Independent Reading Book (IRB)
As a reminder all students should be reading a non-fiction, grade/Lexile level book at least 20-25 minutes a day.
Title _____________________________________________________________
Author __________________________________________________________
Genre ________________________ Subgenre ___________________________
Lexile Level of the Book _______________ Your Lexile Score ____________________
(*See District Assessments Info & Results 23-24 Data View for your Lexile Score)
Central Idea(s): ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Objective Summary: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Title: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Author: Rebecca Skloot
Genre: Non-fiction
Subgenre: Biography
Lexile Level of the Book: 1260
Your Lexile Score: 1100
Central Idea(s):
- The book explores the story of Henrietta Lacks, a woman whose cells were taken without her consent and became instrumental in medical research.
- It examines the ethical and racial implications of this case, highlighting the exploitation of African Americans in the medical field.
Objective Summary:
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks tells the true story of Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cells were taken without her knowledge or consent during a medical procedure in the 1950s. These cells, known as HeLa cells, were discovered to be endlessly replicating and highly valuable for medical research. The book delves into the impact of this discovery on the scientific community, while also exploring the personal story of Henrietta and her family. It raises important questions about consent, medical ethics, and the racial inequalities present in the medical field. Through extensive research and interviews, the author sheds light on the life and legacy of Henrietta Lacks, providing a captivating and thought-provoking narrative.