Table of Contents Novel Study Title Page for Students... 3 Dictionary Detective! Chapters 1 2... 4 Vocabulary Study Chapters 1 2... 5 Understanding the Story Chapters 1 2... 6 Chapter Summary Chapters 1 2... 7 Dictionary Detective! Chapters 3 4... 8 Vocabulary Study Chapters 3 4... 9 Understanding the Story Chapters 3 4... 10 Chapter Summary Chapters 3 4... 11 Dictionary Detective! Chapters 5 6... 12 Vocabulary Study Chapters 5 6... 13 Understanding the Story Chapters 5 6... 14 Chapter Summary Chapters 5 6... 15 Dictionary Detective! Chapters 7 8... 16 Vocabulary Study Chapters 7 8... 17 Understanding the Story Chapters 7 8... 18 Chapter Summary Chapters 7 8... 19 Dictionary Detective! Chapters 9 10... 20 Vocabulary Study Chapters 9 10... 21 Understanding the Story Chapters 9 10... 22 Chapter Summary Chapters 9 10... 23 Dictionary Detective! Chapters 11 12... 24 Vocabulary Study Chapters 11 12... 25 Understanding the Story Chapters 11 12... 26 Chapter Summary Chapters 11 12... 27 Time for a Test!... 28 Answer Key... 30 Comprehension Worksheets... 50 Reading Log... 70 Common Core State Standards... 71
by Marion Dane Bauer A Novel Study by:
Date: Dictionary Detective! Chapters 1-2 Using a dictionary, find the definitions for the words below. municipal sparse momentum elaborately mimicked solemn 4
Date: Vocabulary Study Chapters 1-2 Match Up Match the words in the left column to their definitions in the right column. municipal sparse momentum elaborately mimicked solemn to imitate or copy something or someone to be thinly dispersed or scattered very sad and/or serious something official in a town or city to be done with great effort or care the speed or force of a moving object Fill in the Blank Complete each sentence by filling in the blanks with the provided vocabulary. municipal sparse momentum elaborately mimicked solemn 1. The trees looks much more during the winter. 2. We watched as the runners gained during the race. 3. Whenever I see my sister looking, I try to make her laugh. 4. We have to go to the office to register our car in the city. 5. It always irritated our teacher when we her words. 6. The arranged flowers made for a striking centerpiece. A Little Extra! In Chapter 1, the author uses the simile grinning like a circus clown to describe Tony s facial expression. What does the author mean by this phrase, and what does it tell us about Tony? 5
Date: Understanding the Story Chapters 1-2 Multiple Choice 1. How old are Tony and Joel? (a) 10 years old. (b) 13 years old. (c) 12 years old. (d) 14 years old. 2. Where does Tony want Joel to go with him? (a) The pool. (b) Starved Rock. (c) The movies. (d) Old Man River. Short Answer 3. Why does Joel ask for his father s permission to ride bikes with Tony? Long Answer 4. Tony and Joel have been friends for almost their whole lives. Why is Joel now questioning why he is friends with Tony? A Little Extra! Tony is clearly the leader in the friendship between the two boys. If you were Joel, would you want to be friends with someone like Tony? Why or why not? 6
Chapter Summary Chapters 1-2 Date: 1. If you were to give a title to this section of the book, what would it be? 2. What happens in these chapters? 3. What is your favorite part of this section of the book? 4. What new words did you learn in these chapters? 5. Draw a picture of something you think represents these chapters. 7
Date: Dictionary Detective! Chapters 3-4 Using a dictionary, find the definitions for the words below. flailing disloyal glowering slog agitated eddied 8
Vocabulary Study Chapters 3-4 Which Word? On the provided lines, write the matching vocabulary word for each definition. Date: flailing slog disloyal glowering agitated eddied 1. Annoyed or disturbed by something. 2. Staring angrily; glaring. 3. Forming a circular pattern. 4. To walk heavily. 5. Waving or swinging wildly. 6. Someone who is untrustworthy and traitorous. Making Sentences Make a sentence for each word below. 1. Flailing: 2. Agitated: 3. Disloyal: 4. Glowering: 5. Slog: 6. Eddied: A Little Extra! Based on his actions in this section, which of the following character trait words best describes Tony? Explain your answer. 9
Multiple Choice Date: Understanding the Story Chapters 3-4 1. What does Joel challenge Tony to do? (a) Race their bikes. (b) Swim to the sandbar. (c) Hold their breath underwater. (d) Climb the bluffs. 2. How did Tony break his arm? (a) Swimming. (b) Riding his bike. (c) Hang gliding. (d) Running. Short Answer 3. After Joel and Tony are in the water, they get into an argument. What does Joel say to Tony that causes him to become extremely angry? Long Answer 4. After Joel challenges Tony, he realizes it is a bad idea but Tony accepts the challenge anyway. Why is this a dangerous decision for Tony? A Little Extra! Joel challenges Tony partly to make Tony feel better. However, this turns out to be a bad decision. Is there something else Joel could have done to make the situation better? 10
Chapter Summary Chapters 3-4 Date: 1. If you were to give a title to this section of the book, what would it be? 2. What happens in these chapters? 3. What is your favorite part of this section of the book? 4. What new words did you learn in these chapters? 5. Draw a picture of something you think represents these chapters. 11
