W EBQUEST ON AUTHORS I NTRODUCTION F OR : M S. S TINSON ’ S R EADING C LASS There is such a variety of terrific authors who write books specifically targeted to the interests of adolescents. This webquest is meant to introduce you to various authors and familiarize you with their works. Who knows? You might even find your new favorite author among them!

TASK After you have chosen the author you will study, you will find one of his/her books that is on a 7 th grade reading level. When you have finished the book, choose one of the two projects below to create for a grade. 1. Author card (like a baseball card) including: A picture of the author Biographical information A booklist of that author's works A description of the book that you have read A reaction explaining what you like about that author or book >>>>OR<<<< 2. Author Booklet including: A narrative of the author's life A story map of the book you read Design a new cover for the book you read A booklist of the author's works A picture of the author The specific steps for these are listed below in the Process.

R ESOURCES : L IST OF A UTHORS Katherine Paterson Gary Paulsen Richard Peck Carolyn Reeder Cynthia Rylant Louis Sachar Jon Scieszka Jerry Spinelli Mildred Taylor Cynthia Voigt Elizabeth Winthrop Avi Eve Bunting Jane Leslie Conly Caroline Cooney Roald Dahl Lois Duncan Virginia Hamilton Lois Lowry Patricia MacLachlan Walter Dean Myers Phyllis Reynolds Naylor Using the The Lexile Framework choose an author from the following:The Lexile Framework

P ROCESS Before you read.... Choose an author from the list your teacher has. Go to The Lexile Framework and follow these directions to get a reading list of your author:The Lexile Framework In the author box, type in your author's name. Be sure to put the last name then a comma, a space, and then the first name (i.e., Spinelli, Jerry) Be sure to spell the name correctly! Then click search. You will then see a list of ten or so books that your author has written. Write down 6-10 books AND their Lexile scores to include in your author's card or booklet that you will be completing later. Find one book from the list that is at your level that you would like to read. Read your chosen book. In the Computer lab.... Decide whether you want to do the Author Card or the Booklet. Select the appropriate link for directions to lead you through the process.

E VALUATION : R UBRIC 1-4 Narrative and/or Bio. Info: SCORE : 4. Information is organized in a clear, logical way. All information is logical. 3. Most information is organized in a clear, logical way and/or accurate. One item of information seems out of place or inaccurate. 2. Some information is logically sequenced and/or accurate. An occasional item of information seems out of place or inaccurate. 1. There is no clear plan for the organization of information and/or content is confusing or contains more than one factual error. Story Map or Description SCORE: 4. Story is clearly and accurately described. Promotes interest in the story. 3. Story is accurately described, but may not be entirely clear. 2. Description contains one inaccuracy and may be confusing. 1. Description is typically confusing or contains more than one factual error. Booklist: SCORE: 4. Contains 8-10 books that include correct lexiles. 3. Contains 7-8 books that include correct lexiles. 2. Contains 6 books and/or may be missing one lexile. 1. Contains fewer than 6 books or does not include lexiles. Appearance: SCORE: 4. All 5 items are neat and attractive. Layout is not cluttered. 3. All 5 items are neat. Layout may be a little distracting 2. Most items are neat with acceptable layout. 1. Items are sloppy or cluttered. FINAL SCORE: