9th Grade: 1​st​ Quarter Accountable Independent Reading (AIR) 

 
Below are some of the elements students should focus on/consider while reading. (Although it’s not mandatory that students
take notes, it is recommended that they use post-it-notes to prepare for writer’s notebook entries.)
 
A description of the setting: ​A book’s setting is one of its most vital
components. Some things to consider: How does the setting of the book
compare or contrast to the world you know? Would the characters’ lives
be different if they were living in a different place at a different time?
Does the author make you feel like you’re a part of the setting? Can you
picture the book’s setting if you close your eyes?

Plot and character details: ​Focus on the main events of the story that
make it interesting and/or exciting. Also, focus on the main characters
and how they develop throughout the course of the work (their words,
actions, thoughts, appearance, how they interact with others, etc.). Pay
particular attention to the ​conflicts​ they face that affect them.

Key passages/quotes: ​These may be key points in the novel, or simply phrases and sentences that really stand out for
their use of the language and/or the message they convey. Copy them into your notes and comment on their significance.

A consideration of whether or not the student would recommend this book to others: ​First consider:​ ​What you think
the author’s goal was in writing the book and if she/he succeeded in achieving this goal. You might want to discuss the
effectiveness (or not) of developing a character, revealing a dominant theme, and/or influencing your response to the work.
Were characters interesting and credible? Why? How did the plot hold or not hold your interest? What made the book an
enjoyable or not so enjoyable read?

See reverse side for Writer’s Notebook assignments. Due dates TBD.
 1​st​ Quarter AIR Reading & Writer’s Notebook Entry Schedule 
 
Reading  Journal Entry 
Completed 
1/4 of the book Entry #3: Setting 
 
Example: Describe the​ setting​ of your book and explain its significance. Consider the following: What is the time and
100 pgs. of a place of the setting?
400 pg. book
completed Is the setting ​INTEGRAL​ (important)? Does it contribute the conflict in the book or shape the lives of the
characters?
-or-
Is the setting just a ​BACKDROP​? - The story could take place anywhere, anytime.

Also consider: How does it compare or contrast to the setting in which you live?

1/2 of the book Entry #4: Character 

Choose one ​character ​that had to tackle a ​conflict​ (difficult situation). Consider the forces (personal, social
and/or political) that created the situation and explain. Also, consider how the character chose to handle the
situation. Do you agree with the character’s choices and what was the impact of these choices?
-OR- 
Choose one character in your book that you strongly like or dislike. Explain what the character did (or did
not do) to cause you to feel this way.

3/4 of the book Entry #5: Significant Scene 

Identify a ​significant scene/passage/quote​ that stands out either for form or content. If you are
highlighting a scene, summarize it and pull the most important words to quote. If you are highlighting a long
passage, paraphrase it and pull the most important words to quote. Explain the significance. You may
highlight more than one scene/passage/quote. Remember to include page numbers. 
 
Signposts you might NOTE and NOTICE​:
● Contrasts and Contradictions
● Aha Moment
● Tough Questions
● Words of the Wiser
● Again and Again
● Memory Moment

Finished Entry #6: Opinion of the AIR Book 

 
Discuss your ​opinion ​of the book and ​whether or not​ you would​ recommend​ it to a friend​. ​Consider the
following:  
1. Articulate a major ​theme ​in the book and briefly ​support​ it with specific ​evidence from the tex​t.
Do you think this theme resonates with young adult readers? Why or why not?
2. Were ​characters​ interesting, relatable, and/or credible? Why or why not?  
3. Did the ​plot​ hold or not hold your interest? What made the book an enjoyable or not so enjoyable
read?
*Remember, your opinion should mention specific elements in the novel. “I don’t like the book because it
was sad” is not an analytical statement. If the book seemed gloomy, you might want to discuss the
effectiveness (or not) of that ​tone​ or ​imagery​ in developing a ​dominant theme​, ​revealing a character​,
and/or influencing your response to the work. *Of course, a couple of quotes would support your analysis.