Author's Note

Please be sure to read this section, and ask a parent to read it too, so that you can discuss it with him/her.  I'd like to have a discussion in school about this on Wednesday.  Until then, happy new year!

Chapter Thirty-nine

In your own words, why do you think that by the end of this story that Caitlin felt ready to use colors in her drawings?  Please explain yourself thoroughly.

Chapter Thirty-eight

At the end of this chapter, Caitlin finally gets it.  What does she get?  Why is she so excited about it?  What allowed her to get it?  Please use detailed evidence from the text to explain your thinking.

Chapter Thirty-six

Why did Caitlin choose to draw a mockingbird (instead of an eagle) as what she wants to carve into the top of the chest?  Please be sure to use details from the text to support your answer.

Chapter Thirty-five

Why, at the end of this chapter, did Caitlin feel as though she was able to feel empathy for Josh?  What enabled her to do that?  Please explain yourself thoroughly.

Chapter Thirty-five

Why do you think Caitlin misunderstood what was happening between Michael and Josh?

Lateness

Sorry everyone, but I've been sick for the past couple days, so I'm behind on my reading and posting.  I hope to have the questions for yesterday (Thursday) up by tomorrow.  I hope you're all having a great break!

Chapter Thirty-four

At the end of this chapter, Caitlin and her father have a disagreement about which is better: a movie or real life.  Whom do you agree with, and why?

Chapter Thirty-three

What do you think made Caitlin decide to give one of the red markers to Josh?

Chapter Thirty-one

Why, at the end of this chapter, does Caitlin think that Mr. Mason "has learned a little finesse today"?

Chapters Twenty-five and Twenty-six

Why has Caitlin become so insistent that she and her father finish Devon's chest?  What does she hope to accomplish by completing this project?

Chapter Twenty-four

Please reread the last page (149) of this chapter.  What caused Caitlin to scream the things she did?

Chapter Twenty-two

Why do you think Caitlin is reluctant to use color in her drawings?  Why, when she was drawing Mr. Walters, did Caitlin tell him that she didn't think she could "do a complete face yet"?

Chapter Twenty

Based on what you read, what effect did his conversation with his sister Jolee have on Caitlin's father?  Why did he react the way he did?

Chapter Nineteen

In this chapter, Caitlin tries to help Rachel, but ends up making matters worse.  How did Caitlin's approach to helping differ from what Rachel needed?  Why did it create such a problem?

Chapter Eighteen

Why did Mrs. Brook pair Michael with Josh for reading buddies?  Why did this cause Caitlin such anguish?

Chapter Seventeen

Caitlin cannot seem to convey the right message to her father about Devon -- whether she realizes he is dead or not.  What is the difficulty she has with regard to communicating her thoughts and feelings about Devon to her father?  Be sure to cite examples from the text.

Chapter Sixteen

Why was is so significant to Caitlin to find the notebook paper in Devon's bedroom?

Monday, December 10, 2012

I forgot to mention on Friday, that I will not be in the classroom (much) on Monday, because I'll be at another one of my math workshops.  You will have time to work on your blog responses (and revisiting older discussions) during the day in class.

Chapter Fifteen

Why, at the end of this chapter, did Caitlin think that she knew how "Snow White's shoes feel because now I know why Snow White was happy"?

Chapter Fourteen

During most of this chapter, Mrs. Brook works with Caitlin to help her develop empathy.  Why does Mrs. Brook work so hard at this with Caitlin? Why does Caitlin keep telling her things like, she doesn't have feelings or that she's not good with emotion?

Chapter Thirteen

Were you surprised that Caitlin went into Devon's bedroom?  Why or why not? Do you think there will be any repercussions (click link for definition of word) for her doing that?

Chapter Thirteen

In this chapter, we learn that one of the ways that Devon and Caitlin connected was through their shared appreciation for the movie, To Kill a Mockingbird. Why was this particular movie so special to them?  In what ways were they similar to the characters in the film?  Be sure to use specific evidence from the text when responding.

Chapter Twelve

What is it that Devon really needs?  How would you explain closure to her and how to find it?

Chapter Eleven

What event specifically causes Caitlin's father to throw up in this chapter?

Chapter Ten

Why do you think Caitlin seems to have a better time and and easier time when she has recess with the younger kids?