7th Grade Independent Book Project Directions

Independent Book Project – 7^th Grade

Character Suitcase

Due Tuesday 1/19 (100 points)

** Students have taken notes on their own copy of these directions. Be sure to check out your own notes and hints!

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 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 symbols (like a heart or a cross).   You may create the items yourself, print symbols or pictures, and/or use things from around the house.

3. Type an Explanation
• At the top of the page type your name, period, title of book (underlined), and author.
• In the first paragraph, introduce your character and explain why he/she is going on the trip.  (Example:  In chapter ten, the main character Johnny goes to Bermuda on business, so I am sending him back to Bermuda! After fighting the dark side and saving the universe, he deserves a week on the beach.)
• 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. You can use bullets or numbers.
• Length = 1 pg. or longer, double spaced, 12 pt. font size, default font style