Eidi. by Bodil Bredsdorff

Transcription

1 Eidi by Bodil Bredsdorff Eidi By Bodil Bredsdorff Translated by Kathryn Mahaffy Published by Farrar Straus Giroux Text Copyright 1993 by Bodil Bredsdorff English translation copyright 2009 by Kathryn Mahaffy ISBN: JLG Reading Guide Copyright 2010 Junior Library Guild 7858 Industrial Parkway Plain City, OH ISBN: Copyright 2010 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 1

2 About JLG Guides Junior Library Guild selects the best new hardcover children s and YA books being published in the U.S. and makes them available to libraries and schools, often before the books are available from anyone else. Timeliness and value mark the mission of JLG: to be the librarian s partner. But how can JLG help librarians be partners with classroom teachers? With JLG Guides. JLG Guides are activity and reading guides written by people with experience in both children s and educational publishing in fact, many of them are former librarians or teachers. The JLG Guides are made up of activity guides for younger readers (grades K 3) and reading guides for older readers (grades 4 12), with some overlap occurring in grades 3 and 4. All guides are written with national and state standards as guidelines. Activity guides focus on providing activities that support specific reading standards; reading guides support various standards (reading, language arts, social studies, science, etc.), depending on the genre and topic of the book itself. JLG Guides can be used both for whole class instruction and for individual students. Pages are reproducible for classroom use only, and a teacher s edition accompanies most JLG Guides. Research indicates that using authentic literature in the classroom helps improve students interest level and reading skills. You can trust JLG to provide the very best in new-release books, and now to enhance those selections by giving your school the tools to use those books in the classroom. And in case you think we forgot the librarians, be sure to check out the Library Applications page, shown on the table of contents in each guide. From all of us at Junior Library Guild, we wish you and your students good reading and great learning... with JLG Selections and JLG Guides. Copyright 2010 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 2

3 Eidi By Bodil Bredsdorff JLG Guide created by School Street Media for Junior Library Guild Table of Contents About the Book and the Author... 3 Prereading Activities... 4 Chapters One, Two, and Three... 5 Chapters Four and Five... 8 Chapters Six and Seven Chapters Eight, Nine, Ten, and Eleven Chapters Twelve, Thirteen, and Fourteen Chapters Fifteen, Sixteen, Seventeen, and Eighteen Vocabulary Wrap-up Discussion Questions Library Applications and Suggestions for Further Reading Correlations to National Standards A school may reproduce copies of the pages in this book for use in its classrooms or library. Any other reproduction is strictly prohibited. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be transmitted, stored, or recorded in any form without written permission from the publisher. For permissions questions, contact Junior Library Guild. Copyright 2010 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 3

4 About the Book and the Author Eidi: The Children of Crow Cove by Bodil Bredsdorff Eidi took a deep breath.... Now at last she was all alone in the big world, without anyone from home in Crow Cove. Eidi s plan was to go and stay at Rossan s house, only a few days walk away. But soon she finds herself working in faraway Eastern Harbor, where circumstances will force her to steal away from the town with a horse and a boy. JLG Reviewers Say: This is an engrossing story with a timeless feel. Writing is simple and evocative. Eidi is a strong, likable character. The plot and pacing are satisfying, building momentum to a rewarding payoff. Bodil Bredsdorff is a Danish author who began her writing as an author of young adult stories. Upon entering a Scandinavian competition sponsored by a Danish publisher, Ms. Bredsdorff began the first of what was to become a series of children s books called The Children of Crow Cove Series. The first book, The Crow-Girl, translated from Danish to English, is an ALA Notable Children s Book, Mildred L. Batchelder Honor Book, Booklist Editors Choice, and School Library Journal Best Book of the Year. Eidi is the second book in this four-book series and also has been translated into English. Ms. Bredsdorff makes her home in the area of her youth, the northwestern coast of Denmark, in a small fishing port called Hundested. A Note from the Author about Eidi and The Children of Crow Cove Series Bodil Bredsdorff explains, When I finished writing The Crow-Girl, I knew that I was far from finished writing about the people and the universe I d created. I felt at home in Crow Cove. I liked to stay with the little flock. But I ran into a problem about how to move on. Of course, I could choose to continue writing about the Crow-Girl... about Myna, as she is called by the end of the book. I could follow the passage of time and allow her to grow older and older. On the other hand, I d promised myself to write the book that could have been my favorite when I was twelve. Then I preferred reading about kids my own age. That is when I got the idea to give each book its own central character. In The Crow-Girl I d been so lucky as to let Myna meet a younger girl named Eidi. So she became the main character in the next book, and Myna was given a supporting role. You can find out more about the author and her work at Copyright 2010 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 4

5 Prereading Activities Book Summary Some years have passed since the Crow-Girl, Myna, met Eidi and her mother, Foula, and persuaded them to live in Crow Cove, a small settlement with a brook that runs out to the sea. Foula is now married to Frid, and they have just welcomed a baby boy to the family. But along with Frid s two sons, who also live in Eidi s household, Eidi feels there is no room for her, and she decides to join her friend Rossan and help him prepare his wool to be sold. But events cause Eidi to end up in a harbor town, where she takes a job as a weaver in the household of a wealthy and fearsome merchant. Here she meets Tink, a young boy who needs her help, leading her to escape with him as she makes her way back to the safety of Crow Cove. Understanding Genre: Adventure 1. What is an adventure? What kind of book would be labeled an adventure? 2. Above is a summary of Eidi. What exciting experiences do you expect to read about in this book? 3. Why do you think people like to read adventures? 4. Why are the characters so important in an adventure? 5. What is another book you have read in which there is an exciting adventure? Copyright 2010 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 5

6 Chapters One, Two, and Three Pages 3 23 Before You Read Introducing Vocabulary Find each of the following words in Eidi on the page number given in parentheses. Read the word in context, as it appears in the chapter. Then look up the word in a dictionary. Write the part of speech and definition for the word that best fits the way the word is used in the story. 1. cove (page 5) 2. crannies (page 7) 3. tern (page 7) 4. hearth (page 8) 5. shawl (page 10) 6. crocheted (page 12) 7. shepherd (page 13) 8. tinge (page 15) 9. wary (page 21) 10. chock-full (page 23) Copyright 2010 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 6

7 After You Read Who Are the Characters You Meet First? Make a list of the people who live in Crow Cove beginning with Eidi. What is Eidi s relationship to each one? Name Relationship to Eidi Analyzing the Writing: Story Elements 1. From what point of view is the story of Eidi told? 2. Describe the setting at the very beginning of this story. 3. In Chapter Two, Eidi makes an important decision to try to resolve a conflict she is facing. What is the conflict and what decision does she make? Copyright 2010 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 7

8 Getting to Know the Characters 1. List some of Eidi s characteristics that you learned about in the first three chapters. 2. On page 6, you get a glimpse of the relationship between Eidi and her mother. How would you describe their relationship? 3. Eidi leaves Crow Cove to live with Rossan. Who is he, and how does Eidi know him? 4. What adjectives would you use to describe your first impression of Rossan? 5. When Eidi arrives at Rossan s, she meets someone new. Who is he, and why is he there? Analyzing the Story In Chapter Two, Eidi has a solitary experience that seems to help her make the decision to leave Crow Cove. What do you think this experience means to her? Copyright 2010 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 8

9 Chapters Four and Five Pages Before You Read Introducing Vocabulary Look up each of the following the words in a dictionary. Pay attention to the part of speech indicated. The definition that goes with that part of speech is the definition of the word as it is used in the story. 1. bales (n.) (page 25) 2. boghole (n.) (page 25) 3. tussocks (n.) (page 25) 4. dells (n.) (page 27) 5. embers (n.) (page 28) 6. exertion(n.) (page 34) After You Read Analyzing the Story: Descriptive Writing The author uses descriptive writing to show you what is happening in the story. Read the scene on pages when Eidi and Rossan decide to rest for the night on their journey. Complete the list below by describing the sensory details included on those pages. Sense Used List of details sight sound touch smell taste Copyright 2010 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 9

10 Understanding the Story: Comprehension 1. Where are Rossan and Eidi going and why? 2. Why does Rossan warn Eidi that she must stay on the path? What do we learn about Ravnar and Doup s mother? 3. When Rossan gets hurt, how does Eidi react? 4. On page 35, Lesna refers to Eidi as a child, but Rossan thinks of her in another way. What is your opinion of Eidi at this point in the story Copyright 2010 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 10

11 Social Studies Connection: Other Cultures Rossan is a shepherd, meaning he tends sheep for a living. Rossan shears, or shaves, his sheep for their wool. Use your library to research the process of shearing and answer the following questions using complete sentences. At what time of year are sheep usually sheared? What tools are most often used to shear sheep? How do sheep benefit from being sheared? What is fleece? Copyright 2010 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 11

