Name: ____________________________
5th grade Summer Reading Guide for
The Keeping Room
Directions: Complete the chart for each chapter of the book (may be in list format). Then, respond to the questions or
prompts that follow on the lines provided. Please use complete sentences for these responses. Make sure to bring
this reading guide with you to class on the first day of school.
Also, as you read, make note of interesting historical events, people, places or facts about which you would like to
learn more. You will have the opportunity to research your topic of choice during the first week of school and create a
product that combines this story with your historical research. A menu of product choices will be provided by your
history teacher. A page has been provided at the back of this reading guide where you may jot down interesting
historical information.
Before Reading
The Keeping Room is a work of historical fiction. What does historical fiction mean to you?
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Make a prediction. What is a keeping room and how will it be important to the story?
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The setting of a book is its time and place. As you read The Keeping Room, look for clues to the setting. Write several
sentences telling what you read that led you determine this story’s setting.
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As you read the story, keep a list of feelings you are having and write a few sentences telling what have you read that
caused you to feel this way. Space is provided on the back of this page. For example, if you find yourself feeling angry,
write that down and then explain what you read that gave you that feeling. Write at least eight entries on this page. It is
okay to list the same feeling more than once, but share other feelings you had as well.
My Feelings About What I’m Reading
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Part/Event in Story
My Feeling
Explanation
CHAPTER ONE
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
CHAPTER TWO
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
Use what you have learned in these two chapters to respond to the following: Why doesn’t Euven Wylie go to war?
What are your thoughts about his reasons? If you were a young man at this time, would you think as Joey does or as
Euven? Give support for your answer.
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CHAPTER THREE
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
CHAPTER FOUR
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
As you read from chapter 5 and beyond – The author shows the character traits of Joey and his sister, Mary, through
what they say and do. What differences do you notice between the two in their character and personality? Give several
examples from the story to support your answers.
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CHAPTER FIVE
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
Why did the British soldiers take over the Kershaw home to use as their headquarters? Take time to think about what
you have learned about the Kershaw family as you prepare your answer to this question.
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CHAPTER SIX
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
Make a prediction. Will Joey have a chance to strike against the Redcoats as his father tells him to do? What do you
think he will do?
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Joey did not want to witness the prisoners being hanged in his backyard. He later changed his mind and wanted to speak
to each one before they died. Why did this become so important to Joey?
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CHAPTER SEVEN
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
On page 100, Biddy says, “Redbirds, blackbirds, all birds loves their babies just the same.” What is Biddy trying to get
Joey to understand?
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CHAPTER EIGHT
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
CHAPTER NINE
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
CHAPTER TEN
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
Even though Captain Harkins is the enemy, he gives his life to save Joey. Why do you think he does this? What does this
tell you about Captain Harkins?
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CHAPTER ELEVEN
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
CHAPTER TWELVE
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
The main character, Joey, changes drastically from the beginning of the story to the end. Give a t least three examples of
the way Joey changes and what causes this change.
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After reading - Write a short book review of The Keeping Room. A book review is a short writing briefly telling what a
book is about and why someone else should or should not read it. You give your opinion to others who may be
considering reading it. Tell in a few sentences what this book was about. Then tell your opinion about the book giving
reasons to support those opinions.
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Historical Connection to The Keeping Room
Directions: As you read, make note of interesting historical events, people, places or facts about which you would like
to learn more. You will have the opportunity to research your topic of choice during the first week of school and
create a product that combines this story with your historical research. A menu of product choices will be provided by
your history teacher.
Events I’d like to know more about:
People and places I’d like to know more about:
Facts/Items I’d like to know more about:
Name: ____________________________
6th grade Summer Reading Guide for
Number the Stars
Directions: Complete the chart for each chapter of the book (may be in list format). An example of each category in
the chart has been provided for Chapter One. Then, respond to the questions or prompts that follow on the lines
provided. Please use complete sentences for these responses. Make sure to bring this reading guide with you to class
on the first day of school.
Also, as you read, make note of interesting historical events, people, places or facts about which you would like to
learn more. You will have the opportunity to research your topic of choice during the first week of school and create a
product that combines this story with your historical research. A menu of product choices will be provided by your
history teacher. A page has been provided at the back of this reading guide where you may jot down interesting
historical information.
Before Reading
Number the Stars is a work of historical fiction. What does historical fiction mean to you?