Date: Dictionary Detective! Chapters 5-6 Using a dictionary, find the definitions for the words below. deceptively inverted convulsed heaving reverberated vigorously 12
Date: Vocabulary Study Chapters 5-6 Match Up A synonym is a word that means the same as another word. For example, happy and joyful are synonyms. Match the vocabulary words with their synonyms! deceptively inverted convulsed heaving reverberated vigorously reversed boomed pulling lively dishonestly shook Best Word Circle the word which works best in each sentence. 1. The ( heaving / inverted ) hat looked silly on Deena s head. 2. Jane danced ( vigorously / deceptively ) for hours at the party. 3. The old car ( convulsed / vigorously ) as Josef tried to start it. 4. Gwen s chest was ( reverberated / heaving ) after she ran the race. 5. The sound from the speakers ( reverberated / inverted ) through the room. 6. Taylor looked ( convulsed / deceptively ) taller thanks to his very tall hat. A Little Extra! In Chapter 5, Joel feels like the river is a monster waiting to pounce. Explain what is meant by this phrase. 13
Multiple Choice Date: Understanding the Story Chapters 5-6 1. What does Joel feel in the water that he thinks is Tony s body? (a) A shark. (b) An alligator. (c) A log. (d) A raft. 2. What color is the car that stops for Joel? (a) Yellow. (b) Red. (c) Black. (d) Blue. Short Answer 3. Why is Joel afraid of reporting what happened to the police? Long Answer 4. Joel is shocked and disappointed when the older boy gives up looking for Tony. But what reason does he give for stopping his search? A Little Extra! Joel stops looking for Tony in order to find help. However, it takes him awhile before a car stops for him. What would you do if you were in Joel s situation?
Chapter Summary Chapters 5-6 Date: 1. If you were to give a title to this section of the book, what would it be? 2. What happens in these chapters? 3. What is your favorite part of this section of the book? 4. What new words did you learn in these chapters? 5. Draw a picture of something you think represents these chapters. 15
Date: Dictionary Detective! Chapters 7-8 Using a dictionary, find the definitions for the words below. nonchalance expelled haphazardly intervals skeptical pudgy 16
Vocabulary Study Chapters 7-8 Match Up Match the words in the left column to their definitions in the right column. Date: nonchalance expelled haphazardly intervals skeptical pudgy to do something without caution short periods of time to be round or fat seeming casual or unexcited to feel doubt or disbelief to be sent away Fill in the Blank Complete each sentence by filling in the blanks with the provided vocabulary. nonchalance expelled haphazardly intervals skeptical pudgy 1. Lee started feeding his dog diet food when she started looking. 2. To warm up for practice, we do running for of 20 minutes. 3. If you break the rules, you might be from school. 4. Sarah crossed the street without looking both ways. 5. Jake was of his sister s promises. 6. William s towards studying angered his mother. A Little Extra! Joel hears the river behind him making a burbling sound almost as if it were laughing. This is an example of personification, in which an inanimate object is given human characteristics. Why do you think the author chooses to use personification here? 17
Date: Understanding the Story Chapters 7-8 Multiple Choice 1. Who is the first person Joel talks to after the incident? (a) His father. (b) His mother. (c) His brother, Bobby. (d) Tony s mother. 2. Where does Joel tell his father that Tony is? (a) At the pool. (b) In the river. (c) Riding his bike to the rock. (d) At home. Short Answer 3. In Chapter 7, what lie does Joel decide to tell his parents and Tony s parents about what happened that day? Long Answer 4. In Chapter 8, Joel does not tell his parents the truth. So, why are they still upset with him? A Little Extra! Joel usually never lets his brother join him on his paper route, even though he asks to come along almost every time. Why do you think Joel lets Bobby come with him on this day? 18
Chapter Summary Chapters 7-8 Date: 1. If you were to give a title to this section of the book, what would it be? 2. What happens in these chapters? 3. What is your favorite part of this section of the book? 4. What new words did you learn in these chapters? 5. Draw a picture of something you think represents these chapters. 19
Date: Dictionary Detective! Chapters 9-10 Using a dictionary, find the definitions for the words below. gruffly reverently guffaw concocted surge gingerly 20
Vocabulary Study Chapters 9-10 Which Word? On the provided lines, write the matching vocabulary word for each definition. Date: gruffly reverently guffaw concocted surge gingerly 1. A sudden rush of energy. 2. To do something with great caution. 3. To act in a respectful manner. 4. Created or planned. 5. To do something in a harsh, rough way. 6. A loud, boisterous laugh. Making Sentences Make a sentence for each word below. 1. Gruffly: 2. Reverently: 3. Guffaw: 4. Concocted: 5. Surge: 6. Gingerly: A Little Extra! Before going outside to talk to his parents, Joel stands in the garage like a turtle retreating into its shell. What does this mean, and why is Joel acting this way? 21
