Independent Reading Assignment

Timeless Tales – Novels Inspired by Myths and Folklore

Directions: You will need to read a book outside of class that involves or is inspired by mythology or folklore. You may use this novel for your reading log and take an AR test on it for your Reading class. For ELA, you will be writing a “Literary Letter” to me describing the plot of the book, discussing the mythology or folklore involved in the story, and explaining any of the traditional story motifs in the book.

Deadline to read your novel: Monday, April 1 st (You will bring me a print off of your AR test score)

 You will have a note sheet you will need to fill out as you’re reading your book. This note sheet will help you as you are writing your letter. It will also allow you to return your book to the library when you are done if you need to.

Some booklists you may find helpful: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yabc-home/tag/genre/mythology-folklore/ http://www.amazon.com/Books-Based-Myths-Fairy-Tales/lm/R2STLI05DAL44O

**http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/12256.Most_Beloved_YA_Fairytale_Retellings

Some Common Motifs and Archetypes  The Hero  Quests  Tasks  The Helper or sidekick  The “Savior” or “The One”  Epic Battle  Guardians (fairy godmothers, mentors, magical helpers, guides, etc.)  Monsters (dragons, ogres, evil creatures, etc.)  The Messenger, a prophecy  Talking animals / objects  Cleverness / trickster / word games  Fate or Destiny  Triumph of the poor, underdog  Human weakness explored (i.e., curiosity, gluttony, pride, laziness, etc.)  Human strengths glorified (i.e., kindness, generosity, patience, etc.)  Trickster (sometimes a hero, sometimes on the side of evil but humans benefit)  Magic words or phrases; repetition of phrases/words (abracadabra!)  Struggle between good and evil, light and dark  Sleep (extended sleep, death-like trances)  Step relatives, mistreatment or orphaned  Doing what’s right – internal struggle of hero  Keys, passes (opening new doors)  Special talents / powers / gifts

Literary Letter Due Date: Friday, 4/5/13 Literary Letter Rubric

_____/10 points Letter Format o Date o Salutation o Body Paragraphs o Closing

_____/25 points Plot Summary  Includes important details, main characters’ names, and the basic conflict. No spoilers!

_____/25 points Comparison of original mythology or folklore  Explain what mythology or folktale the novel is related to. Describe the similarities and differences of the two stories.

_____/25 points Explanation of traditional story motif  Analyze which traditional story motifs are present in the novel you read. Why did the author use those? How do they make the story better?

_____/15 points Conventions – spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar Independent Reading Notes

Title of Book:______

Author:______Call #:______

Related to:______

Plot Diagram for Book

Original Novel Chapter / Page Important Details / Notes

Main Conflict: Date

Dear Mrs Butler:

Intro paragraph with Book Title and author’s name. Include 5-6 sentence plot summary

Compare and contrast the book to the traditional story that inspired it in this paragraph (5-7 sentences min)

How is the novel adapted to interest modern day audiences? What are parts of the story that are so important that they stayed the same? Are there an creative interpretations of old ideas?

Discuss the common motifs of traditional literature in this paragraph. (5-7 sentences min)

Rule of three? Magic helper? Wise advisor?

Find some and explain how they’re used in the novel.

Closing paragraph (2-3 sentences)

Sincerely,

Your Name