An independent project in Nichole Charbonneau’s eighth grade English class had students mixing books with problem solving, creativity and the elements of literature.

The Old Rochester Regional Junior High students chose fiction and nonfiction books from sports to sci-fi and then dissected the plot, characters, themes, setting, mood, important quotes and more. Students next created “fanfolds” for the accord-style project to display the parts of each book.

After a month of work, the projects were complete on Friday, and the students got to look at each others' work.

“‘Pretty Little Liars’ is a book!’” exclaimed one student. “I'm going to read that.”

The project encouraged kids to choose books they would be excited to read. Julia Rood picked the third book in “The Giver” series, “Messenger” by Lois Lowery. Rood said she enjoyed the book and the project.

“I thought it was really fun,” said Rood. “You got to do a lot of drawing.”

Charbonneau said the fanfold project is a way for students to build on an understanding of literature they started learning in elementary school. It also incorporates problem solving and is more creative than a traditional book report.

The activity helped students discover new books, too.

For Rebecca Milde, the project introduced her to the sci-fi thriller “Consider” by Kristy Acevedo, a title recommended by Charbonneau.

“I really liked it. I’m going to read the sequel,” she said.