Multiple Choice Date: Understanding the Story Chapters 9-10 1. What business were Joel and Tony planning to start together? 2. What does Joel s father suggest they do first to find Tony? (a) A newspaper business. (b) A lemonade stand. (c) A worm farm. (d) A dog walking business. (a) Call the park ranger. (b) Drive out to the bluffs. (c) Call the police. (d) Swim in the river. Short Answer 3. What does Joel decide to do for his brother Bobby? Long Answer 4. When Tony s mother tells Joel that Tony can t swim, why does he act surprised? A Little Extra! In Chapter 10, Joel takes a long shower and soaps three times, but he still thinks he smells like the river. Why do you think this is? 22
Chapter Summary Chapters 9-10 Date: 1. If you were to give a title to this section of the book, what would it be? 2. What happens in these chapters? 3. What is your favorite part of this section of the book? 4. What new words did you learn in these chapters? 5. Draw a picture of something you think represents these chapters. 23
Date: Dictionary Detective! Chapters 11-12 Using a dictionary, find the definitions for the words below. muted capacity pivoted simultaneously teetering harshly 24
Date: Match Up Match the vocabulary words with their synonyms! Vocabulary Study Chapters 11-12 muted capacity pivoted simultaneously teetering harshly ability roughly shaking silenced concurrently turned Best Word Circle the word which works best in each sentence. 1. Careful! Your glass is ( teetering / harshly ) on the edge of the table! 2. Sarah has a better ( teetering / capacity ) for learning math than English. 3. It is impossible to talk and listen ( simultaneously / muted ). 4. George ( muted / pivoted ) the TV so he could hear his friends talking. 5. Maya apologized for speaking to her friend so ( simultaneously / harshly ). 6. The dancer ( capacity / pivoted ) on one foot to do the dance move. A Little Extra! Why does Joel describe everyone as having faces like five pale moons in Chapter 11? 25
Multiple Choice Date: Understanding the Story Chapters 11-12 1. What are the police holding when they come to Tony s house? (a) Tony. (b) Tony s bike. (c) Tony s shoes. (d) Tony s shirt. 2. What does Joel s father do to punish him? (a) Hits him. (b) Grounds him. (c) Nothing. (d) Sends him away. Short Answer 3. Why do the police keep asking Joel the same question about what he and Tony did that day? Long Answer 4. Even though Tony made the decision to swim in the river, why does Joel still blame himself? A Little Extra! Joel is so scared to tell the truth because he believes everyone can and should hate him for what he has done. Can you think of a time when you felt so guilty about something that you didn t want anyone to know what you had done? How did you feel when you finally told the truth? 26
Chapter Summary Chapters 11-12 Date: 1. If you were to give a title to this section of the book, what would it be? 2. What happens in these chapters? 3. What is your favorite part of this section of the book? 4. What new words did you learn in these chapters? 5. Draw a picture of something you think represents these chapters. 27
Date: Before Reading Title of Book: Author of Book: Have you read anything by this author before? If so, what was it? Look at the front cover. What hints do you think it gives about the story? Read the back cover. What do you learn about the story from the back cover? Based on the front and back covers, do you want to read this book? Why or why not? 44
Date: Who is Marion Dane Bauer? Use the internet and other resources to research the author of, Marion Dane Bauer. Before Researching 1. What do you already know about Marion Dane Bauer? 2. What do you want to find out about Marion Dane Bauer? After Researching 3. What have you learned from your research? 4. Where did you get your information? 45
Date: My Character Chart Draw a picture and record important information about each important character as you read the text. 46
Date: My Character Chart (Cont d) 47
Date: Making Predictions Can you predict the future? What do you think will happen next in the story? Write down two predictions inside the crystal balls. Revisit this page later to answer the last question. Why do you think this will happen? Why do you think this will happen? Did any of your predictions come true? What ended up happening in the story? 48
Name: 3. Climax The most exciting and emotional part of the story. Date: Plot Mountain A story s plot is made up of five parts: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and conclusion. After you ve finished reading, fill in the spaces below. 2. Rising Action The things that happen to push the story forward as we head toward the climax. 4. Falling Action The events that happened during the climax are dealt with. 1. Exposition We learn background information about the story s characters, setting, and basic plot. 5. Conclusion The story comes to an end. 49
Date: Story Timeline Fill in the plot timeline by deciding on the most important plot points of and recording them in the order they happen. 1 Beginning 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 End 50
