Life As We Know It - Chapter 5

The school year is ending abruptly for Miranda and her friends in chapter five. I'm sure some of you are tempted to root for a meteor to hit the moon in real life so you do not have Regents Exams this June! However, this is just one more example of how Miranda and the rest of humanity have had their lives turned upside down.

A lot of issues arose this chapter. Questions of rationing, religion, depression and striking a balance between helping others and looking out for yourself.

1. Why does it bother Miranda so much that Megan gives away half her sandwich during lunch (p. 65)?
   


2. How does Miranda feel about Megan's new found religious beliefs (p. 68-69)? Based on the first five chapters, why do you think Megan has become so religious? Do you think its affecting her ability to make good decisions concerning her self and her relationship with others?
   
   
3. Electricity is something we more or less take for granted. As we see today in places like Iraq [as a result of the war], inconsistent electric service can have a substantial impact on people's lives. What if the Rochester area was faced with limited to no electric service for several months? How would you cope?

Please provide FREDs (facts, reasons, examples and details) to support your response!

Life As We Knew It - Chapter 4

1. How would you descrbe Miranda's relationship with her brothers, Matt and Jonny?
   
   
2. How has the moon affected weather around the world? How has it effected life locally in Miranda's community?
   
   
3. Why is there National Day of Mourning?
   
   
4. In this chapter, gasoline has reached $9 a gallon. When gas topped $4 a gallon locally last year, it was a burden for many people. How would a sudden spike in fuel to $9 affect your family? Ask your parents if you are unsure.
   

Life As We Knew It - Chapter 3

A reminder: remember to answer these blog questions in complete sentences with sufficient supporting details. It may be appropriate to answer a question with more than one sentence. Proofread your comments; self-advocate for help if you need assistance with spelling and punctuation!

1. What changes does Miranda notice in people immediately after the meteor strike?
2. What does Miranda experience at the supermarket that makes her think things have changed for the worse (p. 35-38).
3. Was Miranda's mother only concerned with providing for her family? Why or why not?
   
4. If a natural disaster hit Rochester and you would be without electricity for several weeks, what would be the ten things you would want to get from Wegmans? What problems would you suspect you would have acquiring these things?
   

Life as We Knew It - Chapter 2

1. The meteor has struck the moon. Describe the change in people's behavior before and after the the meteor impacted the moon.
   



2. What has happened to the moon? Describe the change.
   



3. What has happened to the coastal cities? Based on what you know about the moon, why has this happened?
   



4. After the collision, Miranda feels that "Civilization has ended" (p. 21). Why? Are the tools she talks about indispensable to our civilization?

Life as We Knew It - Chapter 1

The next book we will be reading is Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. For this particular book, we will be answering our homework questions via our class Blog. However, there still may be other class assignments in written form.

On the tool bar in the right column, you will find links to chapter summaries based on the book. On my website, you will find additional helpful links.

The Harcourt Publishing discussion guide describes Life as We Knew It as:

Miranda’s disbelief turns to fear in a split second when a meteor knocks the moon closer to the earth. How should her family prepare for the future when worldwide tsunamis wipe out the coasts, earthquakes rock the continents, and volcanic ash blocks out the sun? As summer turns to Arctic winter, Miranda, her two brothers, and their mother retreat to the unexpected safe haven of their sunroom, where they subsist on stockpiled food and limited water in the warmth of a wood-burning stove.

Told in journal entries, this is the heart-pounding story of Miranda’s struggle to hold on to the most important resource of all—hope—in an increasingly desperate and unfamiliar world.

We will begin our reading during the Spring Season with Chapter One. After reading the chapter as a class, please answer the following questions in the chapter comments:

1. Before the meteor hits, what were the biggest concerns in Miranda's life?


2. How does Becky's death affect the relationship between Miranda, Megan and Sammi?


3. Your Opinion: Miranda seems primarily concerned with the homework demands associated with the news that a meteor will be hitting the moon and not the consequences of the event for the people of Earth. When you here of a possible dangerous weather event happening in the Rochester area, what is your reaction to the news? Why?

Survival Plan

Your mission, whether or not you chose to except it, is to create a survival plan for your family. What supplies would your family need in the event of a natural disaster? What will each family member need to know (i.e. a meeting place, etc.)

Directions: Post your survival plan (a Power Point that may include videos, pictures, etc. -- ask Mr. Hermance for help if you need to). What supplies, tips/strategies, etc. would your family need to survive a natural disaster.

After each person has posted their survival plan, each one of you will go to the comments section and leave feedback. Will their plan be successful? What suggestions do you have? Did they forget anything?

Your Power Point will need to be uploaded to slideshare.net.

Helpful links:

• Popular Mechanics: Natural Disaster Recovery
• Popular Mechanics: Survival Checklist (PDF)
• Center for Disease Control: Disasters
• FEMA: Are you ready?
• FEMA for Kids: The Disaster Area
• Health and Human Services: Disasters and Emergencies
• National Council for Natural Disaster Preparedness
• You are not limited to these links.

My expectations are that your plan will be explained in complete sentences and in your own words. Plagiarism will result in a zero for this assignment. It is also an expectation that you proof read your response to ensure correct grammar, spelling and punctuation. Blogger has a spell check tool. As you approach the end of your ninth grade year, it is also an expectation that you will independently self-advocate to Mr. Hermance if you need help with any part of this assignment or utilizing the blog.

LAWKI - Disaster Preparedness

Survival is an important theme of our the new novel we will be reading as a class, Life As We Knew it by Susan Beth Pfeffer. The quick thinking of the main charachter's (Miranda) mother helps the family survive the initial stages of a global natural disaster.

If a natural disaster was to hit the Rochester area, how prepared would you be? Take the following quiz (Natural Disaster Preparedness Quiz) and post your answer to the following questions in complete sentences:

1. In your opinion, how prepared are you for the possible disaster scenarios described in the quiz?
2. What are three things you learned from the quiz.

