Over the summer, all students entering Grade seven are required to read TWO books: Johnny Tremain, byEsther Forbes, andSo Far From the Bamboo Grove, by Yoko Kawashima Watkins, and in September you will be tested on the books you have read. Besides being tested in September, you will write a letter to your seventh grade teacher and bring it with you on the FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL detailing your thoughts on the book from the list.
I am very much looking forward to your letters which will include a personal response to the books.In your letter include enough detail so I know that you read carefully, but DO NOT write a summary of the plot…I want to know what you thought on a simple, factual level, what the book was about.Describe how you felt (saddened, hopeful, relieved, angry, etc.) while reading, then try to explain why you may have felt the way you did.
REMEMBER , DON’T SUMMARIZE! and remember to set up your letter as a friendly letter :