12 Chapters Six and Seven Pages Before You Read Making Predictions Eidi has now arrived in the harbor town where Rossan will sell his wool. However, Rossan is too weak to go to the market, so Eidi will go instead. I predict: Based on what evidence? Introducing Vocabulary Look up each of the following the words in a dictionary. Pay attention to the part of speech indicated. Write the definition on the line provided. 1. dickering (n.) (page 37) 2. shear (v.) (page 38) 3. lug (v.) (page 42) 4. bellow (n.) (page 44) 5. slatterns (n.) (page 44) ) 6. mother-of-pearl (n.) (page 45) 7. plagued (v.) (page 50) 8. offal (n) (page 51) Wool sheared from sheep must be cleaned before it is used for commercial purposes. One of the byproducts of cleaning wool is a softening substance called lanolin, which is often used in hand creams and body lotions. Copyright 2010 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 12

13 After You Read Understanding the Story: Drawing Conclusions Think about all the new information you have learned in these chapters. Based on what you know now, answer the following questions. 1. Why do you think Rossan allows Eidi to go to the market by herself? 2. Who does Eidi first meet? Is she helpful to Eidi? 3. Who is Bandon? 4. Why does Bandon ask Eidi if she shears the back ends of the beasts when he is looking at the wool she has for sale? 5. A young boy comes to pick up the wool Bandon has purchased. What is his relationship to Bandon? 6. Eidi is able to sell all of Rossan s wool, and he gives her some money to buy herself something at the market. What does she buy? What compromise does she make? Copyright 2010 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 13

14 7. What happens to Eidi on her way to Lesna s house? 8. After she is struck by her former stepfather, Eidi begins to hear a howling in her ear. What does she discover about this howling? 9. Rossan is recovering slowly and is not ready to travel back to his house. What decision does Eidi make for the time until she and Rossan are able to travel again? After You Read Checking Predictions Earlier in the reading, you made a prediction about how well Eidi would do as a salesperson at the market? Was your prediction correct? Copyright 2010 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 14

15 Chapters Eight, Nine, Ten, and Eleven Pages Before You Read Introducing Vocabulary Look up each of the following the words in a dictionary. Pay attention to the part of speech indicated. Write the definition on the line provided. 1. sarcastic (adj.) (page 53) 2. handiwork (n.) (page 54) 3. wages (n.) (page 54) 4. doffed (v.) (page 54) 5. shrill (adj.) (page 60) 6. impulse (n.) (page 61) 7. decanter (n.) (page 62) 8. courted (v.) (page 64) 9. engrossed (adj.) (page 70) 10. skulking (v.) (page 70) 11. loft (n.) (page 74) 12. wits (n.) (page 74) Analyzing the Writing: Author s Perspective An author s perspective is the author s viewpoint on an issue. Fiction authors often use characters and story events to communicate their perspectives. For example, an author who is against bullying might write a story that shows bad consequences for being a bully. Or an author who loves animals might create a character who has a special pet. In this story, the author has given Eidi a responsible and compassionate nature. Answer the next two questions, and then explain what you think the author s perspective might be as shown through Eidi. 1. What is Eidi immediate reaction when she first meets Tink in the market place in Chapter Six? Copyright 2010 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 15

16 2. Eidi meets Tink again when she begins working at Bandon s. How does she help him? 3. Explain the author s possible perspective. Responding to the Story 1. How do you think you would react to Bandon s treatment of Tink?. 2. Reread page 65 where Bandon tells Eidi about Tink s birth. Eidi is about to reply to Bandon when he says that Tink killed his mother, he did, but something stops her from replying right away. What happens and why do you think it happens? 3. Why do you think Eidi visits Bandon in his house? 4. Why do you think Randon gives her the arrow pin? Copyright 2010 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 16

17 5. Something happens that compels Eidi to make a sudden and risky decision. Discuss what happens and whether you think she makes a wise decision. Why or why not? Copyright 2010 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 17

18 Chapters Twelve, Thirteen, and Fourteen Pages Before You Read Making Predictions What do you think will happen to Eidi and Tink now that they have escaped? Introducing Vocabulary Look up each of the following the words in a dictionary. Pay attention to the part of speech indicated. The definition that goes with that part of speech is the definition of the word as it is used in the story. 1. haversack (n.) (page 87) 2. provisions (n.) (page 87) 3. notion (n.) (page 89) 4. slacken (v.) (page 90) 5. lodge (n.) (page 93) 6. soughing (v.) (page 98) 7. fledgling (n.) (page 104) After You Read Understanding the Story: Comprehension 1. Eidi begins to realize what a serious thing she has done by escaping with Tink. What is one of the first things she decides to do to protect herself and Tink? Copyright 2010 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 18

