1. Jumpstart: Stories On a blank piece of paper (to be collected), list your three favorite “stories” of all time. Ex. Jurassic Park Harry Potter book series V for Vendetta

2. Next…  Which story had the most dynamic, thrilling character? Write a short description of the character, and why they are so fun to read/watch. (4-5 sentences, lots of details)  Ex. The “terrorist” V is probably the most thrilling character I’ve ever encountered. He is a scarred man whose past was torn away from him when a political party secretly used him (and thousands of others) to create a deadly virus and a cure for it. After unleashing the epidemic on the public, and thousands of deaths, this party comes into complete power, selling the cure and making billions. V is now living in a totalitarian government police-state, and is determined to remind citizens what they gave up when they elected these leaders into power. V is incredibly cunning, and is able to use deceit and disguise to help the average man uncover the government’s lies. His passion for justice and freedom drives the entire country to demand both once again.  Genres: Thriller, Action, Conspiracy

3. And then…  Which of your three stories had the most interesting PLOT? Write a short description explaining why that plot was so captivating, and why it is a favorite of yours. (3-4 sentences)  The best plot of my selected stories would definitely have to be Jurassic Park. In this film, a wealthy man has created a theme park using genetic engineering to create dinosaurs. To get his park approved, he invites a few “experts” to spend a weekend there. Naturally, everything goes wrong, the dinosaurs escape and wreak havoc on the humans. I really enjoy this plotline because the science fiction element makes it more believable to me. I have always been fascinated with dinosaurs, and it was very exciting to see them in action!  Genre: Science Fiction, Action, Mystery

4. Finally…  Out of your stories, which one has the SETTING you would most like to visit or be part of? Explain in detail. ( 3 sentences)  The world of Harry Potter would definitely be the world I want to live in. I love that Harry Potter is set in the real world, but a hidden, magical world within the real world. It makes me feel like it would be possible to go there; in fact, as a twelve-year-old reading this book, I really hoped that I would get my own letter from an owl, telling me I have been chosen to attend Hogwarts. The idea of being able to use magic in a world filled with the fantastic beasts of lore is thrilling to me. I would love to have my own magic wand, and begin swishing and flicking my problems away!  Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

5. Reading this Semester…  Reminder! Find a NOVEL by next FRIDAY!  You will read one novel by the end of October.  We will be reading in class for 20 minutes every Friday.  You WILL read a book. It is SO important that you begin to help yourself with your reading comprehension. I, unfortunately, cannot wave a magic wand and make you a proficient reader. It depends entirely on YOU.  Freshmen: 150 pages