This class is designed to increase the student's joy of reading and writing by developing critical reading and writing skills. The student and teacher will pick a book together. Each class we will explore the richness of the book through:
- in-depth discussion on themes
- pondering character development
- analyzing plot development 
- enjoying figurative language  
- making connections 
The student and the teacher will develop confidence in critical writing through:
- brainstorming writing ideas
- writing responses
- outlining essays
- writing strong sentences
- building clear, colorful paragraphs
- creating beautiful essays

Class 1: Introduction, project decision.
Class 2: Introduction to book and author. Overview of genre, point of view, and theme.
Class 3: Critical analysis of the book's opening chapters. Making predictions.
Class 4: Review and edit writing responses to reading.
Class 5: Plan our writing project.