Class discussion: In your family, what are your responsibilities? What are your parents’ responsibilities? How does this affect your family dynamics? What would happen if suddenly you were called upon to take on some of your parents’ jobs? How would this change your life?

As you begin to read, compare your daily jobs with those imposed on Lyddie and Charles. How do Lyddie’s many duties shape her character?

There are many higher-level vocabulary words used in this novel. As you read, jot down any unfamiliar words. Then try to predict their meaning using the context clues. After you finish each chapter, look up the words to see if you were correct. Then see if you can list a synonym for each of the words.

Common Core State Standards: RL.5.4, RL.6.4, RL.6.11, SL.6.1, L.6.4

Week One (Chapters 1–6)

Week One (Chapters 1–6):

If you had to choose between working in a tavern and working in a mill, which would you pick and why? Justify your answer using details from the text.

A simile is a figure of speech in which two unlike things are explicitly compared using the words like or as. Katherine Paterson uses many similes in this novel to create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. For example: “The whole complex, recently painted with a mix of red ochre and buttermilk, stood against the sky like a row of giant beets popped clear of the earth.” Find another simile in this section. Then write a simile using one of Lyddie’s character traits.

Examples:

Lyddie is as brave as _____________.

Lyddie works as hard as _____________.

Lyddie’s life is like _____________.

An author develops a character using different types of traits. Some of these traits include physical traits, personality, attitude, and reputation. Examples of physical traits include: tall, thin, gray haired, and strong. Personality traits can be things like stubborn, wise, caring, and courageous. Attitude is how a person approaches the world. A character’s attitude can be positive, negative, hostile, or cheerful. Reputation is how others see the character. Examples include other characters thinking that the character is kind, a troublemaker, inspirational, or immature.

Divide your paper into four sections and label each section with one of the bolded terms. As you read, record evidence of Lyddie’s character in each of the appropriate sections.

In Chapter 6, Lyddie comes home and finds a runaway slave in her home. She knows that if she turns him in, she will earn a hundred dollars, a sum that would pay off her family’s debts. However, she chooses to help him instead. What choice would you have made if you were Lyddie?

On this page, Ezekial says, “A little reading is an exceedingly dangerous thing.” Do you feel that it is more dangerous to be literate or illiterate? Justify your answer.

Common Core State Standards: RL.5.4, RL.6.1, RL.6.4, L.6.5

Week Two (Chapters 7–12)

Week Two (Chapters 7–12):