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CHAPTER ONE
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
• Ellen – young girl, friend of
Anne Marie, dark hair
Key Events (list in order)
•
Girls encounter soldiers on
way home
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
• Sneering – page 3
Ellen and Annemarie are stopped by German soldiers on their way home from school. They decide not to tell their
parents about this so that their parents will not worry. What would you do in the same or similar situation? Would you
tell your parents? Why or why not?
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CHAPTER TWO
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
The setting of a book is its time and place. As you read Number the Stars, look for clues to the setting. Write several
sentences telling what you read that led you determine this story’s setting.
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CHAPTER THREE
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
The Germans begin ordering Jewish people to close up their shops and businesses, but other people are not being
required to do this. Can you think of groups of people you know about or have read about that have also been treated
poorly? Who are they? How does it make you feel to hear about these people? What do you think about the people who
are mistreating others?
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CHAPTER FOUR
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
CHAPTER FIVE
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
What words and phrases in Chapter 5 help you to visualize the voices and actions of the Nazis who break into the
Johansens’ home? How do you feel as you visualize the invaders’ behavior? Why do you think you feel that way?
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CHAPTER SIX
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
CHAPTER SEVEN
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
In this chapter you learn that Ellen has never seen the ocean before; the real ocean that is a world of open water.
Remember back to the first time you saw the ocean. Describe in a short paragraph a clear memory you have of the
ocean - the water, the horizon, the beach and the people you saw. If you have never been to the ocean, describe
another place that you have been to that you love and think is wonderful.
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CHAPTER EIGHT
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
CHAPTER NINE
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
CHAPTER TEN
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
Ellen says, “I’m so sorry your Aunt Birte died.” What causes Annemarie to keep the truth from Ellen? What effect does
Annemarie’s silence have on Ellen?
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In Chapter Ten, you finally discover the source of the title for this book. Find the passage in which “number the stars” is
mentioned. Where does this passage come from?
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CHAPTER ELEVEN
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
CHAPTER TWELVE
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
The book is written from Annemarie’s point of view. Take some time to think about Ellen’s point of view. How
do you think she feels about the journey to Sweden? What thoughts are going through her mind?
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CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
Annemarie is given a great responsibility to carry a very important package to her uncle. Think about a time you were
given a great responsibility. What was the situation and what made it so great? How did you feel about being the one to
have this responsibility?
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CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
Annemarie leans more as Uncle Henrick explains why the handkerchief is so important. Summarize what the
handkerchief was used for.
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Think about bravery and courage. Does bravery mean being unafraid, or does it mean doing something daring even if
you are afraid? Use Annemarie’s journey to her uncle’s ship as an example. What other examples of courage can you
find in these chapters?
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AFTERWORD
What was some new (and maybe surprising) information included in the afterword?
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What message would the author like her readers to remember from this book?
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Why is it important to read the afterword of historical fiction books?
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After reading – You learned much about the main character, Annmarie, as you read this story. Think of three words or
character traits that you would use to describe her. Give specific examples from the story to support the character traits
you chose. In other words, what did you read that made you think Annemarie was that type of person?
Example: If you think Annemarie was intelligent, what specifically did you read that showed you her
intelligence? If you think she was foolish, what specifically did you read that led you to that conclusion?
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After reading - Write a short book review of Number the Stars. A book review is a short writing briefly telling what a
book is about and why someone else should or should not read it. You give your opinion to others who may be
considering reading it. Tell in a few sentences what this book was about. Then tell your opinion about the book giving
reasons to support those opinions.
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Historical Connection to Number the Stars
Directions: As you read, make note of interesting historical events, people, places or facts about which you would like
to learn more. You will have the opportunity to research your topic of choice during the first week of school and
create a product that combines this story with your historical research. A menu of product choices will be provided by
your history teacher.
Events I’d like to know more about:
People and places I’d like to know more about:
Facts/Items I’d like to know more about:
Name: ____________________________
7th grade Summer Reading Guide for
The Egypt Game
Directions: Complete the chart for each chapter of the book (may be in list format). Then, respond to the questions or
prompts that follow on the lines provided. Please use complete sentences for these responses. Make sure to bring
this reading guide with you to class on the first day of school.
Also, as you read, make note of interesting historical events, people, places or facts about which you would like to
learn more. You will have the opportunity to research your topic of choice during the first week of school and create a
product that combines this story with your historical research. A menu of product choices will be provided by your
history teacher. A page has been provided at the back of this reading guide where you may jot down interesting
historical information.
CHAPTER ONE – The Discovery of Egypt
Key Characters in this chapter (and
Key Events (list in order)
notes about them)
•
•
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
How do people in the community generally feel about the Professor?
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Who first witnesses the Egypt Game?
