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Book Quilt

 

Can you think of any objects that have special meaning to you? Do they remind you of a person or an important event? Now, think about the book you have just read. Were there any significant objects in the book? In literature, these objects are called symbols. They are symbolic of something important. For this project, you will complete three tasks.

 

A. You’ll make a quilt that shows four symbols from the book.

B. As you read, you will note 4 interesting or descriptive phrases that the author uses.

C. You will complete a book recommendation card.

 

 

A. Quilt Directions

 

Materials

11” x 11” piece of paper (provided by your teacher)

Ruler, Scissors & Glue

Markers, colored pencils, crayons

Wrapping paper or material scraps (optional)

 

Procedure

1. Choose a book from a new genre on the reading wheel and read it.

2. Measure and draw light pencil lines to divide the white paper square into thirds across and lengthwise. This will create nine equal squares for your quilt square.

3. Look through your book to help you remember objects that were important to the story. These objects should represent something significant, like a person or an event. List at least six of them below. Then circle the four you want to include in your quilt. For non-fiction, these may be items significant to the main topic.

4. Write a few sentences explaining why each object is important. What does it symbolize or represent? Proofread and revise these sentences before copying them onto your quilt. You can also use the back for editing and revising.

 

5. Locate the four squares in the corners of the quilt. Draw one object in each square. Leave room in the same square to copy your sentences about the object. It is a good idea to draw and write in pencil first and then trace over it with pen or thin marker.

6. Write the title and author of the book in the center square.

7. Cut the wrapping paper or material into the same size as those on the quilt. Glue a wrapping paper/material square in each of the blank squares. If wrapping paper or fabric is not available, cut squares of colored paper and draw simple patterns or designs on them. Then, glue these in the blank squares.

8. Remember to put your name on the back of your quilt square.

 

 

B. Descriptive Phrases

1. As you read your book, flag phrases the author uses that interest you. These should be phrases or descriptions that are cleverly written, exceptionally descriptive, or catch your eye in some way. Maybe it paints a vivid picture in your mind or describes an ordinary event in an extraordinary way.  These quotes may inspire your writing.

2. On the back of your quilt, write one quote, in quotation marks, in each corner. Be sure to indicate the page number where you found this quote.

 

C. Book Recommendation Card

1. On a 3” x 5” card, include the following information:

 

Title, Author, Genre

Recommended by: (your name)

 

This book was about . . .(Give a brief summary of the plot without giving important details. Similar to what might appear on the back of a book, but in your own words, of course!)

 

I liked/didn’t like this book because . . .(Be specific about your opinion so others will know if this is a book they might be interested in reading.)

I would recommend this book to: (What type of person do you think would enjoy this book?)

 

**Remember to write your recommendation so another student will know by reading it if this is a book they might want to read next. You may use both sides of the card and list multiple genre possibilities if you think they may apply.