V. Independent Reading Book (IRB)

Question

All students should get in the habit of practicing good reading habits. As a result, you need to select a Nonfiction IRB that is on your grade or Lexile level. You should be reading at least 25 minutes each afternoon to help improve comprehension, reading fluency, and build vocabulary. Answer the following questions about your IRB.
Title of Book: ______________________________________________________
Author: ___________________________________________________________
Book Summary: ______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Central Idea, so far: ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Main Character(s): _____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Setting: ______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

Answer 1

Independent Reading Book (IRB)

Title of Book: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Author: Rebecca Skloot

Book Summary:
"The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cancer cells were taken without her knowledge in 1951. These cells, known as HeLa cells, became one of the most important tools in medicine. They were the first human cells successfully cloned and have contributed to numerous medical breakthroughs, including the development of the polio vaccine, cancer treatments, and even in vitro fertilization. The book explores not only Henrietta's life but also the ethical implications of her story, touching on issues of race, medical ethics, and the intersections of science and humanity.

Central Idea, so far:
The central idea of the book revolves around the impact of Henrietta Lacks' cells on science and medicine, while also addressing the ethical dilemmas of medical research that exploits marginalized individuals without consent.

Main Character(s):

• Henrietta Lacks: The main subject of the story, whose cells were used for research without her knowledge.
• Rebecca Skloot: The author who narrates the story and investigates Henrietta's life and the subsequent impact of her cells.
• Deborah Lacks: Henrietta's daughter, who plays a crucial role in the narrative as she seeks to understand her mother's legacy.

Setting:
The story is primarily set in the mid-20th century, focusing on the experiences of Henrietta Lacks in Baltimore, Maryland, where she received treatment for her cervical cancer at Johns Hopkins Hospital. The narrative also shifts to present-day settings, exploring the implications of her cells and their impact on science and society.