Introduction

Learning Target: I can summarize, evaluate, and critique a nonfiction book that I read.

Book reviews provide information and detailed assessments of the content, as well as the techniques and craft the author used to create the content.

Before you begin reading your book, make sure to get it approved by your teacher by completing the quick check at the beginning of unit 8.

.
One-Pager

A one pager is a single-page response to an assigned reading or topic. It is designed to show your understanding and appreciation of the text, as well as your understanding of it. It should be creative and imaginative, as it connects the verbal to the visual and connects your thoughts to the text.

Requirements:

Must completely cover one Google slide or one standard sized (8 ½ x 11) sheet of unlined paper (any color).
Use color (fonts, pens, or markers), unless black and white is the absolute BEST design choice for the book.
Ensure everything is in your own words or you will need to complete a new assignment.
Work is free of spelling and grammatical errors.
Arrange the following required elements on the page in any way you choose (ALL components are required for full points).

This paragraph is worth 25 points total. When it is complete, turn it into the dropbox in Unit 8, Lesson 9. If your project is done on a google slide, you must attach a downloaded Powerpoint or pdf to the dropbox. If it is hand-written, you must take pictures of the one-pager and upload them into the dropbox, making sure all of your work is large enough to be seen. You may need to take multiple screenshots of small sections of your work.

Required Elements
Title, Author, Teacher, Border
List the title and author of your book, followed by “read by” and your name. Then, put the teacher’s name. Choose an important quote from the reading and write it around the border of the paper (repeat on all four sides).
Important Quotes
Include two quotes from the reading that are important. Include the page number where each quote is found in MLA STYLE (author’s last name, page number in parenthesis at the end of the quote).
Vocabulary
Include two vocabulary words with definitions (and optional illustrations). Choose words from the reading that were unfamiliar to you AND/OR that are important in the reading in some way. Include the page number where each word is found.
Question
Answer the question, “What is the most significant idea or point from this reading?” Explain your answer in a paragraph, with pictures or symbols, or a combination of both.
Visuals
Add at least three drawings or images that relate to the reading. Do not simply copy a picture from clip art or cut out a picture from a magazine and end there; combine the picture or clip art in an original way with other images or words to make it your own and relate it to the reading.
Playlist
Create a playlist of four songs that represent the reading. The songs could represent a character/figure, setting, theme or main idea, conflicts, an important event, etc. For each song list the following: song title, artist, and a one sentence explanation of how/why the song represents the reading.
Layout & Design
Use graphics, borders, and backgrounds that reflect originality in their arrangement, display, and creation. Leave little to no white space, and make sure each element of the project is easy to identify.

1 answer

One-Pager Guide for Nonfiction Book Review

Creating a one-pager for your nonfiction book is a creative way to synthesize and present the main ideas and important elements of your reading. Below, I've outlined how to effectively incorporate the required elements into your one-pager.

1. Title, Author, Teacher, Border

  • Format: At the top of your one-pager, clearly list the following:
    • Title: Centered and bold at the top.
    • Author: Just below the title.
    • "Read by": Your full name beneath the author.
    • Teacher: Include your teacher's name below your name.
  • Border: Use a creative border where you will write an important quote from the text. It can be a significant theme or message that resonates with the overall concepts of the book. Repeat this quote on all four sides for emphasis.

2. Important Quotes

  • Selection: Choose two meaningful quotes from the text that illustrate key ideas or themes. They should be relevant to your overall summary and evaluation.
  • Citation: Format each quote in MLA style by including the author’s last name and page number in parentheses after each quote, for example: “Quote” (Smith, 23).

3. Vocabulary

  • Word Selection: Identify two vocabulary words that you found unfamiliar or that played an important role in the reading.
  • Definitions: Provide clear definitions and, if possible, include small illustrations that depict the meaning of each word.
  • Page Numbers: Mention the page numbers where these words are found.

4. Question

  • Significant Idea: Answer the question: “What is the most significant idea or point from this reading?”
  • Explanation: Write a paragraph (5-7 sentences) explaining your reasoning. You can enhance this section with relevant images or symbols that visually depict your answer.

5. Visuals

  • Images/Drawings: Incorporate at least three original visuals that connect to the book's themes or topics. Instead of using generic clip art, aim to create a blend of images, symbols, and words to reflect your interpretation of the reading.

6. Playlist

  • Song Choices: Curate a playlist of four songs that encapsulate themes or feelings from your reading.
    • Details: For each song, provide the title, artist, and a brief explanation of how it relates to the book. For example:
      • Song Title: “Fight Song”
      • Artist: Rachel Platten
      • Explanation: This song represents the resilience and determination depicted in the author’s journey.

7. Layout & Design

  • Creativity: Use various colors, fonts, and graphic elements to create an engaging and visually appealing one-pager.
  • Organization: Ensure that each component is distinctly placed and easily identifiable. Aim to fill in the space effectively, leaving little to no white space without making it feel cluttered.

Final Steps

  • Once you've completed your one-pager, proofread for spelling and grammatical errors.
  • If using Google Slides, save your document as a PDF or PowerPoint before submitting it. If handwritten, ensure your images are clear and legible before uploading.

By following these guidelines, you will create a comprehensive and original representation of the nonfiction book you read, showcasing your understanding and critical engagement with the text. Good luck, and enjoy your creative process!