Stranger Next Door

Stranger Next Door

by Peg Kehret and Pete the Cat

About the book: Alex’s only friend in his new neighborhood is his pet cat Pete. When a new boy, Rocky, moves in next door Alex has hopes of getting a new friend. But Rocky is mysterious about his past and avoids Alex’s invitations to come over. After Rocky moves in street signs are destroyed and arson fires destroy homes in the development. Is it the bullies at school who resent their dirt-bike trails being destroyed or is it the new neighbor? Is there another, more mysterious explanation?

About the guide: This guide includes discussion questions and projects appropriate for children’s book clubs, literature circles, and classroom discussions. It is intended to provoke thought and insight into the themes of this book which include bullying, fear, bravery, friendship, blame and pet relationships.

Discussion Guide:

1. Describe Duke and Henry. Why are they bullying Alex and Rocky? What is the best way to deal with bullies? What does Rocky do to the bullies? Would you have done that? Why or why not.
2. Clifford is yanked away from everything he has known all his life. What do you think this must be like? How would you feel if it were you? Who and what would you hate to leave behind?
3. Why do you think the author decided to add Pete’s perspective to the story? What does it add to the book? What do you think your pet thinks? Do pets know more than we give them credit for?
4. Why do the Kendrills think that the Morris family is wealthy? Do people have preconceived ideas about rich families? Do you think people with money are really happier than people with less? Why? Is Rocky happier?
5. Benjie is a little brother with an active imagination! What types of things does he wish for? Why do you think some people are very imaginative while others aren’t? How does a person develop and keep a vivid imagination?
6. Both Alex and Rocky are new to Valley View Estates. What types of things are difficult about moving into a new home and school? Have you ever moved? What can be good about moving?
7. Who do you think cut down the signs in the neighborhood? Why is this more dangerous than it seems? Has there ever been vandalism in your own neighborhood? What happened? Did the vandals get caught?
8. What is arson? Why do people commit this crime? What type of evidence can be gleaned from a fire scene?
9. Do you think Alex should have told his parents about the threat that Duke and Henry made? Would you have told? What would it have prevented?
10.  Why did the Lexton family need to change their identity and move so suddenly? Would you agree to testify? Why or why not?  How did Rocky feel about learning about his biological father?
11. Summarize how the arsonist was caught. Who recognized him first? What happened as a result of his brave actions?
12. Will Alex and Rocky become friends? Do you think Rocky will ever disclose the truth about his past to Alex?

Projects:

Language Arts:

 Write a goodbye letter from Clinton to his best friend, Nathan but don’t reveal why he must leave.

Write an additional scene after the close of the novel through the eyes of Pete.

Science:

Study the element of fire. Develop at least five questions about the topic and then research the answers. Be sure that if you use the internet as a resource that you check the reliability of the source.  Turn in all your notes with titles of resources (and websites). List any interesting facts you learned that weren’t on your original list.

Art:

Create a collage based on the book. You can use images from magazines or create them yourself. Explain your piece in a brief journal.

Music:

Create sound effects to go with one scene in the novel. Record them and explain how you created the different sounds.

Internet Resources:

http://www.arsonpreventionbureau.org.uk/Kids/

Website for arson prevention by age group

UK based but great information

http://www.usfa.fema.gov/kids/flash.shtm

Fire Safety

Shelter Dogs

Shelter Dogs

Amazing Stories of Adopted Strays

by Peg Kehret

About the book:

A big jumpy dog who’s “hard to handle,” a scared little dog who snarls and snaps at everyone, a blind dog who hasn’t been house-trained all have come to the shelter. What is going to happen to these abandoned animals? Must they be euthanized? Or can they be adopted and live happily ever after? Award-winning author Peg Kehret tells the true stories of eight amazing shelter dogs and how they have changed the lives of the caring, courageous people who love them.

About the guide:

This guide includes discussion questions and projects appropriate for children’s book clubs, literature circles, and classroom discussions. It focuses on reading comprehension and would be appropriate for reluctant readers and students who need to prepare for standardized tests. In addition, it considers the themes of the book which are animal care, heroes, volunteering and hope.