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CHAPTER TWO- Enter April
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
What does April Hall sometimes call herself? Why?
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Why is April impressed by the man at A-Z?
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What does April tell the man she wants to be when she grows up?
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CHAPTER THREE - Enter Melanie–and Marshall
Key Characters in this chapter (and
Key Events (list in order)
notes about them)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
What is Melanie’s “favorite occupation?”
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What does Melanie keep hidden in the “dull-looking old geography book?”
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How does April react to Melanie’s secret hobby?
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What name does Melanie give to the games that the girls play?
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CHAPTER FOUR – The Egypt Girls
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
How do April and Melanie earn the name “the Egypt girls?”
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What do April, Marshall, and Melanie find in the deserted yard that April considers “a beautiful messenger from out of
the ancient past?”
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CHAPTER FIVE - The Evil God and the Secret Spy
Key Characters in this chapter (and
Key Events (list in order)
notes about them)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
Who do the girls appoint pharaoh? Why?
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What do they name the pharaoh?
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What happens – unbeknownst to the girls – after they throw the boxes over the fence?
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CHAPTER SIX – Eyelashes and Ceremony
Key Characters in this chapter (and
Key Events (list in order)
notes about them)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
What nickname do Toby and Ken give to April? Why is it important?
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What do Isis and Nefertiti represent?
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How are the rituals of the Egypt game recorded?
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What is the Crocodile Stone? What do the girls do with it?
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CHAPTER SEVEN - Neferbeth
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
Why do April and Melanie ask Elizabeth to join the Egypt game?
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CHAPTER EIGHT – Prisoners of Fear
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
How does Elizabeth respond to the Egypt game?
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What name do Melanie and April give to Elizabeth in the game? ______________________________________________
Who does the community believe is guilty? _______________________________________________________________
Who organizes the efforts to invite the Professor to leave? __________________________________________________
What changes do the players notice in Egypt when they stop by briefly?
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CHAPTER NINE – Summoned by the Mighty One
Key Characters in this chapter (and
Key Events (list in order)
notes about them)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
What is April’s plan for revisiting Egypt?
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What costumes do April, Elizabeth, Melanie, and Marshall wear for Halloween?
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CHAPTER TEN – The Return to Egypt
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
What does the Egypt gang claim to be the secret omen?
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CHAPTER ELEVEN – Egypt Invaded
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
What does April declare the Crocodile God demands for sacrifice?
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What do the players decide to use for sacrifices?
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CHAPTER TWELVE - Elizabethan Diplomacy
Key Characters in this chapter (and
Key Events (list in order)
notes about them)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
Who enters Egypt uninvited?
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Why does Elizabeth invite the boys to join their game?
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Who does Melanie credit with saving the Egypt game after outsiders discover the game’s existence?
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Why does Melanie think that Elizabeth’s method is successful?
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What does “diplomacy” mean?
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CHAPTER THIRTEEN – Moods and Maybes
Key Characters in this chapter (and
Key Events (list in order)
notes about them)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
What kind of list does Toby ask the girls to make? What does he plan to do with it?
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CHAPTER FOURTEEN - Hieroglyphics
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
What do Toby and Ken bring to Egypt?
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Who is Thoth?
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Why does Toby think they should finish the alphabet of hieroglyphics?
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List the players’ Egyptian names and hieroglyphic symbols.
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CHAPTER FIFTEEN – The Ceremony for the Dead
Key Characters in this chapter (and
Key Events (list in order)
notes about them)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
How are the high priests of Anubis chosen for the ceremony?
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Why do the players become less cautious?
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What knowledge does “one very small Egyptian” keep to himself?
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CHAPTER SIXTEEN – The Oracle of Thoth
Key Characters in this chapter (and
Key Events (list in order)
notes about them)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
Why does Ken think the rest of the players are crazy?
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CHAPTER SEVENTEEN – The Oracle Speaks
Key Characters in this chapter (and
Key Events (list in order)
notes about them)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
Why do the Egyptians argue about the oracle’s answer?
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CHAPTER EIGHTEEN – Where is Security?
Key Characters in this chapter (and
Key Events (list in order)
notes about them)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
What does Marshall leave in Egypt? _____________________________________________________________________
What does April ask the oracle?
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How do the Egyptians react to the oracle’s answer?
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Who is most worried about Marshall’s question to the oracle? Why?
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CHAPTER NINETEEN – Confession and Confusion
Key Characters in this chapter (and
Key Events (list in order)
notes about them)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
Why does Toby call April at home?
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Why does Toby fake injury?
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How does the oracle answer Marshall’s questions?