19 2. Does this work? 3. When Eidi and Tink first see the riders, what warning did she listen for but not receive? 4. As Eidi and Tink travel, what do they find? Who do they suspect it belongs to? Why does Eidi think it is safe to stay for a night? 5. What does Eidi do before leaving the lodge? 6. What practical reasons cause Eidi to go first to Rossan s house before going to Crow Cove? 7. While she is at Rossan s house waiting for Tink to get rested, what does Eidi do? 8. Eidi, Kotka, and Tink get a surprise at the end of Chapter Fourteen. Is it a good surprise? Copyright 2010 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 19

20 Responding to the Story As she and Tink are traveling, Eidi tries to get rid of the arrow pin Bandon gave her, but is unable to. Explain why you think this is. After You Read Checking Predictions Did things happen the way you thought they might when you made your prediction before reading Chapters Twelve, Thirteen, and Fourteen? Library Applications Hand-carding, such as Eidi does when she is at Rossan s, is a traditional method of transferring raw, cleaned wool into yarn that can be woven. The purpose of carding is to separate and straighten the wool. It breaks up knots and removes any debris left behind after the wool is cleaned. Carding involves two paddles that look a lot like dog brushes. As the wool is lightly brushed again and again, it forms a rolag, which is a fluffy roll of wool that is ready for spinning. Find out more about the process of getting wool ready for use by doing research at your library or by going to a local sheep farm and talking to the experts there. Copyright 2010 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 20

21 Chapters Fifteen, Sixteen, Seventeen, and Eighteen Pages As You Read Vocabulary As you read these last four chapters, find at least eight words of which you are not sure of the meanings. List each word, determine its part of speech as it is used in context, and write its definition Responding to the Story 1. What is Rossan s reaction to what Eidi has done? What does this say about Rossan? 2. At the beginning of page 110, Rossan remarks that it s not good to have to tell lies, but it s good to be able to, even if you have to tell the truth to do it. In the context of the conversation Rossan and Eidi have on page 109, what do you think he means by this? Do you agree or disagree? Copyright 2010 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 21

22 3. Explain your opinion of Rossan s explanation of why Bandon kept Tink. 4. How does Bandon know Eidi and Tink had been at the lodge? 5. Who does Eidi knit the little jacket for, and what does she use in addition to the wool? 6. At the end of Chapter 16, Eidi has a dream. How do you interpret this dream? 7. What does Eidi use to prove to Tink that Bandon would not come to find him and take him back? 8. What has Frid done for Eidi while she is gone, and why is it important? Copyright 2010 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 22

23 9. Do you think Bandon knew he was Eidi s father when he gives her the arrow pin? 10. Why do you think Eidi decides in the end to keep the pin? Copyright 2010 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 23

24 Vocabulary Wrap-up The following is a list of vocabulary words you have looked up throughout this book. Match the word with its correct definition by writing the letter of the definition on the line before the word. shear cove lodge handiwork dickering boghales mother-of-pearl provisions shawl fledgling shepherd wages loft hearth wary exertion decanter engrossed A. the pay that is received for work B. a decorative bottle used to serve liquids C. an open space under a roof D. to be totally absorbed with something E. a stock of necessary supplies F. a cottage or cabin in the woods or mountains G. the floor of a fireplace H. a covering for the head, neck, and shoulders I. cautious or watchful J. a person who tends sheep K. a small sheltered area by a bay L. strenuous effort M. a hole containing mud or quicksand N. bargaining and bartering O. a pearly inner layer of certain shells P. to remove the hair or fleece from Q. one who is young and inexperienced R. something that is made by hand Copyright 2010 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 24

25 Discussion Questions 1. When Eidi first decides to leave Crow Cove, did you think it was a wise idea? Were you surprised that her mother let her go? 2. What is a better-luck-next-time, or try-your-luck, shawl? What was its purpose? Was that why Eidi made hers? 3. On page 26, Rossan gives Eidi some advice about her feelings about her new baby brother. Explain in your own words what he means. Do you think it is good advice? 4. When Rossan gets hurt on the journey to sell his wool, Eidi takes care of him. What does this show you about Eidi? 5. Give as many examples as you can of Eidi s bravery? 6. Think about the things that are said about Bandon and the things he says himself. What makes Bandon a complicated man? 7. Are Bandon s feelings about Tink fair? Discuss why or why not. 8. What is Eidi willing to do to keep Tink safe? Do you agree with what she does? 9. Describe the different landscapes in this story 10. The author secretly gave her readers a clue on page 64 of the startling thing Eidi learn about Bandon when she gets back to Crow Cove. Were you surprised? Do you think she had an intuition of this? Does it explain why she had so many dreams about him? 11. What, if anything, would you have added to or changed about the story to make it better? Why? Copyright 2010 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 25

