KRCS Summer Reading 2016-17
Fifth Grade
Required English Title: Crispin, by Avi ISBN # 978-0786816583
The fifth grade reading requirement is intended to encourage life-long reading. In order to prepare for class
discussion, students are encouraged to think critically as they read. For the required novel, a directed reading
guide has been provided. These questions not only highlight significant content, but they also encourage
higher-level thinking skills. By using the guides, students will read with more purpose, have a deeper
understanding of the novels, engage more meaningfully in class discussions, and be more prepared for writing
assignments. Students can bring to class any notes they take over the novels, but the questions are not
required.
Following the required title is an ISBN number that will be located above the barcode on the book. Purchasing
this edition will facilitate class discussion of specific passages and ensure that everyone has the same
pagination
Students who are enrolled by July 25th are expected to read the required selection. Students who enroll after
July 25th are strongly encouraged to read the selection and can contact Stacy Volz, English Department Chair,
to make individual arrangements. [email protected]
Have an enjoyable and restful summer – and enjoy your reading! We look forward to seeing you in August.
KRCS English Department
KRCS Summer Reading 2016-17
Fifth Grade
Directed Reading
Crispin, by Avi
Use these questions to focus and test your reading of Crispin, by Avi. They are not required by encouraged.
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An author must capture the interest of the reader from the very first page, or at least the first chapter.
How does Avi immediately touch our emotions and gain sympathy for Asta’s son?
Asta’s son observes, “Mind, godly folk had no business beyond their lawful homes at such a time. Night
was a mask for outlaws, hungry wolves, the Devil and his minions.” Is he suggesting it is sinful to be
out after curfew, or that those who are, are not godly? Why or why not?
What happens in the forest that sets off a chain of events that ends with Asta’s son hiding from those
who would kill him?
To compare means to show how two things are alike. To contrast means to show how they are
different. Read Matthew 18:23–35. How does Aycliffe’s attitude compare or contrast with the king’s
attitude toward his servants in Matthew 18?
Foreshadowing is a technique authors use to prepare us for changes coming in the book or lives of the
main characters. When Father Quinel warns Crispin, “Speak low, there’s always a Judas lurking,” what
does this foreshadow for Father Quinel and Crispin?
Bear had a somewhat unconventional view of religion for the time in which he lived. He says, “Crispin,
as Jesus is my witness, churches, priests—they’re all unneeded. The only cross you need is the one in
your heart.” What does Bear mean by this?
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Read Romans 8:28. What does God promise us in this verse? Also read Genesis 45:4–11, 50:19–21.
(For the full story of Joseph, read Genesis 37, 39–47.) How did God use something that seemed
terrible for Joseph to turn it into something good? In what way could God be helping Crispin?
Crispin tells Bear that his mother knew how to read and write. After they see the men at the bridge,
Bear asks to see the lead cross and the writing upon it. What does Bear find?
Why did Crispin explore Great Wexly alone, without proper caution?
In the middle of Chapter 32, Bear tells Crispin, “I suppose the Devil has as many faces as there are
sins. At the moment however, I think of him as Lord Furnival.” Why does Bear say this about Lord
Furnival?
After Crispin learns who he is, he reviews all the evil that has happened because of who his parents
were, including the death of Father Quinel and Bear’s abduction. What is the question Crispin decides
needs answering?
Read 2 Samuel 11:1–12:18. Compare this story with Lord Furnival and his actions. How are they
similar? In what important ways are they different?
When Crispin leaves his room in the Green Man, he carefully takes his “sole possession” with him.
What is it? Why is it important?
John Aycliffe tells Crispin, “There’s an order to things which God Himself has put in place. It can never
be changed.” Of what is he trying to convince Crispin?
At the end of the story, as he and Bear are walking away from Great Wexly, Crispin says he finally feels
free. What is he finally freed from?
Source: Bright Ideas Press
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