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Why was everyone surprised by the oracle’s response to Marshall’s question?
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CHAPTER TWENTY – Fear Strikes
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
Who wants to ask the oracle another question? Why?
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CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE – The Hero
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
How does Marshall describe the man who grabs April?
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How does Marshall’s participation in the capture change his behavior?
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CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO – Gains and Losses
Key Characters in this chapter (and
Key Events (list in order)
notes about them)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
What is the Professor’s real name? _____________________________________________________________________
What objects does the Professor show to April? _________________________________________________________
To whom did the items the Professor showed to April once belong? _______________________________________
How does April respond to Dorothea’s letter?
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CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE – Christmas Keys
Key Characters in this chapter (and
Key Events (list in order)
notes about them)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
Who asks to see the Egypt gang on Christmas Eve? ________________________________________________________
What reason does the Professor give for wanting to meet with the group?
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What is the Professor’s former profession? _______________________________________________________________
How did A-Z store get started?
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What information does the Professor give about the oracle?
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Why does April feel sad after the children receive their keys?
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After reading - Write a short book review of The Egypt Game. A book review is a short writing briefly telling what a book
is about and why someone else should or should not read it. You give your opinion to others who may be considering
reading it. Tell in a few sentences what this book was about. Then tell your opinion about the book giving reasons to
support those opinions.
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Historical Connection to The Egypt Game
Directions: As you read, make note of interesting historical events, people, places or facts about which you would like
to learn more. You will have the opportunity to research your topic of choice during the first week of school and
create a product that combines this story with your historical research. A menu of product choices will be provided by
your history teacher.
Events I’d like to know more about:
People and places I’d like to know more about:
Facts/Items I’d like to know more about:
Name: ____________________________
8th grade Summer Reading Guide for
The Midwife’s Apprentice
Directions: Complete the chart for each chapter of the book (may be in list format). An example of each category in
the chart has been provided for Chapter One. Then, respond to the questions or prompts that follow on the lines
provided. Please use complete sentences for these responses. Make sure to bring this reading guide with you to class
on the first day of school.
Also, as you read, make note of interesting historical events, people, places or facts about which you would like to
learn more. You will have the opportunity to research your topic of choice during the first week of school and create a
product that combines this story with your historical research. A menu of product choices will be provided by your
history teacher. A page has been provided at the back of this reading guide where you may jot down interesting
historical information.
Before Reading
The Midwife’s Apprentice is a work of historical fiction. What does historical fiction mean to you?
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CHAPTER ONE
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
• Brat/Beetle - 13 yrs. old,
found sleeping in a dung heap
Key Events (list in order)
•
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
Brat is discovered in a dung
• Moiling – pg. 1
heap by Jane
CHAPTER TWO
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
CHAPTER THREE
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
CHAPTER FOUR
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
CHAPTER FIVE
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
CHAPTER SIX
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
CHAPTER SEVEN
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
CHAPTER EIGHT
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
CHAPTER NINE
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
CHAPTER TEN
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
CHAPTER TWELVE
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Key Characters in this chapter (and
notes about them)
Key Events (list in order)
New Vocabulary Words for Me (with
page number)
1) In what ways does Alyce demonstrate intelligence? Why do you think some people call her a “lackwit fool”?
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2) What are some of the villagers’ beliefs and superstitions? Why is it important for the author to include those beliefs
in the story?
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3) Who or what is “the devil”? What do the devil’s visits reveal about the villagers?
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4) What events and beliefs about herself cause Alyce to leave the midwife? What makes her decide to return?
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5) In what ways do Jane Sharp, Will, the cat, Edward, Jennet, and Magister Reese all help Alyce to find her place in the
world?
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6) How is life different for children of Alyce’s time than it is for children now? How is it similar?
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7) Do you think Alyce will succeed in making a life for herself? Why? Be able to point to evidence in the text to back up
your answer.
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Write a short book review of The Midwife’s Apprentice. A book review is a short writing briefly telling what a book is
about and why someone else should or should not read it. You give your opinion to others who may be considering
reading it. Tell in a few sentences what this book was about. Then tell your opinion about the book giving reasons to
support those opinions.
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Historical Connection to The Midwife’s Apprentice
Directions: As you read, make note of interesting historical events, people, places or facts about which you would like
to learn more. You will have the opportunity to research your topic of choice during the first week of school and
create a product that combines this story with your historical research. A menu of product choices will be provided by
your history teacher.
Events I’d like to know more about:
People and places I’d like to know more about:
Facts/Items I’d like to know more about: