LEVEL 10 GUIDE

After each reading students will complete a formative assessment. They will complete dictation after each reading. Dictation is when they write passages as they are being read aloud to them. This helps them memorize spelling and sentence structure. They choose a three-paragraph passage, read it, and then write it as it’s read aloud to them. Afterward, they compare their work to the original and make corrections. After writing the passage, have them read it out loud. Written narrations continue with full sentences, correct capitalization, and punctuation. Finally, they will select 10 vocabulary words from each reading. Have them write down the vocabulary word, look up and write down the definition, and then use the word to write a sentence (either from the book or a sentence they make up).

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At the end of the book students will complete a summative assessment. Summative assessments for level 10 are completed as written essays and creative writing assignments. Students write essays that extend beyond five paragraphs. In addition to essays and creative writing, students will write their first research papers. They’ll research a topic, outline their main points, and structure papers with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Encourage them to find reliable sources and cite them. Afterward, they’ll edit for clarity.

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Book 91: My First Summer in the Sierra by John Muir

​📕Recommended print edition: Living Book Press | Illustrated Edition

Essay prompt: In My First Summer in the Sierra, John Muir describes his experiences in the Sierra Nevada mountains, focusing on the beauty of nature and its impact on the human spirit. Choose a specific passage or event that highlights Muir's connection to nature. How does his writing reflect his views on the importance of preserving the wilderness? Use examples from the text to support your ideas.

Creative writing prompt: Imagine you are John Muir, reflecting on your first summer in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Write a journal entry describing a memorable day spent in the wilderness. Detail the sights, sounds, and feelings you experience as you explore the natural surroundings. Reflect on how this experience deepens your appreciation for nature and your desire to protect it. Use vivid imagery and descriptive language to immerse the reader in the beauty of the landscape and your emotions.

Research paper prompt: The role of John Muir in the establishment of national parks in the United States.

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Book 92: Travels in Alaska by John Muir

📕Recommended print edition: Available on Amazon

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Essay prompt: In Travels in Alaska, John Muir shares his observations and experiences as he explores the natural beauty of Alaska. Choose a specific chapter or event that captures Muir's relationship with the landscape. How does Muir’s writing convey his admiration for the wilderness, and what insights does he offer about the environment? Use examples from the text to support your ideas.

Creative writing prompt: Imagine you are John Muir, documenting your adventures in Alaska. Write a journal entry describing a particularly awe-inspiring moment during your travels, such as witnessing a glacier, encountering wildlife, or meeting local people. Detail your thoughts and feelings as you experience the beauty of Alaska, and reflect on how this journey influences your understanding of nature. Use rich, descriptive language to bring your surroundings to life and convey your deep connection to the wilderness.

Research paper prompt: The influence of indigenous cultures on Muir's understanding of nature and conservation.

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Book 93: Narrative of Sojourner Truth by Sojourner Truth

📕Recommended print edition: Available on Amazon | Penguin Classics

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Essay prompt: In Narrative of Sojourner Truth, Sojourner Truth shares her life story, emphasizing her experiences as an enslaved woman and her journey toward freedom. Choose a specific moment in her narrative that illustrates her resilience and strength. How does this moment reflect the broader themes of justice, equality, and empowerment? Use examples from the text to support your ideas.

Creative writing prompt: Imagine you are curating a museum exhibit to educate people about Sojourner Truth. Create a presentation that highlights her life, struggles, and victories.

Research paper prompt: The significance of Sojourner Truth’s speech “Ain’t I a Woman?” in the context of both the abolitionist and women’s rights movements.

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Book 94: Moby-Dick by Herman Melville

📕Recommended print edition: Available on Amazon | Penguin Classics

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Essay prompt: In Moby-Dick, Herman Melville explores complex themes such as obsession, revenge, and the struggle between man and nature. Choose a specific character or event that embodies these themes. How does this character's journey or this event reflect the broader conflicts within the novel? Use examples from the text to support your ideas.

Creative writing prompt: Imagine you are Ishmael, writing a letter to a friend about your experiences aboard the Pequod. Describe a significant event or encounter with Captain Ahab and the crew, focusing on the atmosphere, emotions, and relationships among the crew members. Reflect on your thoughts about the mission to hunt Moby Dick and your feelings about the captain's obsession. Use vivid descriptions to convey the tension and excitement of life at sea.

