A WebQuest on Authors for Ms. Yates' students at Jessie Clark Middle School

 

Introduction	There are so many terrific authors who write books specifically for adolescents.  This webquest is meant to introduce you to some of those authors and their works.  Who knows?  You might even find your new favorite author among them!
Task	After you have chosen the author you will study, you will find one of his/her books that is on your reading level to read.  When you have finished the book, choose one of the two projects below to create for a grade. Author card (like a baseball card) including: A picture of the author Biographical information A booklist of that author's works with the lexile scores A description of the book that you have read A reaction explaining what you like about that author or book >>>>OR<<<< Author Booklet including: A narrative of the author's life A story map of the book you read Design a new cover for the book you read A booklist of the author's works with the lexile scores A picture of the author The specific steps for these are listed below in the Process.
Process	Before you read.... Choose an author from the list your teacher has. Go to The Lexile Framework and follow these directions to get a reading list of your author: In the author box, type in your author's name.  Be sure to put the last name then a comma, a space, and then the first name (i.e., Spinelli, Jerry)  Be sure to spell the name correctly! Then click search. You will then see a list of ten or so books that your author has written.   Write down 6-10 books AND their lexile scores to include in your author's card or booklet that you will be completing later. Find one book from the list that is at your level that you would like to read. Read your chosen book. In the lab.... Decide whether you want to do the Author Card or the Booklet.  Select the appropriate link for directions to lead you through the process. Author Card Process          Booklet Process
Evaluation	CATEGORY 4 3 2 1 Narrative and/or Bio. Info Information is organized in a clear, logical way. All information is logical. Most information is organized in a clear, logical way and/or accurate. One item of information seems out of place or inaccurate. Some information is logically sequenced and/or accurate. An occasional item of information seems out of place or inaccurate. There is no clear plan for the organization of information and/or content is confusing or contains more than one factual error. Story Map or Description Story is clearly and accurately described.  Promotes interest in the story. Story is accurately described, but may not be entirely clear. Description contains one inaccuracy and may be confusing. Description is typically confusing or contains more than one factual error. Booklist Contains 8-10 books that include correct lexiles. Contains 7-8 books that include correct lexiles. Contains 6 books and/or may be missing one lexile. Contains fewer than 6 books or does not include lexiles. Appearance All 5 items are neat and attractive.  Layout is not cluttered. All 5 items are neat.  Layout may be a little distracting Most items are neat with acceptable layout. Items are sloppy or cluttered.
Conclusion	Now are you ready to read more books by this author?  Or have you learned about another author from one of your classmates that you would like to try?  Keep on reading!