All returning students and new students enrolled as of August 1st are to read any one book from The Phelps School Summer Reading List.  Students must choose a book based on their September grade level.  Students are to be prepared to give an oral report on their chosen book during the first week of class.

The report must include the follow six sections:

1. Title and Author
2. Plot Summary – Describe the major conflict in the story.  Who were the protagonist and antagonist in the conflict?  (Was there a problem? Who had the problem? What or who was the problem?)  How was the conflict (problem) resolved?  What did you learn from the conflict’s resolution?  What did the main characters learn from the conflict and its resolution?  What is the Point-of-View (first or third person)? 

3. Character Description – Who was your favorite character in the book?  Describe that character in detail.  How did they look, and what was their personality like?  How well did they get along with other characters, and how did they behave?  Does this character teach us anything?

4. Setting Description – Describe the setting in detail.  Where and when does the story take place?  Describe the mood of the story.  Does the setting change at all?  Does the mood change?  Describe any changes and discuss whether you felt they were important.

5. Theme Discussion – What is the story’s main idea?  Is there more than one main idea?  Is there a moral to the story?  Describe each and its overall importance to the story.

6. Your Opinion – What did you think of this book?  Would you recommend it to other students your age?  Why or why not?

Each of the six required sections -- Title and Author, Plot, Character, Setting, Theme, and Opinion -- must be addressed in your report.  It is recommended that students practice their oral report in front of a parent or someone else before returning to school.  Students must use note cards for their report.