Author Interview:

1. What inspired the book Shelter Dogs?

I have volunteered for animal welfare groups for more than thirty years. During this time I’ve heard countless reports of dogs who had been adopted from shelters and had gone on to accomplish extraordinary feats. I finally decided to write a book about some of them.

2. Did you do a lot of research to prepare for writing this book? What types of sources did you use?

Many of the stories came from the Seattle/King County Humane Society, where I was a volunteer.  The staff there helped me find dogs to include in my book, and that agency gets a portion of my royalties from Shelter Dogs.

I had hoped to find a dog who had rescued his/her family from a fire but nobody knew of a case where that had happened. I started calling the non-emergency phone numbers for all of the fire stations in my area, asking if anyone knew of such a dog. My call to the Redmond, Washington, fire station paid off.  A firefighter returned my call and told me about Ivan. Of course, my first question was, “Where did the family get this dog?”  He didn’t know, but I soon learned that Ivan had been adopted from the county animal shelter so he qualified for my book.

3. Do you enjoy writing non-fiction as much as fiction?

Nonfiction is easier for me but I enjoy fiction more. I like to be able to make up events and people. With nonfiction, you have to stick to the facts.

4. Did you get to meet any of the dogs featured in the book? Which story is your favorite? Why?

I met all of the dogs except Ivan. He and his family had moved to Kansas so I wasn’t able to meet him or to interview his people in person. I did it on the phone and by e-mail.  A photographer in Kansas took the photo.

There’s no way I could choose a favorite story. Each dog is unique and wonderful, as are the people who adopted them.  Zorro and Megan became good friends and we still keep in touch. Zorro now has a new career as a therapy dog at a children’s hospital.

My favorite book store event happened when this book was published. Island Books, in Mercer Island, Washington, hosted a reading for Shelter Dogs and they invited all of the dogs from the book!  Most were able to attend. There were baskets of dog treats and plenty of opportunities for petting and picture taking. Part of the proceeds from sales that night went to the Humane Society. I don’t know who had the most fun, the dogs or the people.  I loved it!

5. Why do you think people and dogs are so close?

Dogs offer us companionship, laughter, unconditional love, and loyalty. It is satisfying to make an emotional connection with a creature of another species, and to communicate without human language.

I think rescued dogs are eternally grateful for the kindness they receive, and they repay it a hundred times over.  My current dog, Lucy, weighs only eight pounds but I know she would defend me with her life, if necessary. She had been badly abused when I got her and is still distrustful of strangers but she is a true friend to me. 

Questions to consider:

Zorro

1. What strikes did Zorro have against his adoption?
2. Why do some people need to bring animals to a shelter?
3. What game did Zorro learn to play? How did it change his and his owner’s life?

Tracker

1. What do the foster parents do? When are they needed? Could you ever take on this responsibility? Why or why not?
2. Why do they use hand signals when training animals for acting? What types of commands do they learn?
3. What is the hardest part of being an animal actor?

Kirby

1. What had happened to Kirby?
2. What had they decided was the best option?
3. What one word finally saved him? Was he adopted? By who?

Joey

1. Why was Susan unsure at first whether Joey would make a good dog for her?
2. What types of tasks could Joey do for Susan?
3. What did you learn about service dogs?

Danny

1. What happened to Jessica that made her afraid of dogs? Would you ever want a dog if this had happened to you? Why or why not?
2. How do they think Danny might’ve become afraid of strangers? What clues did they have to come to this conclusion?
3. What types of commands must a dog learn for obedience training? What do the four “H’s” stand for?

Tyler

1. What type of situation had Tyler and Tipper been in before they were brought to the shelter?
2. What was the cause of Tyler’s eye problem? Was it resolved? How?
3. What do herder dogs like to do? Why?

Ivan

1. Why did Taj and her family decide to adopt a dog?
2. Explain what steps Ivan took to save his family.
3. How was he recognized for his heroism? What makes a hero?

Bridgette

1. What does the PPPP stand for? What do they do?
2. Can dogs be trained to predict seizures? What alerts them?
3. What types of things did Bridgette have to learn as a service dog? How does she behave differently when she’s with Cliff than when she’s with Carol?