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 38

Chapter 38 – The House of Eternity

1. Use a flow map to sequence the events of El Patron’s wake, funeral, burial, etc.


2. What happened to all of the Alcarans and most of the bodyguards, including Tamlin?


3. How did Daft Donald survive?


4. Why did Tam Lin not warn anyone else?


5. Tam Lin knew what would happen to him by drinking the toast to El Patron. Why do you suppose he drank anyway?


6. Describe the Dragon Horde.

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 37

Chapter 37 – Homecoming

1. Describe Esperanza.


2. How has things changed in Opium?


3. How many lock downs have there been for Opium. What is different about this one?


4. What is Esperanza’s plan.


5. What is Matt’s reaction to Esperanza’s plan?


6. What does Esperanza’s view of international law mean for Matt? What is Matt to do?


7. What was the extent of the suffering El Patron had caused?


8. What was Matt’s job?


9. Who greeted Matt in the music room?


10. What do you think happened to Tam Lin?

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 36

Chapter 36 – The Castle on The Hill

1. Describe the costumes. Are any of the costumes familiar to Matt?


2. Who was waiting for Matt and Fidelito at the hospital?


3. Who stopped the brawl with the keepers at the hospital?


4. What was reported to the Aztlan police?


5. What happened to the keepers?


6. Who arrived at the end of the chapter?

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 35

Chapter 35 – El Dia De Los Muertos

1. What happened to Matt at the Colorado River?


2. Who came to help Matt and Chacho?


3. Where were the boys taken?


4. What day was being celebrated? Purpose?


5. Where were the boys going to be taken to?


6. How would the boys go undetected?

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 34

Chapter 34 – The Shrimp Harvester

1. Who arrived to help the boys? With what?
   
2. How was Chacho removed from the bone pit?


3. How are the boys escaping?


4. What happened to the keepers?


5. Where is Flaco going? Why?


6. What did Matt say to Ton-Ton to try to console him?


7. Where are Matt and Fidelito going?

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 33

Chapter 33 – The Boneyard

1. Describe the boneyard.


2. Why was the tape on Matt’s mouth removed?


3. How does Matt describe Tam Lin?


4. What is the boys’ status at the end of the chapter?

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 32

Chapter 32 – Found Out

1. How did Matt begin to feel the confessions?



2. Why is Fidelito punished by Jorge in particular?



3. According to Jorge, why must the lazy be punished?



4. What did Matt do rather than “retreat to his private kingdom?”



5. What was Flaco’s “implied threat” (p. 320-321).



6. What was found out about Matt? What was the impact on the other boys?



7. Who comes to Matt’s defense? What does he say?



8. Where were Matt and Chacho taken?

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 31

Chapter 31 – Ton-Ton

1. Who is Luna?
2. How many keepers were there? How many boys?
3. Describe the keepers’ compound.
4. Did Ton-Ton have a problem with how the keepers lived?
5. Why didn’t Matt want the Landarum?
6. What happened every night? What was the significance of this event to Matt?
7. What happened to Matt’s skin?
8. What is Matt’s escape plan?
9. Why was “friendship a pain” for Matt?
10. Why is Ton-Ton loyal to Jorge?
11. Why did the boys want to be “friends” with Ton-Ton?
12. Matt finally admits who is his mother?
13. Who does he see as his father figure?
14. What is Matt’s Reaction to the thought of Tam Lin and Celia? Chacho’s reaction?

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 30

Chapter 30 – Where the Whales Lost Their Legs

1. Where were the boys from?


2. Why was Matt targeted with accusations each night?


3. Chacho and Fidelitio?


4. What do the good bees do to the evil drones according to Jorge?


5. What happened to Ton-Ton?


6. What comparison was made to El Patron?


7. What lesson did Matt learn from what happened to Ton-Ton?


8. What did Fidelito do out of fear of what would happen to Matt?


9. Why did Matt confess and take a beating?


10. How did the boys react?


11. What did Matt take at the infirmary?

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 29

Chapter 29 – Washing a Dirty Mind

Matt continues to be called "the aristocrat." He chooses to endure Jorge's bedtime story due to the threat of losing another meal. We are introduced to Ton-Ton, a simple minded boy who reinforced Jorge's points. Self-criticism is important to keep one's minds sharp and considerate of the "general good of the people." Ton-Ton is the first to model this by telling his "sins" and deriving a punishment for himself.

When it's Matt's turn, he states that he has done nothing wrong, answered by gasps by the other boys. On prompting from Jorge, they hurl accusations at Matt, except Chacho and Fidelito. Matt draws on past relationships for personal strength and realizes new strength through his relationship with Chacho and Fidelito.

1. Why is Matt called “the aristocrat?”


2. Why didn’t Matt contradict the bedtime story?


3. Who is Ton-Ton? What happened to him? Why?


4. What is the role of self criticism?


5. What happened to Matt?


6. What kept Matt going? His Friends?

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 28

Chapter 28 – The Plankton Factory

On the hover craft to the plankton factory, the boys must continue working. Fidelito gets motion sickness and throws up in the bag of plastic strips for sandals. Chacho and Matt have to clean the aircraft and the bag of strips, but they don't ask Fidelito to help because he is too sick.

A new keeper, Carlos, gives the boys a tour of the Plankton factory. Plankton is harvested from the Gulf of California and turned into a variety of foods. The waste flowing from the Colorado river has been diverted back to "Dreamland." Salt is also harvested. The factory is incredibly smelly and the climate is very hot.

Carlos has been informed that Matt is an "aristocrat." The boys are required to recite the Five Principles of Good Citizenship and Four Attitudes Leading to Right-Mindfulness before meals. The boys are told that Plankton is most delicious when shared by all.

The boys (Fidelito, Chacho, Matt) are punished with no food when Matt asks Carlos to points out the hypocrisy of the boys having to walk and Carlos is riding around in an electric cart (and also refuses to take Fidelito back). When Chacho and Matt try to apologize to Fidelito, he responds by saying "You're my compadres! Crot Carlos! Crot the Keepers!"

1. Why was Matt’s work quota double the other boys?


2. What happened at age 18?


3. What other two boys went with Matt to the factory?


4. Who is Matt describing when saying “They couldn’t seem to relax unless they had total control” (p. 278)?


5. Create a bubble map to describe the setting the boys find themselves?


6. What is the symbolism of the emblem of a beehive on the keepers’ uniforms?


7. What is Plankton? Why are they harvesting it?


8. What will prevent escape?


9. Is their equality at the Plankton Factory – do the guards follow the same principles taught to the boys?


10. What happened to the Colorado River and Gulf of California?


11. Why was Fidelito and his grandmother not allowed to leave the refugee camp?


12. Why were the boys denied dinner?

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 27

Chapter 27 – A Five Legged Horse

In this chapter, we learn more of the plight of orphans in the new Aztlan, who are often orphans as a result of losing their parents to Dreamland (opium). The children are made to utter phrases that promote a rejection of individuality and promote working for the good of the state. Matt debates the keeper Raul over the story of the "Five Legged Horse," hampered by the fifth leg of individuality, advocating putting a chip in the brain of workers (eejits) is more efficient, to the disgust of Raul. For standing up to the keepers, Matt is making friends for the first time.

1. Who were the keepers in charge of?


2. Who were the Lost Boys and Lost Girls?


3. What was Opium called at the work camps? What was known about it?


4. What did the boys have to recite before eating?


5. What had happened to most of the boys’ parents?


6. What did Matt not want the other boys to see?


7. Is individualism promoted or discouraged in Aztlan? Why?


8. What was Matt suggesting about Raul’s story (p. 274)? What was Raul’s reaction? Boy’s reaction?


9. What was Matt’s reaction to having friends?

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 26

Chapter 26 – The Lost Boys

Upon making it across the border, Matt is taken in, cleaned up and given food by a group of guards called "Keepers." These keepers where black uniforms with an emblem of a beehive on the sleeve. Matt takes the last name "Ortega" to help disguise his identity and utters a fake story of his parents being captured by the farm patrol that Tam Lin had supplied him. Due to Matt's polite mannerisms, he is labeled an "aristocrat" by the keepers.

After a nights sleep, he is led to a room of other boys by a keeper named Raul. All the boys are working at different tasks and are repeat several phrases relating to work, including "Its hard, but its fair." We learn that this is an orphanage/word camp. Matt tries to follow El Patron's lessons of commanding respect/showing authority. Matt will be transported to a Plankton factory in San Luis with two other boys, Fidelito (a small boy of about eight years old) and a larger, more boisterous boy named Chacho.

1. What name did Matt taken when he asked? Why?


2. How was Matt welcomed in Aztlan?


3. What is Matt’s cover story?


4. Why was Matt asked about skills?


5. Is Matt familiar with the new technology available? Why or why not?


6. What does “The orderly production of resources is vital to the general good of the people” (p. 264), “Its hard, but fair” and “Attention to the welfare of the nation is the highest virtue to which a citizen can aspire” (p. 265) tell you about the priorities of the country of Aztlan?


7. Why did the boys have to be locked in?


8. What is a keeper?


9. What kind of place does Matt find himself at?

Independent Reading Project #2

Reading Comp Project

View more documents from Jason Hermance.

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 25

Chapter 25 – The Farm Patrol

Matt prepped at the Oasis for his escape – a dangerous root requiring much climbing that Celia would not have been able to do had she been able to join him.

Matt feels pity and weeps for El Patron, even thought he doesn’t deserve it.

Matt eludes the Farm Patrol and makes it across the border into Aztlan as a refugee. However, he lost his backpack, money, and was covered in black slime.

1. What is the analogy made comparing a Buzzard to El Patron? (p. 251).


2. Why does Matt weep for El Patron?


3. What does Matt finally see across the border? His reaction?


4. Before crossing the border,, who does Matt see?


5. How was Matt able to get across the border?


6. What did Matt lose crossing the border?

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 24

Chapter 24 – A Final Goodbye

Tam Lin really intended to help Matt escape. He answers Matt’s question about his past activities as a terrorist. Tam Lin is hiding Celia in the stables with Rosa, disguised as an eejit, but she’s unharmed.

We learn the “dirty secret” that clones are no different than other humans and that El Patron has kept Opium one hundred years behind the rest of the world. Tam Lin tells Matt to head to Maria’s convent once he makes it into Aztlan, and then make contact with her mother.

1. Describe Matt’s thoughts/feelings at the beginning of the chapter.


2. What was Tam Lin’s real plan?


3. What was the choice Matt had to make on p. 242.


4. What was Tam Lin’s perspective on the bombing? Working for El Patron?


5. What did Celia show Tam Lin?


6. What does Tam Lin mean when saying he can’t escape the “moral consequences?” What does he intend to do?


7. What does Tam Lin tell Matt to do? Go?


8. What is the “filthy lie” about clones?


9. What is meant by “El Patron kept Opium frozen one hundred years in the past?” (p. 245).


10. Where does Tam Lin tell Matt to head to first when he gets to Aztlan?


11. What is significant about Matt’s escape?

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 23

Chapter 23 – Death

Matt is taken to the hospital and tested and prepped for surgery to provide El Patron with transplant heart. We learn that Matt was allowed to keep his intelligence, as was El Patron’s other clones, so that his clones could live the child hood El Patron did not have a chance to enjoy. El Patron feels he is “owed” the lives of his siblings who died at a young age; he is the only one of eight to live to adulthood.

The Eejits are just “cattle” to El Patron and are of no consequence.

We learn that Celia has poisoned Matt with foxglove from the garden and arsenic, which has been the reason for all of his health problems and has made his organs unfit for transplant. El Patron dies.

Mr. Alcaran orders Tam Lin to dispose of “the clone” as he has now has “no use.” Celia is to be turned into an eejit. Tam Lin describes himself as a “mercenary” and now appears to now be allied with Mr. Alcaran. Matt is devastated when Tam Lin calls him “It."

1. Where has Matt been taken? What thoughts are running through his head?


2. What is Matt being tested by Willem and the other doctors for?


3. What is the one thing that could help Maria?


4. What does El Patron say to Matt from his hospital bed?


5. Why was Matt allowed to keep his intelligence?


6. What is implied by El Patron’s story and the quote “I am meant to have those lives.” (p. 232-233).


7. What is said of the economies of the USA and Aztlan? How have things changed?


8. Does El Patron care about all the eejits killed?


9. Why does El Patron think Matt owes him continued life?


10. Why has Celia poisoned Matt?


11. Why would the technician want a snip of Matt’s hair?


12. How did Matt react to El Patron’s death? How is the news given to him? Is his reaction surprising?


13. What is Mr. Alcaran’s order to Tam Lin? How many other clones were there?


14. How has Tam Lin changed? What will happen to Celia? Why?

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 22

Chapter 22 – Betrayal

Matt is scared and unsure what to do. Matt finally connects all the clues that had been given him over the years – understanding what his purpose is and what hereally means to El Patron.

Maria meets him in the secret passage. Everyone is looking for him. Maria decides to disguise him as an eejit and try to sneak him off the estate with her. Emilia and Stephen betray them and Matt is carried away by body guards.

1. What conflict was Matt trying to deal with?


2. Why do you think El Patron told so many stories to Matt about the afterlife?


3. Who is looking for Matt? Why?


4. What does Maria say to Matt that in other circumstances would have thrilled him?


5. Why does Matt and Tam Lin see El Patron as being like a “Force of Nature?”


6. What is Maria’s plan?


7. What does El Patron need to survive?


8. What did the red light show? What are the possible dangers?


9. What do Matt and Maria say to each other?


10. Who betrayed Matt and Maria?


11. What are all clones considered?


12. What does Matt think would happen?

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 21

Chapter 21 – Blood Wedding

Everyone gathers for the wedding. We learn that El Patron has arranged Emilia and Steven’s wedding for his own purposes, as he did in arranging the marriage of Benito to a Nigerian princess. Matt realizes that he will never be allowed to marry.

Maria now thinks Matt has a soul. Maria tells Matt that El Patron has arranged for her to marry Tom, obviously upsetting Matt. She feels she can change Tom. Matt shows Maria the book containing the picture of her mother. El Patron has another heart attack at the wedding. Tam Lin rushes him to the doctor. Stephen and Emilia are left forgotten at the altar.

1. Who is getting married?


2. Why did Ell Patron want this?


3. Who did Benito Alcaran marry? Why?


4. Why wasn’t Matt going to the Oasis?


5. What was Matt’s attitude toward Stephen and Emilia? Why?


6. Where did Matt and Maria meet?


7. What does Maria think about Matt’s soul?


8. Who is Maria engaged too? Who decided this?


9. What did Matt show Maria?


10. How was Maria different from the others at the wedding?


11. What happened at the end of the wedding?

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 20

Chapter 20 – Esperanza

Matt begins the chapter with a fever. He contemplates the fact that he is fourteen years old, and from his perspective, an adult.

Matt returns to the oasis, where he continues to read more about the history of Opium. He learns that eejits are made from illegal immigrants trying to get from Mexico to the United States, having to pass through Opium. El Patron continues to be described as evil. Matt learns that Esperanza Mendoza is Maria’s mother –Maria was told her mother was dead. He plans on telling Maria her mother is alive.

Could Tam Lin and Celia be working on a plan to save Matt? El Patron is growing weak again and thinks Matt is Felipe, his dead son. He begins to think about running away to Atzlan, but not until Emilia and Steven’s wedding – he had to see Maria again.

1. How did knowing he was 14 make Matt feel?
   
2. Why did Matt further study Tam Lin’s books and Maps?
   
3. Why did El Patron come up with idea of Eejits?
   
4. What happened to dead Eejits?
   
5. How did they lose their humanity?
   
6. What is Matt’s reaction to what he read?
   
7. Who wrote the book? What was the author’s relationship to Maria?
   
8. What did Matt plan to do with his new knowledge?
   
9. Who had once lived at the Oasis?
   
10. Who was Felipe?
    
11. Why can’t Matt escape to Aztlan yet?

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 19

Chapter 19 – Coming – Of – Age

Matt’s voice cracks [changes] when singing to El Patron. He is now fourteen years old. Celia and Tam Lin decide to celebrate this. Tam Lin, after a few drinks, decides to finally tell Matt the truth of his origins despite the cameras. He also says hundred of thousands of Eejits have died during El Patron’s lifetime.

Matt begins to realize why he was created, but still holds on to the believe that he is different and not intended to be spare parts – that’s why he was allowed to keep his intelligence, learn music, etc.

1. What happened to Matt when singing? What does this signify?


2. The statement “clones fall to pieces when they get older” is said once again. Why?


3. Why does Tam Lin want to tell Matt the truth despite the watching cameras?


4. What does Tam Lin say about how they’re treated?


5. How many eejits have died in 100 years?


6. What did Matt begin to realize about the role of clones?


7. Why is it ironic that El Patron refers to Matt as Mi Vida?


8. Why did Matt feel he was different?


9. What did Matt have to “look in the eye?”


10. How old is Matt now?

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 17

Chapter 17 – The Eejit Pens

Both Maria and El Patron leave. Matt further contemplates what Maria said about St. Francis and wonders what St. Francis would have thought about clones and thinks about eejits as his “brother and sister eejits.”

Matt heads to the oasis and begins to reads A History of Opium. He learns the history of the formation of the country of Opium: El Patron approached the leaders of the United States and Mexico to solve their immigration and drug problem. It’s a no-man’s land between the U.S. and Mexico. The Alcarans and the MacGregors are the two most powerful families. The author was Esperanza Mendoza; the publisher was the Anti-Slavery Society of California. El Patron is
described as a dictator, evil, vicious and greedy. This upsets Matt.

On his way home, Matt inspects the water purification plant. He hopes that he has the power to free the eejits at some point in the future. Matt discovers the waste from the plant is disposed of where the Eejits are housed. Matt almost drowns after collapsing from the fumes. He is saved by the Farm Patrol who return him to the house. He learns that they are Scottish and criminals like Tam Lin, who they described as a Scottish Nationalist and Terrorist.

1. Who left at the beginning of the chapter?


2. Why do you think Maria gave Matt he book about St. Francis? Matt’s
   thoughts?


3. Has anything changed about Matt’s feelings about Rosa?


4. Is there any significance to Matt calling Eejits “Brothers and Sister Eejits?”


5. What was contained in a “History of Opium?” How was this different than
   what Matt expected?


6. Create a flow map to sequence History of “Pact Made in Hell.”


7. What organization did Esperanza Mendoza, author of the History, belong to?


8. What was the structure of Opium? Most powerful families and land?


9. How was Matteo Alcaran (El Patron) described by the book?


10. Why did Matt begin studying how the empire worked?


11. What was the first thing Matt wanted to do when “helping the one in charge?”


12. What was done with the polluted water?


13. Who rescued Matt from drowning? What were they part of? How did Matt talk to them?


14. Why do eejits sleep in the field some nights?


15. Why brought Hugh, Ralf and Wee Willie to Opium?


16. How is Tam Lin described? What did he do?

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 16

Chapter 16 – Brother Wolf

Matt and Maria make their way through the secret passage and eventually talk. Maria states that she forgives Matt for killing Furball – Matt doesn’t correct her. They talk about religion and whether or not Matt has a soul.


The two see Felicia and Tom in the security monitoring room try to use the cameras to find Matt and Maria. The two of them make for of the dead El Viejo and Felicia says something startling. Felicia killed Furball to punish Matt for how he treated Tom at the birthday party. Tam Lin finds them and leads them out of the passage separately.

1. What does Maria accuse Matt of doing in the passage?


2. Where did they end up? How was it different?


3. Why did Maria forgive Matt?


4. What did Matt think about faults?


5. What religious predicament, according to Maria, does Matt find himself in? Her answer?


6. How did Tom and Felicia describe El Viejo’s corpse? Why?


7. How was Tom and Felicia searching for Matt and Maria?


8. What does Felicia say that startles Maria? Matt?


9. How is El Patron going to help Matt and Maria?

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 15

Section 3 – Old Age: 12 to 14

Chapter 15 – A Starved Bird

Matt learns that Maria and Emilia have been sent away to a convent. When going to the stable for a horse, Matt sees Rosa and discovers she has been made into an eejit. For the first time he realized what a terrible thing it is to be turned into an eejit.

Matt finds a metal chest at the Oasis, left for him by Tam Lin, containing food, camping supplies, books, and maps.

El Viejo dies and everyone comes to the estate for the funeral. MacGregor looks much younger. Matt is yelled at by the Priest, who rudely states that Matt is not welcome in church. Maria comes to his rescue, and confronts the priest. They run and hide in the secret passage.

1. Where has Maria and Emilia been sent to? Why?


2. Why can’t Matt send Maria a letter?


3. What has happened to Rosa? What was Matt’s reaction to seeing Rosa?


4. What did Matt find at the canyon?


5. Why do you think Tam Lin left these things for Matt?


6. Who has died? What was the reaction to Matt at the service?


7. What was Matt’s reaction to MacGregor entering the service? What about him has changed?


8. What has changed about Maria?


9. Describe the children’s choir?


10. What is the Priest’s reaction to Matt? Other people?


11. Why does Maria confront the priest?


12. Where does Matt take Maria?
    

This Week in Reading

This week, you will have time to finish reading your independent book for your project due Monday. You will also have the opprotunity to begin your Power Point presentation and ask Mr. Hermance any questions you may have.

Celia's Story - Connection to the Real World

In chapter 14 of House of the Scorpion, we learn how Celia came to be the possession of El Patron. Could something like this really happen? Do coyotes really exist? Today we will be reading chapter 1 from the book First Crossing: Stories About Teen Immigrants, edited by Donald R. Gallo. The chapter is a story entitled First Crossing by Pam Munoz Ryan. It is the story of a teenage Mexican boy heading to America with his father in search of work to help support their family back home. They enter the United States with the help of a coyote.

1. What is the coyote? Dangers?



2. Why did Marco and his father want to go to the United States?



3. How did Marco’s father’s absence affect his life?



4. How did Marco’s father go about getting a job once he was in the United States?



5. What’s a gringo?



6. How did Marco and his father get into the United States? How did the 9/11 attacks affect their journey?



7. What is La Migra?



8. What happened on their first crossing attempt? How many attempts did it take?



9. Why was the football game important?



10. What will Marco and his father do after both have entered the United States?



11. Plot Marco’s journey with Google Maps. (Tijuana, Mexico to Encinitas, California) How many miles did he travel? How long would it take?



12. House of the Scorpion Connection: Along with the producing opium, what other role(s) does the country of Opium serve for Aztlan and the United States.



13. House of the Scorpion Connection: Compare and contrast Marco's journey with Celia's journey.



14. House of the Scorpion Connection: Compare and contrast the coyotes in both stories.

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 14

Chapter 14 – Celia’s Story

Matt is upset at Tam Lin’s departure. He’s upset that Tam Lin is disappointed in Matt for not accepting responsibility for the death of the dog and because Tam Lin treated him like a human, not just a “beast” like the others.

Tom is banished from the house for showing Maria and Matt Mr. MacGregor’s clone. We learned how Celia came to become El Patron’s possession. She attempted to come to the United States from Atzlan (Mexico) via coyote. She was abandoned in the desert and was captured by El Patron’s guards. Unlike her companions, she was sparred becoming an eejit because she was from El Patron’s hometown.

1. In a complete sentence(s), describe the Alcaran “estancia.”


2. Why was Matt so upset by Tam Lin’s departure?


3. What happed to Tom? Why?


4. How did Celia come to work for El Patron?


5. What happed to the others Celia traveled from Aztlan with?

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 13

Chapter 13 – The Lotus Pond

Matt once again ponders the meaning of something the Doctor had said: “Clones go to pieces when they get older.”

Matt learns from Celia that Felicia ran off with MacGregor due to her poor marriage with Mr. Alcaran. She was brought back because El Patron does not like his “possessions” taken away. Matt also learns more about clones from Celia, he is not supposed to know of these things. By law, clones are to have their brains destroyed. Matt escaped this fate due to El Patron’s power. It appears MacGregor is getting better due to organs from the clone.

Matt plans to talk to Maria again by kidnapping her dog, Furball, drugging him so he doesn’t bark, and hold him in a shed until she talks to him. On the way to the shed near the Lotus Pond, Matt sees Tom torturing frogs. Later on, Matt is able to kidnap the dog without the drugs. At the pond, Senator Mendoza is waiting with guards and its discovered that Furball is dead. No one believes Matt when he says he didn’t do it. Senator Mendoza says Matt will not be able to see Maria again.

Tam Lin will be leaving Matt, rejoining El Patron. Matt is considered old enough to fend for himself.

1. An earlier line from the book was repeated by Matt: “Clones go to pieces when they get older.” What do you now think this statement means?


2. Why did Felicia run off with Mr. MacGregor? What was she brought back? Who is Felicia’s son?


3. What is wrong with Mr. MacGregor’s clone? Why did Matt not suffer the same fate?


4. How was Mr. MacGregor’s health getting better?


5. What was Matt’s plan for meeting Maria?


6. What new subject was Matt beginning to study?


7. What happened at the Lotus Pond?


8. Who do you think killed Furball?


9. Who is leaving Matt? Why?

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 12

Chapter 12 – The Thing on the Bed

We learn that Matt’s activities were all supposed to be risk free and many safeguards were put in place to protect him. However, Tam Lin took Matt on weekly expeditions over the hills, where he had the opportunity to mountain climb and tease rattle snakes.

One day Felicia came to see Matt. She said Maria wanted to meet him at the hospital. When he got there, Maria said that Tom told her that Matt wanted to meet her there. Tom led the two of them to a hospital room where they saw a clone, deprived of its intelligence, in considerable pain; the clone was of Mr. MacGregor. It appears that Tom wanted to take Maria there to show her that Matt is similar to this “beast.”

1. How were Matt’s activities to be?


2. How were the expeditions with Tam Lin?


3. Who visited Matt? Why?


4. Who arranged the meeting between Matt and Maria?


5. What did Maria, Tom, and Matt think was in the room? What actually was in the room?


6. Whose clone was in the room?


7. What do you think was Tom’s motivation for bringing Maria and Matt to the hospital room?

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 11

Chapter 11 – The Giving and Taking of Gifts

El Patron’s party continues. We meet El Viejo, El Patron’s grandson and Mr. Alcaran’s father. Matt begins to show confidence and a feeling of power by moving around the place cards at the dinner table – sending Tom to the kid’s table and placing Maria next to him. Maria is upset at how Matt treats Tom. It is learned that El Viejo has decided against the same implants that El Patron and Mr. MacGregor or using – it is dangerous to do something contrary to El Patron. El Patron valued gifts because he thought the size of the gifts determined how much you are loved. Maria and Matt’s relationship has changed. When its Matt’s turn to receive gifts, he asks for a birthday kiss form her, drawing a gasp from the crowd and reluctantly is forced to do so by her father, Senator Mendoza. She leaves the table crying. El Patron is amused and applauds Matt’s use of power against both Tom and Maria (“his woman”).

1. What is taking place?


2. Who is El Viejo?


3. Who is attending the party?


4. By moving the place cards, what is Matt showing? How does Maria react?


5. What are the implants? Why did El Viejo decide against using them? Why is this a dangerous decision for him?


6. Why did El Patron value gifts?


7. What did the Farmers give as gifts?


8. How has Maria and Matt’s relationship changed? Why? What is El Patron’s reaction to this?

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 10

Chapter 10 – A Cat with 9 Lives

It is El Patron’s 143rd birthday. Matt will be sitting next to him at the birthday dinner and is worried about how to act if El Patron acts “weird.” Celia makes Matt promise to come and hide in the kitchen if something bad happens.

Maria’s dog, Furball, becomes lost and is discovered by Matt to be trapped in the toilet. Matt is sure Tom had put Furball there and determines he’ll use what power he has with El Patron visiting to get back at Tom.

Matt begins taking music lessons from a deaf man named Mr. Ortega. A variety of important people begin showing up for the birthday party, including politicians, celebrities, “Farmers” (drug lords) and Mr. MacGregor (another drug lord and Tom’s father). El Patron’s heath has dramatically improved – he’s actually walking! He lives his doctors one million dollars each. Matt learns more of El Patron’s family history.

