Grade 8 Summer Reading Activity
Below is the information you need to complete Great Neck South Middle School's Summer Reading Activity. Please select a book from the Summer Reading List.

As you read, please keep a log in which you will write at least five entries about the protagonist (main character) in the novel.  In this way, you will begin to connect with the character, making his/her life a part of your storehouse of knowledge.  Each of your entries should run 5-7 sentences.  As you read and think about what you are reading, “listen carefully to yourself" and also attempt to describe the effect the book is having on you.  Are you relating to the characters' lives?

Students interested in participating in the 8th grade Self-Select Honors Program must also read The Little Prince and keep a response log for that title, as well.  You may want to focus upon the figurative language used throughout the text, as well as the Little Prince's journey.

You will find a sample at the end of this page, as well as a link to a blank double entry log to guide you in your writing.

Have a wonderful summer and happy reading.

To analyze a character, a reader must think of many factors. These include:

1. Appearance: What does the character look like? What kinds of clothing does the character wear? What do these aspects of appearance reveal about the character?
2. Personality: Does the character tend to be emotional or rational? Shy or outgoing? Skillful or clumsy? Happy or depressed? Caring or cold? Honest or dishonest? A leader or a follower?
3. Background: Where did the character grow up? What experiences has he or she had? Is the character experienced or naïve? What is the character’s social status? How has the character been educated? What does the character do for a living? What are the character’s hobbies or skills?
4. Motivation: What makes the character act as she or he does? What does the character like or dislike? What are the character’s wishes, goals, desires, dreams and needs?
5. Relationships: How is the character related to other characters in the narrative? How does he or she interact with these characters? What happens as a result of these interactions?
6. Conflict: Is the character involved in an internal or an external conflict?
7. Change: How does the character change during the course of the narrative? Does he or she learn or grow? Is the character static (unchanging) or dynamic (changing)?

Below is a sample double entry log from the book Petey by Ben Mikaelsen:

Click here for a printable double entry log

Book Entry		Journal Entry (5-7 sentences)
Calvin's visit lowered Petey gently into melancholy.  His summer, so filled with new experiences, had been the most enjoyable of his entire life.  Events brought his life full circle, satisfying his need to touch the past.  (page 256)		Petey was happy to see Calvin, but then became sad that Calvin had to leave.  They were able to restart their friendship and share memories of time they had spent together in the past.  In addition, Petey and Trevor's friendship was enriched by their experiences with Calvin.  Petey's personality was amazing -- he got knocked down by many different challenges, but he always tried to be optimistic about the future. After years of being thought of as mentally challenged, Petey had come "full circle" and was able to enjoy his friends' company.  But Trevor was still worried about getting him a new wheelchair.

Great Neck Middle School's Summer Reading Activity