The essay is based on close reading. That means that you will be looking at one particular theme or motif in the novel you choose as the topic, interpreting its meaning in the text, and supporting your interpretation with textual evidence and analysis of the what, how, and why of the scenes you are analyzing. A strong close reading paper will have a narrow focus, a specific claim about the book’s meaning, and move beyond what the child reader would see in the text.
Write a 4-5-page close reading of a chapter book choice either: The Princess and Curdie ( OR The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 (Christopher Paul Curtis), in MLA or APA format (cover sheet and reference pages are not counted in the total pages).
Base-level requirements:
-A clear, focused thesis that interprets the novel.
-Textual evidence and close reading that supports the thesis.
-Strong, relatively error-free academic prose.
-4-5 page paper in proper MLA or APA format (cover sheet and reference pages are not counted in the total pages).