1. How old is El Patron? What question did he repeatedly ask his last visit?


2. What instructions does Celia give Matt?


3. Find a Spanish to English Translator online. Look up Mi Hijo. How has Celia’s attitude toward Matt changed?


4. What happened to Furball? What do you think Motivated Tom?


5. What was Matt’s plan? Why did he pick this time?


6. Who is Mr. Ortega?


7. What did El Patron’s birthday mean for Matt?


8. Who came to the party?


9. Who were the “Farmers?”


10. Who is Mr. MacGregor?


11. Why did the people cheer for El Patron? Did everyone cheer?


12. How has El Patron’s health change?

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 9

Chapter 9 – The Secret Passage

Matt continues his education via distant learning. He continues to have bad dreams about the dead man in the poppy fields. Matt met Maria’s dog Furball for the first time and did not like the dog because Matt was a clone and he was treated like an animal, just like Furball.

Matt begins to explore the house. He secretly listens to Felicia (Benito, Steven, and Tom’s mother) play the piano in the afternoons. He discovers she is a drunk. To avoid being caught listening, he hides in a closet where he discovers a secret passage. Over a few weeks, he explores the passage and eventually witnesses Mr. Alcaran’s father refusing his chemotherapy treatment and the Doctor giving a drug to Felicia. Tam Lin catches Matt playing the piano and discovers Matt’s talent for music. Matt is an eager learner, wanting to excel so people would love him and forget that he was a clone.

1. How does Matt study? Is he a good student?


2. What is the significance of being a “photograph?”


3. What did Matt dream?


4. Why didn’t Matt like “Furball?”


5. Who is Felicia?


6. What did Matt discover?


7. What did Matt witness in the Secret passage?


8. What did the Doctor give to Felicia?


9. What talent did Matt discover he had?


10. What motivated Matt to learn?

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 8

Chapter 8 – The Eejit in the Dry Field

Matt and Tam Lin depart for their picnic via horseback. Matt sees farm laborers working in the opium fields for the first time. He sees a many lying on the ground that has died of thirst. Matt is troubled that nothing could be done to help him. Cleanup crews will come for the man at the end of the day. The two will walk the final length of the trip as the horses are programmed to stay on the farm – the horse is a “Safe Horse” and has an implant to keep it from bolting or jumping, and even eating or drinking without a verbal command.

Tam Lin has taken Matt to an “oasis” off the property that El Patron does not know about and promises Matt to keep it a secret. Tam Lin wanted to tell Matt a few things without being spied on: Matt learns of the cloning process, why people dislike clones, and his relationship with El Patron. Matt also learns that eejits are similar to the “Safe Horse” in that they are programmed to do a specific task. Teacher will not return as she has now been programmed to mend curtains/peel potatoes. Tam Lin takes on a teacher role of sorts for Matt.

1. Describe the farm workers. What are they doing?


2. What was the fate of the man lying on the ground (p. 77-78)? What does this say of the value placed on his life?


3. Why won’t the horse leave the farm?


4. Where was their picnic? Why did Tam Lin keep this place a secret?


5. What was the purpose of the picnic?


6. Does Matt really understand who or what he is?


7. How does Tam Lin describe the cloning process?


8. What is an “eejit?” Examples?


9. Will Teacher come back?


10. What will be done about Matt’s education?

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 7

Chapter 7 – Teacher

We learn Matt doesn’t like to leave apartment too often because of how he is treated by the other people living in the Big House. Tom routinely visits Matt along with Maria, and Matt and Tom get in a fight, broken up by Tam Lin. Matt then wanted both Maria and Tom to leave.

Maria and the other children left the Big House to go away to school. Tam Lin tells Matt criticism) that El Patron has made choices to live his life the way he has – “Very Dark indeed is his majesty…” (p 70). Matt is provided with a teacher (an eejit). The Teacher learns that Matt still is not talking. Matt is finally motivated to speak due to a combination of frustration with the Teacher and poor self esteem. The Teacher doesn’t understand Matt’s reaction, and is escorted out by Tam Lin. Matt doesn’t understand what is meant by Tam Lin’s description of her as an eejit. Tam Lin promises to take Matt on a picnic to celebrate the fact he is now talking.

1. In a complete sentence(s), describe Tom.


2. Who stops the fight between Tom and Matt?


3. What is the reaction to Matt wanting Maria and Tom to go?


4. What was a “little off” about Tom?


5. In a complete sentence(s), describe Tam Lin.


6. Why did the doctor visit more? What power did it give to Matt?


7. Why is Maria leaving?


8. What is Matt and Maria’s relationship like?


9. How does Tam Lin describe El Patron? Choices?


10. The Doctor once told Rosa “clones go to pieces when they get older” (p. 71). What do you think this means?


11. In a complete sentence(s), describe "Teacher."


12. What made Matt finally talk? Why?


13. What did Matt say? What does that say of his self-esteem?


14. How will they celebrate this event?

Independent Reading Project #1

For our first independent reading project, you will be reading your selected book on your own over the last weeks of your ninth grade year. As you read the book, complete this template. The template will help guide you to construct a Power Point presentation to review the book you read in a class presentation. The Power Point should include pictures, maps, etc. to illustrate the book.

It should be proofread for spelling and grammar. It is your responsibility to self-advocate to Mr. Hermance if you need assistance with the project.

Due Date: Monday, October 19, 2009.

Late: 50% 1 day, 0 credit afterwards, but still needs to be completed.

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 6

Chapter 6 – El Patron

Matt is cleaned up by Rosa and warned by her all the important family members and the doctor will be there. She threatens to kill him if he tells anyone how she has treated him. Matt meets El Patron for the first time, the man who Matt is the clone of. Upon learning how Matt is treated, El Patron displeased and upset that he was not informed. Rosa is led away by guards quite angry. El Patron begins to call Matt Mi Vida like Celia. Matt and El Patron have dinner together. Over dinner, Matt learns some of El Patron’s background and the significance of scorpions to him.

Celia and Matt will now live in an apartment in the Big House. El Patron presents Matt to the family and orders them to treat Matt with the same respect he commands. He gives Matt the choice between one of his two Scottish bodyguards; Matt chooses Tam Lin.

1. What is the setting at the beginning of the chapter? What did Matt get?


2. What was Rosa’s warning to Matt?


3. For whom was Matt cleaned up to meet?


4. Incomplete sentences, describe El Patron. Who old is he?


5. Who is supposed to report to El Patron?


6. What is discovered when Matt takes off his shirt?


7. Describe the exchange between Rosa and Dr. Willum.


8. What does El Patron decide to call Matt? Why?


9. What is the relationship between Matt and El Patron?


10. What is Aztlan?


11. What is the significance of Scorpions?


12. Typhoid?


13. Where was Celia now living?


14. What is Maria to do? Why?


15. How long was Matt in prison?


16. hat is the reaction of everyone to Matt? El Patron?


17. Who is most important to El Patron? What is the significance of this? What are the consequences?


18. Who did Matt choose as a bodyguard? Why?
    

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 5

Chapter 5 – Prison

Senator Mendoza’s children (Maria and Emilia) are sent homr. Rosa says Senator Mendoza always asks El Patron for money. We learn El Patron has not asked about Matt in years. The doctor wonders if El Patron is senile or still like a bandit.

The doctor leaves Rosa to serve El Patron; she is very angry and blames Matt for this. She mistreats Matt by taking away his bed, clothing (except shorts), and waste bucket. He lives in filth and eventually sawdust – which he burrows through and plays in.

Another boy, Tom, comes to see Matt and insults him. Matt hurls a rotten orange full of worms at him. Tom returns with a pea shooter and tortures Matt.

Maria returns and brings Celia to Matt’s prison window. Matt is in disbelief, fearing further pain and disappointment. Celia refers to Matt as “child” and asks Maria to give a letter to Senator Mendoza (her “dada”) asking him to help Matt.

1. What has happened to Emilia and Maria?


2. Why does Rosa think Senator Mendoza always visits El Patron?


3. 3. Describe the conversation between Rosa and the Doctor (Willum) on p.37-40.


4. What steps did Rosa take to make Matt’s life miserable in his prison.


5. Why do you think Rosa was so upset with Matt?


6. Who’s Tom? How did Matt and Tom’s first meeting go?


7. Who finally brings Celia to see Matt?


8. How did Matt initially respond to the sight of Celia?


9. Is there evidence that Matt means more to Celia than how their relationship was described in chapter 2.


10. What was Celia’s plan to free Matt?

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 4

Chapter 4 – Maria

We learn that most clones have their mind destroyed at birth and are treated like animals. Matt is different, he is El Patron’s clone. El Patron is rich and powerful and used his money to ensure Matt grew up like a real boy. Emilia shows the apathy of most people to clones by saying “clones aren’t people,” and the maid Rosa repeatedly says “filthy clone.”

When Matt’s identity is determined, the doctor brings him into the servant’s quarters and treats his injuries. Celia is not allowed to see him. However, Maria sneaks in to visit him. She brings him food and will stay with him for the night – getting her into a lot of trouble. Matt does not know what a clone is, but understands he is hated.

1. How do the children describe clones?


2. Why is Matt brought back inside?


3. Where is Matt taken?


4. How does Rosa treat Matt?


5. Will Celia be coming to see Matt?


6. In a complete sentence(s), describe Maria.


7. How is Maria different than the others? What does she do for Matt?


8. Why do you think Celia told Matt stories about chupacabras and other monsters?


9. Why does Maria stay with Matt? What are the consequences of this decision?


10. At this point, what is Matt’s state of mind?

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 3

Chapter 3 – Property of the Alcaran Estate

Emilia, her younger sister Maria, and Steven visit Matt and try to talk to him. He can’t play with them as he is locked in the house, but tries to communicate with them. Steven and Emilia give up and leave Maria behind at Matt’s house. Matt becomes frustrated and breaks the window and asks Maria if she wants to play, drawing the attention of Steven and Emilia. Matt jumps out of the window, lands on the glass, is severely injured and passes out. The children bring him back to a large mansion. The maids begin to treat Matt. A tattoo is discovered on his foot: “Property of the Alcaran Estate.” Mr. Alcaran is furious, treats him like an animal, and tosses the injured Matt onto the front lawn.

1. Who came to visit Matt? Is it the same as before?
   


2. Why did Emilia bring Maria along?
   


3. Why couldn’t Matt go outside to visit with the children?
   


4. How did he initially try to communicate with them?
   


5. What motivated Matt to break the window? What happened to him?
   


6. Where did the Children take Matt?
   


7. What was discovered on Matt’s foot?
   


8. How did Steven’s father react to Matt being brought to the house? What happened next?

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 2

Chapter 2 - The Little House in the Poppy Fields

The clone is now six years old and named Matt. Celia is his caregiver. He must stay home by himself, but he’s very curious of the children in the fields. Only connection to the outside world besides Celia is television and a doctor who visits once a month. Food is left for him. Matt is depressed, angry and sad. One day, some kids see him in the house. They are the children of the Alcaran (own the fields) and Mendoza (U.S. Senator) families. Steven and Emilia try to get Matt’s attention.

1. Create a bubble map to describe Celia.
   


2. Create a bubble map to describe Matt.
   


3. What do you think mi vida means? Why is it significant that Celia calls Matt this.
   


4. Create a circle map to brainstorm about what was found in Matt’s home (i.e. his
   toys, his room, furniture, food, entertainment, etc.).
   


5. Besides Celia, what is Matt’s only connection to the outside world?
   


6. What did Matt see & hear outside the house one day when Celia was at work?
   What was his reaction?
   


7. What didn’t Celia want Matt to call her? Why?
   


8. Why did Matt have trouble understanding the word “loaned.”

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 1

Chapter 1 – In the Beginning

The scene takes place in a laboratory where Eduardo, a technician, attempts to clone humans from cells frozen over 100 years ago. All but one of the clones do not survive. The one that survives grows to become an infant, and does not have his intelligence blunted, which is what is typically done to most clones. This is so because this clone is a clone of an important character, Matteo Alcaran.

Comprehension Questions

1. What is the setting of this chapter?



2. What is Eduardo trying to do?



3. How old are the frozen cells?


4. How many of the cells survived the process?


5. What happens to most clones? Why didn’t it happen to this clone?

Human Cloning

One of the issues discussed in The House of the Scorpion is human cloning. Based on class discussion and the article we read together, "How Human Cloning will Work," please answer the following prompts:

• 3 - What are three things you have learned about human cloning?
  
• 2 - What are two questions you still have about human cloning?
  
• 1 - Do you support the idea of human cloning. Why or why not?

House of the Scorpion Vocabulary #1

Our first vocabulary list:

1. Indingant
2. Recoiled
3. Blunt
4. Desolation
5. Brood
6. Voluminous
7. Solitary
8. Malicious
9. Appalled
10. Consternation
11. Defile
12. Sullen

Classwork: Define these words. Try dictionary.com or m-w.com

Homework: Please use each word in a sentence.

Example: Mr. Hermance felt that Ryan spilling his soda all over Rob's notebook was a malicious act.

Independent Reading Project #2

For our second independent reading project, you will be reading your selected book on your own over the last weeks of your ninth grade year. As you read the book, complete this template. The template will help guide you to construct a Power Point presentation to review the book you read in a class presentation. The Power Point should include pictures, maps, etc. to illustrate the book. It should be proofread for spelling and grammar.

In addition, you should create a minimum of 10-15 comprehension questions for your book so that future reading comprehension students have a guide if they choose to read your book.

The completed project is due Wednesday, June 10.

It is your responsibility to self-advocate to Mr. Hermance if you need assistance with the project.