26 Library Applications and Suggestions for Further Reading Books from Other Countries: The Batchelder Award The world of literature is filled with lots of books and stories that were originally written in a language other than English. The American Library Association has an award for books that were originally published in a foreign language in a foreign country and then translated into English and published in the U.S. It is the Batchelder Award. The award encourages American publishers to seek out superior children's books abroad and to promote communication among the peoples of the world. Research the Batchelder Award by going online to: and clicking on the Awards & Grants link. Then find the Mildred L. Batchelder Award, click on it, and find out how the award came to be. Here are some of the recent Batchelder Award winners and honor books. Choose one to read. Then write a report of do a multimedia presentation about the book, its author, and its place in children s literature here in the U.S. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit by Nahoko Uehashi, translated from the Japanese by Cathy Hirano. Arthur A. Levine Books, an imprint of Scholastic, Inc. Garmann's Summer written and illustrated by Stian Hole, translated from the Norwegian by Don Bartlett. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. Tiger Moon written by Antonia Michaelis, translated from the German by Anthea Bell. Amulet Books, an imprint of Harry N. Abrams, Inc. Brave Story written by Miyuki Miyabe and translated from the Japanese by Alexander O. Smith. VIZ Media. The Cat: Or, How I Lost Eternity written by Jutta Richter, with illustrations by Rotraut Susanne Berner, and translated from the German by Anna Brailovsky. Milkweed Editions. Nicholas and the Gang written by René Goscinny, illustrated by Jean-Jacques Sempé, and translated from the French by Anthea Bell. Phaidon Press. The Pull of the Ocean written by Jean-Claude Mourlevat and translated from the French by Y. Maudet. Delacorte Press. The Killer's Tears written by Anne-Laure Bondoux and translated from the French by Y. Maudet. Delacorte Press. The Last Dragon written by Silvana De Mari and translated from the Italian by Shaun Whiteside. Hyperion/Miramax. Copyright 2010 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 26

27 An Innocent Soldier written by Josef Holub and translated from the German by Michael Hofmann. Arthur A. Levine Books, an imprint of Scholastic, Inc. Nicholas written by René Goscinny and illustrated by Jean-Jacques Sempé, translated from the French by Anthea Bell. Phaidon Press Limited. When I Was a Soldier written by Valérie Zenatti and translated from the French by Adriana Hunter. Bloomsbury Children s Books. The Shadows of Ghadames by Joëlle Stolz, translated from the French by Catherine Temerson. Delacorte Press/Random House Children's Books. The Crow-Girl: The Children of Crow Cove by Bodil Bredsdorff, translated from the Danish by Faith Ingwersen. Farrar Straus Giroux. Daniel Half Human and the Good Nazi by David Chotjewitz, translated from the German by Doris Orgel. Richard Jackson Books/Simon & Schuster's Atheneum Division. Run, Boy, Run by Uri Orlev and translated from the Hebrew by Hillel Halkin. Walter Lorraine Books/Houghton Mifflin Company. The Man Who Went to the Far Side of the Moon: The Story of Apollo 11 Astronaut Michael Collins by Bea Uusma Schyffert, translated from the Swedish by Emi Guner. Chronicle Books. The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke and translated from the German by Oliver Latsch. Chicken House/Scholastic Publishing. Copyright 2010 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 27

28 Correlations to National Standards For Grades 3 5 Content Area Standard Number Standard Objective Languages Arts: English NL ENG.K 12.1 Reading for Perspective Languages Arts: English NL ENG.K 12.2 Reading for Understanding Languages Arts: English NL ENG.K 12.3 Evaluation Strategies Languages Arts: English NL ENG.K 12.4 Communication Skills Languages Arts: English NL ENG.K 12.5 Communication Strategies Languages Arts: English NL ENG.K 12.6 Applying Knowledge Languages Arts: English NL ENG.K 12.8 Developing Research Skills Language Arts: English NL ENG.K 12.9 Multicultural Understanding Languages Arts: English NL ENG.K Applying Language Skills Social Studies: Geography NSS G.K 12.5 Environment and Society Copyright 2010 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 28