Multigenre Identity Unit

My ninth grade class is currently working on a multi genre identity unit. They have been excited with all the choices involved and have produced some inspiring written work. One aspect is the literature circles with young adult novels. Their novel choices were: Buried Onions by Gary Soto, Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen, Growing an Inch by Stanely Gordon West, Define Normal by Julie Ann Peters, and Monster by Walter Dean Myers. Some students had experience with literature circles prior to this, but for many this is a new adventure. I'll be reflecting more on this as the unit continues. In addition to reading a novel, students are being exposed to a variety of written genre including poetry, news articles, a movie, and even a Dr Seuss book (they hadn't had story time in so long...it was great to see their excitement). Part of the unit is the creation of their own multi genre identity project. They have begun to write poems and dialogs, and in a week, we will venture online to add in a Google my map of places that are important to them. I am enjoying watching them view mentor texts and then apply writing skills to their own pieces. Their personalities are already showing...some poetry and dialog has been hysterical!