Research paper prompt: The impact of 19th-century whaling practices on the themes of the novel and Melville's portrayal of the industry.

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Book 95: American Indian Stories by Zitkala-Sa

📕Recommended print edition: Available on Amazon | Penguin Classics

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Essay prompt: In American Indian Stories, Zitkala-Sa shares personal narratives that highlight the experiences and challenges faced by Native Americans. Choose a specific story or theme from the collection that illustrates the cultural identity and struggles of Native Americans. How does Zitkala-Sa’s writing reflect her perspective on these issues? Use examples from the text to support your ideas.

Creative writing prompt: Imagine you are curating a museum exhibit based on American Indian Stories by Zitkala-Sa. Create a presentation that highlights key themes, stories, and cultural elements from her work.

Research paper prompt: The impact of assimilation policies on Native American communities, as reflected in Zitkala-Sa’s writings.

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Book 96: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

📕Recommended print edition: Available on Amazon | Penguin Classics

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Essay prompt: In The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain addresses themes of friendship, freedom, and moral growth. Choose a specific event in the novel that demonstrates Huck's development as a character. How does this event challenge his views on society and morality? Use examples from the text to support your ideas.

Creative writing prompt: Imagine you are a journalist reporting on a major event from The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Write a newspaper article covering a significant incident in the story.

Research paper prompt: The significance of the Mississippi River in American history.

Book 97: The Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie by Andrew Carnegie

📕Recommended print edition: Available on Amazon | Dover Thrift

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Essay prompt: In The Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie, the author reflects on his life, business practices, and beliefs about wealth and philanthropy. Choose a specific event or philosophy from Carnegie's life that illustrates his views on success and responsibility. How does Carnegie's perspective on wealth differ from other contemporary views? Use examples from the text to support your ideas.

Creative writing prompt: Imagine you are a journalist covering a major event from Andrew Carnegie's life, such as the expansion of his steel empire, his philanthropic efforts, or the Homestead Strike. Write a newspaper article that captures the essence of this event.

Research paper prompt: A comparison of Carnegie’s business strategies to those of other industrialists of his time, such as John D. Rockefeller or J.P. Morgan.

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Book 98: The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane

📕Recommended print edition: Available on Amazon | Oxford Classics

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Essay prompt: In The Red Badge of Courage, Stephen Crane explores the theme of courage and the psychological struggles of a young soldier, Henry Fleming, during the Civil War. Choose a specific moment in the story that highlights Henry's internal conflict about bravery and fear. How does this moment contribute to his development as a character? Use examples from the text to support your ideas.

Creative writing prompt: Imagine you are Henry Fleming, the protagonist of The Red Badge of Courage. Write a diary entry from his perspective after a significant battle. In your entry, reflect on his feelings about courage, fear, and the realities of war.

Research paper prompt: The psychological effects of war on soldiers.

Book 99: The Jungle by Upton Sinclair

📕Recommended print edition: Available on Amazon | Dover Thrift

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Essay prompt: In The Jungle, Upton Sinclair exposes the harsh realities of the meatpacking industry and the struggles of immigrant workers in early 20th-century America. Choose a specific scene that illustrates the challenges faced by the main character, Jurgis Rudkus, or another immigrant. How does this scene reflect the broader themes of exploitation and the American Dream? Use examples from the text to support your ideas.

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Creative writing prompt: Imagine you are Jurgis Rudkus, the protagonist of The Jungle. Write a letter to a local politician expressing your frustrations and hopes regarding the working conditions in the meatpacking industry.

Research paper prompt: The theme of the American Dream in The Jungle and how it contrasts with the reality faced by immigrant workers.

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Book 100: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

📕Recommended print edition: Available on Amazon

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Essay prompt: In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream through the lives of its characters, particularly Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan. Choose a specific scene or character interaction that highlights the complexities of Gatsby's pursuit of love and the idealized version of the American Dream. How does this moment reveal the underlying social issues of the 1920s? Use examples from the text to support your ideas.

Creative writing prompt: Imagine you are a reporter covering the extravagant parties at Jay Gatsby's mansion in West Egg. Write a newspaper article detailing one of Gatsby's famous parties, focusing on the atmosphere, the guests, and the rumors surrounding Gatsby himself.

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Research paper prompt: A comparison of the settings in The Great Gatsby (West Egg, East Egg, and New York City) and what they reveal about class and social status during the 1920s.

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