English I Summer Reading Guide: Swallowing Stones
Name:_________________________________
Part I: Vocabulary
For each of the following words, fill out the accompanying table. Use a dictionary (or an online
dictionary) to find the part of speech (noun, adjective, verb, etc.) and the best definition for the word as
used in the text. Use a thesaurus (or an online thesaurus) to find MULTIPLE synonyms and antonyms.
Use your copy of Swallowing Stones to find the sentence where the word is used. Finally, demonstrate
your understanding of the word by writing your own sentence using the word.
1. Manslaughter
pg. 12
Part of Speech:
Complete Definition:
Synonyms:
Sentence from Swallowing Stones:
Antonyms:
Write your own example sentence:
2. Trajectory
pg. 26
Part of Speech:
Complete Definition:
Synonyms:
Sentence from Swallowing Stones:
Antonyms:
Write your own example sentence:
3. Gyroscope
pg. 61
Part of Speech:
Complete Definition:
Synonyms:
Sentence from Swallowing Stones:
Antonyms:
Write your own example sentence:
4. Convulsive
pg. 80
Part of Speech:
Complete Definition:
Synonyms:
Sentence from Swallowing Stones:
Antonyms:
Write your own example sentence:
5. Muffled
pg. 97
Part of Speech:
Complete Definition:
Synonyms:
Sentence from Swallowing Stones:
Write your own example sentence:
Antonyms:
6. Oxidize
pg. 112
Part of Speech:
Complete Definition:
Synonyms:
Sentence from Swallowing Stones:
Antonyms:
Write your own example sentence:
7. Mire
pg. 119
Part of Speech:
Complete Definition:
Synonyms:
Sentence from Swallowing Stones:
Antonyms:
Write your own example sentence:
8. Indignant
pg. 145
Part of Speech:
Complete Definition:
Synonyms:
Sentence from Swallowing Stones:
Antonyms:
Write your own example sentence:
9. Shards
pg. 183
Part of Speech:
Complete Definition:
Synonyms:
Sentence from Swallowing Stones:
Antonyms:
Write your own example sentence:
10. Truce
pg. 233
Part of Speech:
Complete Definition:
Synonyms:
Sentence from Swallowing Stones:
Write your own example sentence:
Antonyms:
Part II: Character Relationships
Identify whether each of the relationships listed below are positive, negative, or both. Then explain
in at least TWO complete sentences how the relationship is positive or negative using specific
examples from the text. Also include a quote that supports your answer.
Relationship
Positive or Negative?
Explain Why
Michael and Joe
Passage from text with page #:
Michael and
Amy
Passage from text with page #:
Jenna and her
mother
Passage from text with page #:
Jenna and
Andrea
Passage from text with page #:
Darcy and Amy
Passage from text with page #:
Michael and
Jenna
Passage from text with page #:
Part III: Discussion Questions
Answer the following questions in complete sentences using textual evidence. Use the page numbers
given to find your answers. Make sure to answer all parts of the question. You should ALWAYS use
up all of the space given.
1. What is Michael’s reaction when he finds out that he is the one who killed Jenna’s father?
What does this tell you about his character? (pg. 11-15)
Passage from the text that supports your answer:
Page # of
Quote:
2. How does the accidental shooting affect Michael’s relationship with his girlfriend, Darcy?
Passage from the text that supports your answer:
Page # of
Quote:
3. How does the accidental shooting affect Jenna’s relationship with her boyfriend, Jason?
Passage from the text that supports your answer:
Page # of
Quote:
4. How does Amy influence both Michael and Jenna in positive ways?
Passage from the text that supports your answer:
Page # of
Quote:
5. Why does Michael feel the need to look out for Jenna and her mother? What does he do to
help them?
Passage from the text that supports your answer:
Page # of
Quote: