2nd Quarter AIR

(Accountable Independent Reading)

“Deep reading is vigorous exercise from the brain and increases our real-life
capacity for empathy.” -Annie Murphy Paul, “Reading Literature Makes Us Smarter
and Nicer”
For your second AIR book, consider choosing a book recommended by one of your peers. If you enjoyed your first
quarter AIR book, you may consider another book by the same author. Below is a list of books that are popular
amongst your peers. In addition, the following link provides a number of lists that may help you locate books:
http://www.ala.org/yalsa/best.

● Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
● Monster by Walter Dean Myers
● Scorpion by Walter Dean Myers
● Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
● Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
● The Fault in our Stars by John Green
● Looking for Alaska by John Green
● The Summer of Letting Go by Gae Polisner
● Jurassic Park by Michael Chrichton
● Friday Night Lights by H.G. Bissinger

Below are some of the elements students should focus on/consider while reading. (Although it’s not mandatory that
students take notes, it is recommended that they use post-it-notes to prepare for writer’s notebook entries.)

A description of the setting: A book’s setting is one of its most vital components. Some things to consider: How
does the setting of the book compare or contrast to the world you know? Would the characters’ lives be different if
they were living in a different place at a different time? Does the author make you feel like you’re a part of the
setting? Can you picture the book’s setting if you close your eyes?

Plot and character details: Focus on the main events of the story that make it interesting and/or exciting. Also,
focus on the main characters and how they develop throughout the course of the work (their words, actions,
thoughts, appearance, how they interact with others, etc.). Pay particular attention to the conflicts they face that
affect them.

Key passages/quotes: These may be key points in the novel, or simply phrases and sentences that really stand
out for their use of the language and/or the message they convey. Copy them into your notes and comment on their
significance.

A consideration of whether or not the student would recommend this book to others: First consider: What
you think the author’s goal was in writing the book and if she/he succeeded in achieving this goal. You might want
to discuss the effectiveness (or not) of developing a character, revealing a dominant theme, and/or influencing your
response to the work. Were characters interesting and credible? Why? How did the plot hold or not hold your
interest? What made the book an enjoyable or not so enjoyable read?
See reverse side for Writer’s Notebook assignments.
2nd Quarter AIR Reading & Writer’s Notebook Entry Schedule
Reading Journal Entry
Completed
1/4 of the book Entry #12: Setting

Example: Describe the setting of your book and explain its significance. Consider the following: What is the time
100 pgs. of a and place of the setting?
400 pg. book
completed Is the setting INTEGRAL? Does it contribute the conflict in the book or shape the lives of the
characters?
-or-
Is the setting just a BACKDROP? The story could take place anywhere, anytime.

Also consider how the setting compares or contrasts to the setting in which you live.

1/2 of the book Entry #13: Character & Conflict

Conflict drives the story forward. Choose one character (most likely the protagonist) that is tackling a
conflict (difficult situation). Consider the forces (personal, social and/or political) that created the
conflict and explain. Also, consider how the character is choosing to handle the conflict. Do you agree
with the character’s choices and what are the impacts or possible impacts of these choices?
What is your opinion of the character? Explain.

3/4 of the book Entry #14: Significant Scene

Identify a significant scene/passage/quote that stands out either for form or content. If you are
highlighting a scene, summarize it and pull the most important words to quote. If you are highlighting a
long passage, paraphrase it and pull the most important words to quote. Explain the significance. You
may highlight more than one scene/passage/quote. Remember to include page numbers.

Signposts you might NOTE and NOTICE:

 Contrasts and Contradictions
 Aha Moment
 Tough Questions
 Words of the Wiser
 Again and Again
 Memory Moment

Finished Entry #15: Theme & Opinion of the AIR Book

Discuss your opinion of the book and whether or not you would recommend it to a friend. Consider
the following:
1. Articulate a major theme in the book and briefly support it with specific evidence from the
text. Do you think this theme resonates with young adult readers? Why or why not? (Note
whether the theme is explicitly stated or implied.)
2. Were characters interesting, relatable, and/or credible? Why or why not?
3. Did the plot hold or not hold your interest? What made the book an enjoyable or not so
enjoyable read?
*Remember, your opinion should mention specific elements in the novel. “I don’t like the book because
it was sad” is not an analytical statement. If the book seemed gloomy, you might want to discuss the
effectiveness (or not) of that tone or imagery in developing a dominant theme, revealing a
character, and/or influencing your response to the work. *Of course, a couple of quotes would support
your analysis.
2nd Quarter Accountable Independent Reading (AIR)
Student Name: _____________________________ Class Period: ______

To ensure that parents are comfortable with their child’s book selection, we ask that parents give book approval by
signing below. Please choose a book and submit permission slip by ______________________________.

Book Title and Author: ___________________________________________________________

Student Name: _____________________________ Parent Signature: ______________________________

2nd Quarter Accountable Independent Reading (AIR)

Student Name: _____________________________ Class Period: ______

To ensure that parents are comfortable with their child’s book selection, we ask that parents give book approval by
signing below. Please choose a book and submit permission slip by ______________________________.

Book Title and Author: ___________________________________________________________

Student Name: _____________________________ Parent Signature: ______________________________

2nd Quarter Accountable Independent Reading (AIR)

Student Name: _____________________________ Class Period: ______

To ensure that parents are comfortable with their child’s book selection, we ask that parents give book approval by
signing below. Please choose a book and submit permission slip by ______________________________.

Book Title and Author: ___________________________________________________________

Student Name: _____________________________ Parent Signature: ______________________________