Matt is a 12-year-old boy who has come to Maine with his father to build a new cabin for the family. When the cabin is finished, Matt's father must return to Quincy, Massachusetts to get the rest of the family. Matt must stay behind to work and tend to the fields and to look after the cabin. While Matt is alone he encounters several bad experiences: a stranger steals his rifle; his crop is picked over by wildlife; and a bear eats some of his food supply. Matt was rescued by a native boy named Attean and his grandfather. Attean and Matt become friends and exchange their knowledge.
Reproducible chapter questions, plus comprehension questions, a story summary, author biography, creative and cross curricular activities, complete with answer key. 64 pages.
A novel by Elizabeth George Speare.
Overall Expectations
The students will:
• be able to develop their skills in reading, writing, listening, and communicating orally.
• use good literature to develop skills required by curriculum expectations: reasoning and critical thinking, knowledge of language structure, vocabulary building, and use of conventions.
• enjoy and be excited about literature through a variety of types of questions and activities.
• identify, summarize and describe story elements (plot, characters, story line, and setting).
• learn and review many skills to develop good reading habits.
• provide clear answers to questions and well-constructed explanations.
• organize and classify information.
• learn the importance of dealing with adversity and tolerance.
