Pick one from this list. As you read, annotate or keep track of the person’s life such as education and/or background, challenges or conflicts the person(s) may have faced, and how the person(s) resolved them. As you read, consider what the person(s) learn(s) from his/her experience. Three Cups of Tea Three Cups of Tea tells the story of Greg Mortenson, a mountaineer whose failed ascent of K2 leads him into the tiny village of Korphe, Pakistan. In Korphe, Mortenson is welcomed warmly, and makes the villagers a promise to return to build them a school. Ghost Soldiers In late January 1945, 121 Ranger volunteers set out to attempt a rescue of over 513 Allied prisoners of war in a Japanese camp near the Philippine city of Cabanatuan. The prisoners, survivors of the Bataan Death March, had lived in deplorable conditions for three years, suffering from starvation, tropical diseases, and abuse from Japanese soldiers. Ghost Soldiers recounts the story of the prisoners, the Ranger unit performing the raid, and the Filipino guerrillas who provided assistance. A massacre of American soldiers at Palawan alerted U.S. commanders to the danger of mass POW executions as the Japanese retreated from the Philippines. As a consequence, they planned and executed a mission to rescue the POWs from Cabanatuan prison camp. Ghost Soldiers provides historical background to the events leading to the raid, detailed accounts of camp conditions, the prisoners' heroic will to survive, and the planning and successful execution of the rescue.
Firehouse So writes David Halberstam, one of America's most distinguished reporters and historians, in this stunning New York Times bestselling book about Engine 40, Ladder 35, located on the West Side of Manhattan near Lincoln Center. On the morning of September 11, 2001, two rigs carrying thirteen men set out from this firehouse: twelve of them would never return. Firehouse takes us to the epicenter of the tragedy. Through the kind of intimate portraits that are Halberstam's trademark, we watch the day unfold--the men called to duty while their families wait anxiously for news of them. In addition, we come to understand the culture of the firehouse itself: why gifted men do this; why, in so many instances, they are eager to follow in their fathers' footsteps and serve in so dangerous a profession; and why, more than anything else, it is not just a job, but a calling. Part 5: (To be done in class only): Students will take a formal exam over Anthem. Students will compose an analytical essay on their non-fiction book selection. To prepare for this essay, students should use any style of note-taking and/or annotation methods on their own. Note: This is not a requirement and notes/annotations will not be submitted for a grade. However, it is highly suggested so that students are well-prepared to compose the essay. Reading Response Journal Rubric Quotations/Concrete Details 20 total pts Detailed, meaningful, Appropriate, and thought provoking quote 20 Less detailed but still good; Mostly an appropriate and thought provoking quotation 15 Few good details and/or quote selected, lacks significance 10 Hardly any details; Quote chosen bares little importance to the overall themes/ characters/ plot ___5 Commentary (reflection, interpretation, insight, etc…) 30 total pts Insightful, personal connections, questions; All responses are unique ____30 Some personal connections, questions arise from text, Some responses are repetitive but mostly unique ____20 Few connections, obvious connections or obvious questions, Few response are unique ____10 Few connections, no questions, Responses are repetitive ___5 Format 10 Quote in quotations; Parenthetical citations – author’s last name and page number in parentheses Ex. (Rand, 24) Book Collage Rubric At least 10 Quotes _____10pts At least 10 drawings ______10 pts