Independent Reading Project

Novel Soundtrack

Rock on! You will be required to prepare a soundtrack for the novel you have chosen to read for
your independent book project. Like music used in movie and musical soundtracks, the songs that
you select will need to relate to significant literary elements in your novel.

STEP 1:
You will need to select a total of 5 songs, one relating to each of the following:

§ A main character (a song that connects to his/her personality, choices, changes, etc.)
§ An important conflict in the novel (a song that relates to the feelings and emotions
connected with the conflict (internal or external).
§ The prominent theme in the novel (remember a theme is a “life” message a reader should
walk away with after reading the novel)
§ The setting of the novel in general or at a specific point
§ A minimum of 1 other song of your choice that you feel connects with your book in
some way

REMEMBER: *ALL SONG SELECTIONS MUST BE SCHOOL APPROPRIATE!

To help you keep track of possible ideas for your soundtrack as you read, you should consider
using the “Creating a Soundtrack” bookmarks that are available to mark interesting passages
that might connect well with music.

STEP 2:
You will need to not only select five specific songs, but also write a 4-8 sentence TYPED
explanation for each choice. Your explanation should include specific reasons why you think
specific song lyrics or music connects with the literary element. Is it the actual words, the type
of music, the instruments used, etc.? Quoting specific lyrics from the song and relating them to
specific aspects of your book would be a meaningful way to develop your explanation. This will
require you to do some critical thinking!

Each explanation needs:

§ to be clearly labeled as to which of the elements it is covering (character, conflict,
setting, etc.)
§ Song title and artist clearly identified
Options:
§ You can choose to use the online template provided if you like.
§ You can type your explanations in such a way that they will fit into an actual CD
cover.
§ If you think creating an “oral” presentation of your ideas better suits your learning
style, please come talk with me!

STEP 3:

After completing the actual soundtrack, you then need to design a soundtrack cover.

§ Needs to be an original idea (title and images), not a copy of the book cover!
§ Must include the following subtitle: Soundtrack for (novel title)
§ Should be created on an actual CD sized paper (See Mrs. Sargent for this).
§ Needs to be colourful and neat. (Can be computer generated if you prefer!)

You will also need a 4-8 sentence paragraph explaining your choice of title and images
for your cover.

DUE DATE: _____________________________________