality.

Project Objective:  character analysis

Project Requirements:

1. Create Suitcase (use a shoebox, small box, etc.)
• Cover a box with construction paper if needed
• Decorate the outside of the box with at least 3 pictures, symbols, bumper stickers, etc, that represent events/experiences the character had in the story
• Create a luggage tag with the character’s name and destination
• Include your first and last name, class period, title of book, and author somewhere on the outside of the box.  Underline the book title and properly capitalize the proper nouns (names, titles).

2. Pack the Suitcase
• Include 10 items that represent your character’s personality.  These items may be tangible (like a book) or abstract (like courage or love).  Create symbols to represent the abstract items.  You may create the items yourself and/or use things from around the house. 

3. Type an Explanation
• In the first paragraph, introduce your character and explain why he/she is going on the trip.  (Example:  Johnny is going to Bermuda for some well deserved rest and relaxation.  After fighting the dark side and saving the universe, he deserves a week on the beach. Also, in chapter ten, he heads to Bermuda on business.)
• Explain why your character is bringing each item.  What does each item say about your character? (Example:  Johnny will be packing courage because when he fights the evil villain at the end of chapter 7, it takes a lot of courage and bravery. Courage is represented by the toy lion in his suitcase).  Do this for all ten items.
• At the top of the page type your name, period, title of book, and author.
• Length = 1 pg. or longer, double spaced, 12 pt. font size, Times New Roman font style

CHARACTER SUITCASE - Point Sheet

Name of Student __________________________ Score ____/100  Letter  Grade ____

Luggage Tag

·        Character Name __/2

·        Destination __/2

Outside of Suitcase

·        Memorabilia __/15

·        Student Name __/2

·        Class Period __/2

·        Book Title (underlined/caps) __/2

·        Author (caps) __/2

Inside Suitcase

·        10 items that represent character’s personality (points also reflect effort and creativity) __/20

Typed Paper

·        Student Name __/2

·        Class Period __/2

·        Author (caps) __/2

·        Book Title (underlined/caps) __/2

·        12 point font size / Times New Roman font style __/2

·        Double spaced __/2

·        First paragraph introduces the character and explains where he/she will be going and WHY he/she will be going there. ___/11

·         Following paragraphs describe each item the character has packed and HOW each item relates to the character’s personality traits based on evidence from the book. ___/30