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 full 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 8 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 8 are completed as written essays and creative writing assignments. Students write essays that extend beyond five paragraphs.

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Book 71: Ben-Hur by Lew Wallace

​📕Recommended print edition: Available on Amazon

 

Essay prompt: In Ben-Hur, Lew Wallace tells the story of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince who faces many challenges and adventures in ancient Rome. Choose a significant event in the story that changes Ben-Hur's life. How does this event shape his character and influence his journey? Use examples from the text to support your ideas.

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Creative writing prompt: Imagine you are Judah Ben-Hur during a pivotal moment in the story, such as the chariot race or his encounter with Jesus. Write a letter to a close friend or family member reflecting on your thoughts and emotions during this moment. Describe the intensity of the experience, your hopes and fears, and how it influences your perspective on life, honor, and faith. Use descriptive language to convey your feelings and the significance of this moment in your journey.

 

 

Book 72: In the Days of Queen Elizabeth by Eva March Tappan

📕Recommended print edition: Living Book Press | Illustrated Edition

 

Essay prompt: In the Days of Queen Elizabeth, Eva March Tappan explores the life and times during Queen Elizabeth I's reign. Choose a specific event or person from the book that you found interesting. How does this event or person reflect the culture and challenges of that time period? Use examples from the text to support your ideas.

 

Creative writing prompt: Imagine you are a young person living in England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Write a letter to a friend describing your daily life. Include details about what you see around you, the people you meet, and the events happening in your town or city. Reflect on your thoughts about Queen Elizabeth's rule, any important events you've heard about, and how they affect you and your family. Use descriptive language to bring the time period to life.

 

 

Book 73: The Land of Little Rain by Mary Austin

📕Recommended print edition: Living Book Press | Illustrated Edition

 

Essay prompt: In The Land of Little Rain, Mary Austin describes the landscapes and people of the American Southwest. Choose a chapter or story from the book that you like and explain how Austin describes the environment. What details help you picture the area? Why do you think these details are important? Use examples from the text to support your ideas.

 

Creative writing prompt: Imagine you are a tour guide leading visitors through the beautiful places described in The Land of Little Rain. Write a script for your tour, pointing out interesting features like plants, animals, and rocks. Describe what visitors will see and hear, and share a fun story or fact about the area. Use colorful language to make the tour exciting and help your audience connect with the beauty of the Southwest.

 

 

Book 74: Walden by Henry David Thoreau

📕Recommended print edition: Available on Amazon | Penguin Classics

 

Essay prompt: In Walden, Henry David Thoreau reflects on his experiences living simply in nature. Choose a specific chapter or idea from the book and discuss how Thoreau describes the importance of nature in his life. What lessons does he learn during his time at Walden Pond, and how do these lessons apply to our lives today? Use examples from the text to support your ideas.

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Creative writing prompt: Imagine you are Henry David Thoreau, living alone by Walden Pond. Write a journal entry describing a day in your life. Include details about your surroundings, the animals and plants you encounter, and your thoughts on solitude and simplicity. Reflect on what you learn from nature and how it influences your perspective on life. Use vivid descriptions to convey the beauty and tranquility of your environment.

 

 

Book 75: Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne

📕Recommended print edition: Available on Amazon | Dover Thrift 

 

Essay prompt: In Journey to the Center of the Earth, Jules Verne takes readers on an incredible adventure filled with scientific discovery and danger. Choose a specific moment from the story that showcases the excitement of exploration. How does this moment reveal the characters' motivations and their relationship with nature? Use examples from the text to support your ideas.

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Creative writing prompt: Imagine you are a member of Professor Lidenbrock's expedition to the center of the Earth. Write a diary entry describing one day of your journey. Include details about what you see, the challenges you face, and your thoughts on the mysterious world beneath the surface. Describe the strange creatures, landscapes, and discoveries you encounter, and reflect on how this adventure changes your understanding of the Earth and its wonders. Use vivid descriptions to bring your experiences to life.

 

 

Book 76: The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins

📕Recommended print edition: Available on Amazon

 

Essay prompt: In The Moonstone, Wilkie Collins tells a captivating story about a stolen diamond and the mystery surrounding it. Choose a character from the book, such as Franklin Blake, Rachel Verinder, or Sergeant Cuff, and discuss their role in solving the mystery. What are their motivations, and how do they contribute to the unfolding of the plot? Use examples from the text to support your ideas.

 

Creative writing prompt: Imagine you are a detective investigating the theft of the Moonstone. Write a report detailing your findings after interviewing several suspects. Include descriptions of the suspects, their alibis, and any clues you discover. Reflect on your thought process as you try to piece together the mystery and decide who you believe is guilty. Use engaging language to capture the tension and excitement of your investigation.

 

 

Book 77: To Have and To Hold by Mary Johnston

📕Recommended print edition: Available on Amazon

 

Essay prompt: In To Have and To Hold, Mary Johnston explores themes of love, loyalty, and adventure during the early days of the American colonies. Choose a key moment in the story that highlights these themes. How do the characters' decisions during this moment reflect their values and relationships? Use examples from the text to support your ideas.

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Creative writing prompt: Imagine you are one of the characters in To Have and To Hold, living in the early American colonies. Write a letter to a friend describing a significant event in your life, such as a battle, a wedding, or a moment of conflict. Include details about your feelings, the challenges you face, and your hopes for the future. Use vivid descriptions to bring your experiences to life and express the emotions involved in this important moment!

 

 

Book 78: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

📕Recommended print edition: Available on Amazon | Penguin Classics

 

Essay prompt: In The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde explores themes of beauty, morality, and the consequences of a life dedicated to hedonism. Choose a key scene in the book that illustrates Dorian's transformation. How does this scene reflect the central themes of the story? Use examples from the text to support your ideas.

 

Creative writing prompt: Imagine you are Dorian Gray, and you have just seen the changes in your portrait. Write a diary entry reflecting on your feelings about your appearance, your lifestyle, and the choices you’ve made. Consider the contrast between your outward beauty and the changes in your painting. What are your thoughts on morality and the pursuit of pleasure? Use expressive language to convey your inner conflict and emotions as you grapple with the consequences of your actions.

 

 

Book 79: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

📕Recommended print edition: Living Book Press | Illustrated Edition

 

Essay prompt: In Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Robert Louis Stevenson explores the duality of human nature through the characters of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Choose a specific event in the story that highlights the conflict between these two identities. How does this event reveal the struggle between good and evil within Jekyll? Use examples from the text to support your ideas.

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Creative writing prompt: Imagine you are Dr. Jekyll, writing a letter to a close friend about your experiments and the transformations into Mr. Hyde. Describe your thoughts and feelings about the changes you experience and your struggle to control them. Reflect on the moral implications of your actions and what it means for your identity. Use vivid descriptions to express the tension between your two selves and the impact of your experiments on your life and relationships.

 

 

Book 80: Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

📕Recommended print edition: Available on Amazon | Dover Thrift

 

Essay prompt: In Great Expectations, Charles Dickens tells the story of Pip and his journey from a humble upbringing to becoming a gentleman. Choose a pivotal moment in the story that significantly impacts Pip’s character development. How does this moment shape his understanding of wealth, friendship, and personal values? Use examples from the text to support your ideas.

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Creative writing prompt: Imagine a key event in Great Expectations changed. For example, what if Pip never received his "great expectations," or if he chose to stay loyal to Joe instead of pursuing wealth? Write an alternate ending or a new chapter that explores how Pip’s life and relationships would be different as a result. Consider the impact on his character, his friendships, and his view of what it means to be successful. Use descriptive language to illustrate the new path Pip takes and how it affects those around him.