Date: What is Conflict? Conflict refers to the problems and challenges that make stories interesting and move plots along. Conflict is an important part of any story. Below are some of the different conflict types you may encounter as you read. Man Versus Man Two or more characters struggle against each other. Man Versus Nature A character struggles against a force of nature such as the weather or an animal. Man Versus Society A character struggles against a part of society such as a company, religion, school, etc. Man Versus Self A character struggles to overcome his or her own weaknesses. Look for some examples of conflict in and add them to the chart below. Example of Conflict Type of Conflict 51
Date: Story Setting The setting is the time and/or place in which a story happens. 1. Describe the setting of. When and where does it take place? 2. Draw a picture of a setting described in the story. 3. Explain what you have drawn above. 52
One theme of is... Date: What is a Theme? The theme a central topic or idea of a story. A story can have one or more themes. Some examples of themes are acceptance, cooperation, bravery and determination. What do you think one theme of is? Find three examples from the book that supports this as one of the themes. 1. 2. 3. 53
Date: Problem Solving An important part of any story is the problem which the main character faces. Write down the main problem faced in below, then brainstorm some possible solutions to the problem. Solution Idea 1 _ Solution Idea 2 _ The Main Problem of the Story Solution Idea 3 _ Solution Idea 4 _ 54
Cause Date: Cause and Effect An action or development in a story is the cause. The result of the action or development is the effect. Find some examples of cause and effect in and record them below. Cause Effect Cause Effect Effect 55
Date: Character Types In fictional stories, there are many different types of characters that play different roles. Read about different character types below, and decide which character from fits each character type. (Some characters may fit more than one character type). Major Characters Major characters play a big part in the story. They influence the plot and take part in solving the main problem of the story. Example(s) from the book: Minor Characters Minor characters pop up to help (or hurt) the story s major characters. Example(s) from the book: The Protagonist The protagonist is the main character of the story. Stories are often told from their point of view. Example(s) from the book: The Antagonist The antagonist is the character (or characters) who causes problems for the protagonist. Example(s) from the book: Dynamic Characters Dynamic characters change through the story, usually because they overcome a challenge which makes them grow as a person. Example(s) from the book: Static Characters Static characters do not change. Their personalities and attitudes are the same at the end of the story as they were at the beginning. Example(s) from the book: Round Characters Round characters have complicated personalities and more than one character trait. Example(s) from the book: Flat Characters Flat characters don t have complicated personalities. Readers know them by only one character trait. Example(s) from the book: 56
Date: Character Map Write a different character name in each bubble below. Then, draw different styles of lines in different colors (as shown in the Relationship Key) to show the relationships between each character. Relationship Key Friends Family Enemies Classmates/Co-workers Teacher/Boss Other 57
Date: Facts and Opinions A fact is something that is proven to be true. An example of a fact is, The month after July is August. An opinion is a feeling or belief about something. An example of an opinion is, July is the best month of the year! In the spaces below, record four facts and four opinions about. F A C T S 1. 2. 3. 4. O P I N I O N S 1. 2. 3. 4. 58
Date: Persuasive Writing To be persuasive is to be good at convincing people to think a certain way. Write a persuasive passage in which you try to convince your readers that they should either read or not read. Make sure to include reasons for why you think the story is good or bad using examples from the text. For example, if you tell your readers that the story is funny, tell them about something funny that happens in the book. With this passage, what do you hope to persuade your readers to do? Read this book! Don t read this book! 59
Date: Quotation Quest Skim the novel and write down three favorite quotations, or quotations you think are important to the story. Quotation: From page # Why I chose this quotation: Quotation: From page # Why I chose this quotation: Quotation: From page # Why I chose this quotation: 60
Character 1 Character 2 Date: Character Comparison Choose two characters from and compare them to each other. What are their similarities and what are their differences? The similarities these characters share The differences between these characters Character 1 Character 2 61
Story Comparison Compare to another story you have read. What are their similarities and what are their differences? Date: The similarities these stories share The differences between these stories 62
Date: My Life - Making Connections In the spaces below, make comparisons between your life and the life of a character of your choosing from. Character Name: Similarities Differences 63
Reading Log Record information about the books you read on this chart.