The students critique their books and file them by genre. The notebook then serves as a resource for students from which to choose books. Students put more effort into evaluations when they know they will be read by their peers. They don't have to take my word. They defer to the recommendations of their peers.
Students add to the notebook each year, making it comprehensive.
At various times students use a reader's log to predict what will happen. They record the reasons they believe their educated guess is correct. Have students keep a vocabulary list from the novel. Assign partners to act words out for the group. They should use the accents and mannerisms of the characters.