Life as We Knew It Final Project

For our final project for Life As We Knew It, please choose one of the following ideas:

1. Write another chapter to Life As We Knew It from Miranda's point of view, following the same journal writing format. OR Choose to write from Mom, Matt or Jonny's point of view.
2. Write an epilogue to Life As We Knew It, from Dad's point of view, in the chapters since he left the family.
3. Miranda gave Matt some colored pencils and paper to begin drawing again. Draw some pictures Matt might have drawn to illustrate events the family may have experienced.
4. Write a FULL (physical, emotional, relational) description of three of the characters in the book. Draw a portrait to accompany each description
5. Prepare a front page of a newspaper or cover of a magazine describing weather related current events that may have occurred in the story.
6. Prepare a radio or television news broadcast that may have been transmitted during this story.
7. Retell part of the story from another character's point of view.
8. Rewrite the story for younger children in picture book form.
9. Write a movie proposal: What actors/actresses would have rolls as what characters? Create a flow map plot sequence. What changes would you make changing the story from book to movie form? Why? What songs might be in the sound track? Design a movie poster.
10. Choose another idea: http://www.teachnet.com/lesson/langarts/reading/bookrepts1.html

This project is due by Friday.

LAWNI - Questions for the Author #5

Independent Reading Project

Over Spring Break, your task is to independently read the book you checked out from the library on Thursday and complete the following assignment:

Create Three Blog Posts About Your Book:

1. Write a 2-4 paragraph book review in which you give a brief summary of the plot, identify the main idea/theme of the book, identify what you liked/didn't like about the book, and make a recommendation for who may enjoy this book.
   
2. Write a short journal piece (Example: Miranda's journal in LAWKI) from the point of view of the main character during an important part of the book. The journal piece should be a minimum of two paragraphs.
   
3. Find a music video on You Tube that you feel illustrates the main idea/theme of the book. If you do not know how to embed the video, just paste in the URL (web address) for the video. Write at least one paragraph explaining why this song/video makes a good soundtrack for the book.

Remember: Proof read for spelling, punctuation, complete sentences. You may include pictures with your post if you so desire.

This assignment will be due the Monday we return from Spring Break. You may email Mr. Hermance over break at jhermance@normanhoward.org if you have questions.

LAWNI - Chapter 21

Life As We Knew It reaches its conclusion in Chapter 21.

1. Describe Miranda's decision to go to the post office. What is her expectations of this trip for her and her family?
   
   
2. Does Miranda seem at peace with the idea of dying? Why?
   



3. What did Miranda initially see upon arriving in town?
   



4. What was on the yellow sheet of paper posted at the post office?
   



5. What does Miranda realize in terms of why she has been keeping a journal? (p. 337).
   



6. How does the future look for Miranda and her family on her 17th birthday? Why?

LAWNI - Chapters 20

Life goes on in Miranda's household. Matt makes limited progress, but Jonny is feeling better. The food situation grows dire.

1. While infrequent, the return of what utility gives the family hope?
   


2. Why is Mom ok with wasting the batteries on using the radio each night?
   


3. What news is reported on the radio? Though the news is bad, what does Miranda feel about it? (p. 321).
   


4. What is the state of the family's pantry? (p. 325).
   


5. Describe the health of Miranda and the family at the end of Chapter 20.

LAWNI - Chapter 19

In this chapter, Miranda nurses her family through the flu, learns terrible news about Peter and the damage caused by influenza and adverts a fire caused by the wood stove. Matt is left weakened by his illness.

1. What is the condition of the family at the beginning of Chapter 19?
   


2. What has happened to Peter? Most of the hospital staff?
   


3. Why does Miranda continue to write in her journal despite all the adversity she and the family are experiencing? (p. 299).
   


4. What incident happens at the house to make Miranda believe her family will survive no matter what? (p. 305)



5. On p. 311, mom stops herself mid-conversation to call Miranda a "very special woman." Why is this significant?
   


6. Describe Matt's condition at the end of the chapter? Why is he this way? What does Miranda feel this means for the family?

LAWNI - Questions for the Author #4

LAWNI - Chapter 18

In this Chapter, Miranda and the family experience their first Holiday Season post-Asteroid Impact and come to realize how lucky they all are. They exchange meaningful gifts and make practical New Years Resolutions. The Mortensens, neighbors down the road, are introduced and the idea of illness spreading is foreshadowed.

1. Why does Miranda call the family’s first Christmas after the catastrophe "Absolutely the best Christmas ever"? (p. 280)
   


2. On New Year’s Eve, Miranda wonders if people ever realize how precious life is. (p. 287) What events have happened in Miranda’s life to remind her that life is precious?
   


3. Why is Matt so adamant about the family learning how to cross country ski?
   


4. Why did Mr. Mortensen show up at the family's door?

LAWNI - Chapter 17

A blizzard strikes Miranda's town, dumping about four feet of snow in a short period of time. With gasoline in limited supply, its unlikely the roads are going to be plowed anytime soon.

1. As the blizzard begins, where is Matt? Why doesn't mom allow Miranda or Jon to head towards town to look for Matt?
   
   
2. Why is Jonny the only family member allowed to eat two meals per day? When Jonny discovers he is the only one who eats two meals, how does he feel about this?
   
   
3. The snow provides one benefit to the family -- What is it?
   
   
4. On p. 276, Miranda states "Right now I'm reading about the American Revolution. The soldiers had a tough time of it at Valley Forge. My heart bleeds for them." What is Miranda implying in this journal entry?
   

LAWNI - Chapter 16

Mrs. Nesbitt has died and Miranda's family has taken all they could from the house before other neighbors could loot the house. Life continues for the family with the additional supplies and Matt, Jonny and Miranda attempt to complete some schoolwork.

1. After Mrs. Nesbitt dies, Miranda goes through her kitchen cabinets and says doing so makes her “feel like a cannibal?” (p. 240) Why does she feel this way?
   
   
2. What utility does Mrs. Nesbitt still have that the family does not?
   
   
3. On p. 247, Miranda said "And we toasted the best friend we'll ever have." Whom is she talking about and why?
   
   
4. How has home schooling been going for Matt, Miranda and Jonny?
   
   
5. Why doesn't Miranda want to study French?
   
   
6. What has happened to Mrs. Nesbitt's house in the days since her death?
   

LAWNI - Chapter 15

Miranda's world gets "smaller" in this chapter. The family's well dries up due to lack of rain and due to little need for the kitchen with no water, the entire family is now only using the sun room of the house. Also, Miranda's mother is hurt again causing Miranda to make all the visits to Mrs. Nesbitt's house where her death is foreshadowed.

1. What has Matt done to the sun room windows? Why?
   
   
2. Where did Matt get the plywood? How does Miranda feel about this?
   
   
3. Describe Miranda's conversation with Mrs. Nesbitt. What is your reaction to this exchange? (p. 231-234).
   
   
4. What does Miranda mean by "But my world keeps getting smaller and smaller." (p. 236).
   
   
5. Why is Miranda so vehemently opposed to moving her mattress from the kitchen to the sun room with everybody else.