Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh
6th Grade Reading – Summer Assignment
It’s important to keep your brain working over the summer so that we can pick up where we left
off. I suggest you start working on this assignment early so you have plenty of time to finish.
However, I also encourage you to review your work and re-read the book during the couple of
weeks before school so you are prepared for class discussion and activities.
Step One – as you read
Complete the attached Literary Data Form. Be sure you are thorough and work neatly. All work
should be done in pencil.
Step Two – after you read
Answer the following questions in paragraph form (5-6 sentences). You may type or handwrite
your responses. Typed responses should be in size 12 Times New Roman. Handwritten responses should be done on loose-leaf paper in pencil.
1. Select a short passage from the novel that shows characters helping one another. (Write
the page number and beginning line before writing your answer). What are the outcomes
of those situations? How would the situation have been different had the characters decided not to help?
2. This book received a Newberry Medal. Why do you think it was chosen as a winner?
Find a short passage in the book that supports your ideas (write the page number and
beginning line before writing your explanation).
3. In 1-2 paragraphs, describe the many dangers/conflicts that Mrs. Frisby, her family, and
others in her community face. Explain how she faces those difficulties; and name what
positive traits she shows in the novel. Be sure to use supporting details from the text.
Please restate the question when you begin writing.
Both assignments are due on the first day of school for a project grade.
An in class essay that refers to the short response questions will also be assigned during the first
week of school. Consider this your opportunity for pre-writing.
Literary Data Form
Title: ____________________________________
Author:__________________________________
Date of Publication: ________________________
Genre: ___________________________________
Biographical information about the author.
Historical Information about the period of
publication.
Characteristics of the Genre
Plot Summary
Describe the Author’s Style
An example from the text that demonstrates that style.
(cite location in text)
Memorable Quotes (at least 5)
Quotation (cite location)
Significance
Characters
Name
Role in The Story
Significance
Adjectives to
Describe this
Character
Setting
Significance of Opening Scene
Symbols
Significance of Closing/Ending Scene
Possible Themes (at least two), with reasoning.