Discussion Questions:

1. Why are so many more puppies born than there are homes for in America? How can you help?
2. What have you learned about shelter dogs that you didn’t know before? Has this book inspired you to any new actions?
3. Brainstorm a list of facts you learned while reading the book. What was the most interesting thing you know now?
4. Which story was your favorite? Why?
5. How do dogs help people? How do people help dogs?

Projects:

Language Arts:

Write your own story about an animal that no one wanted that found a happy home. Use the book Shelter Dogs as a model for your work.

Math:

Research the typical costs of animal care each year for a pet. How much is vet care, food, vaccinations and licenses? If you were responsible for these costs how much would you have to babysit, cut grass or pet sit to afford them?

Art:

Create a piece of  collage art FOR your pet (or a friend’s pet). Use pictures from magazines or create your own. Explain your piece on the back

-or-

Create a poster about a shelter dog in your area. Draw or paint a picture featuring one animal and share its good qualities beneath in a twist on the “WANTED” poster.

History:

Research the history of working dogs. Write a pamphlet or create a poster about what you learned.

Internet Resources: (use with caution, content not guaranteed safe)

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: http://www.aspca.org/

Terrific resources

Pasado’s Safe Haven: http://www.pasadosafehaven.org

This is where Peg currently volunteers.

Canine Companions for Independence: http://www.caninecompanions.org/facts_faqs.html

Prison Pet Partnership Program:

http://www.prisonpetpartnership.org/

Pet Finder- helps match homeless animals with needy humans:

www.petfinder.com

Searching for Candlestick Park

Searching for Candlestick Park

by Peg Kehret

About the book:

It is not easy for a twelve-year-old boy to travel from Seattle to San Francisco on a bicycle, especially when he’s carrying a cat. And it is not easy to find a father with no known address or telephone number. Spencer Atwood is trying to do both.

About the guide:

This guide includes discussion questions and projects appropriate for children’s book clubs, literature circles, and classroom discussions. It is intended to provoke thought and insight into the themes of this book which include parent relationships, facing one’s problems, animal rights and self sufficiency.

Author Interview:

1.      Spencer feels strongly about becoming a vegetarian. Did you have similar feelings as a kid? What and when did you decide what to do?

2.      How do you create your likeable, yet flawed characters?

3.      When did you become involved with animal welfare?

4.      Do you outline your novels or follow where they lead?

5.      What other writers have influenced your work?

Pre-reading:

Read the “About the book” aloud to students. Predict what obstacles Spencer will have to face on his journey. Why do you think he’s running away? Will he make it to San Francisco? Will his cat survive the trip? Will he be able to find his father without any contact information? How? What will he learn on his journey?

Discussion Guide:

1.      How difficult would it be to live with the financial stress Spencer and his mom must feel? What, do you think, would be the hardest part? Why? Where are they going to live? Why?

2.      Are animals often abandoned like Foxy when family circumstances change? Why?  How can you help? What does Spencer do?

3.      Why is Spencer’s plan flawed? What things does he not consider about his journey? What will go wrong?

4.      How does Spencer know that his dad lives in San Francisco? What does his mother think he should do with money instead of buy tickets? Do you agree?

5.      Do you think Spencer is justified in his plan for leaving his mom? Who is more wrong in this situation? Should kids ever run from home? Why or why not?

6.      Spencer takes things that aren’t his along the way. What does he take and how does he deal with his guilt?  Does he intend to pay back the items? How do you know? Is stealing ever justified? If so, when?

7.      Unlike many novels, the setting for this one changes over the course of the events. How does that add tension to the story? Of the places that Spencer stops along the way which one is the scariest to you? Which one has the most promise? What does he learn at each stop?

8.      Spencer does some reckless acts out of his desperation to get closer to San Francisco. What are they? Which do you think is the most worrisome? What does he learn?

9.      When Spencer’s mom tried to tell him that most animals were raised to become meat, that it was their purpose, he disagreed. . “ Animals feel pain and fear, just like we do.” (p.83) With whom do you agree? Have you ever thought about becoming a vegetarian? Why or why not?

10.  Who is Hank Woodworth? How does Spencer know he is worthy of trust? How do you ever know whether to trust someone or not? What does he do for Spencer? Do you think Spencer would’ve made it without his help? Why does he help Spencer?

11.  How does Spencer’s dad react to their reunion? Is it all Spencer hoped for? Why or why not? Why can’t Spencer live with his dad? What does he realize about their relationship?

12.  In the end what happens to Spencer, Foxy and his mom? How do you think Spencer’s journey will have changed him? Was he right to have left after all? What could’ve been the outcome of his actions?

Projects:

Language Arts:

Rewrite one scene through the eyes of another character (even Foxy)! Take into consideration not just their point of view and opinions but also what knowledge they have and don’t have about other characters and conflicts.

Art:

Create a collage using images from the book that you either find from magazines or other print materials or create yourself. Think about each part of Spencer’s journey as you create the piece. Explain it on the back.

Music:

Create a soundtrack for the movie release of the film. What songs would you choose? Why? Create a cover and list the titles of the songs. Include a brief journal about why you chose these songs to represent this book.

Social Studies:

In groups of no more than three research information on child runaways. Present your findings in a brief presentation to the class. You must brainstorm at least three questions that you’d like to know the answers to and have at least three resources (only two may be websites).

Science:

Study the science of vegetarians. Research the foods that have the most nutrients per serving and how to get protein without consuming animal products. What foods would you have to add to your diet if you made this decision? How would you maintain your health?

Internet Resources:

http://www.nrscrisisline.org/

National Runaway Switchboard- great resources for both kids and parents.

http://www.nn4youth.org/site/PageServer

National Network for Youth- terrific information about what it means to be a homeless teen.

I'm Not Who You Think I Am

I’m Not Who You Think I Am

by Peg Kehret

About the book:

During her thirteenth birthday party, Ginger Shaw notices an odd woman staring at her in the restaurant. Next she sees the woman parked in front of her school and near her home. Telephone calls from an unidentified caller make Ginger even more uneasy, especially after her parents leave town on business. When the woman finally corners Ginger at the bus stop, she divulges an unbelievable secret.

In this fast-paced page-turner, suspense is interwoven with issues of loyalty and honor as Ginger desperately tries to save both her identity and her life.

About the guide

This guide includes discussion questions and projects appropriate for children’s book clubs, literature circles, and classroom discussions. It is intended to provoke thought and insight into the themes of this book which include loyalty, self-identity, standing up for what’s right, trusting your intuition and family relationships.

About the author:

Peg Kehret lives in a log house in the woods near Mount Rainier National Park, in Washington State. She and her husband have two grown children and four grandchildren. Peg’s popular books often appear on recommended lists from the International Reading Association and the American Library Association. They are regularly nominated for young readers’ awards. She has published forty-five books.

Author Interview:

1.      How did you decide to weave these two very different plot lines together?

For a long time I thought I was writing two separate books. One I called “the stalker” book and the other one I thought of as “the coach” book.  I would work on one manuscript for awhile, then switch to the other. I went back and forth for a long time but I wasn’t satisfied with either book. Then one day I realized that the two ideas could be part of the same story. As soon as I tried that, the plot gelled and I was able to finish the book.

2.      Do you think we are taught not to trust our instincts and intuition? Why?

We are taught to follow the rules. There’s nothing wrong with that but I think we also need to teach children to think for themselves and to pay attention to their instincts.

3.      Why do you think some parents take sports so seriously?

I think they are living their own dreams through their children. An incredible amount of parental pressure gets put on students – both in athletics and academics – by parents who mean well. They want what’s best for their kids but their own competitive feelings overpower their good judgment.

4.      Did you ever have a coach or teacher like Mr. Wren who influenced you?

Mr. Wren is loosely based on my son, who has been a teacher and coach for more than twenty years. He’s encountered numerous parents who want their child to be the star athlete, at any cost.

5.      How do you maintain such suspense in your writing?

I work hard at it.  I love to write suspenseful stories and often scare myself as I’m writing. I know that if I create tension in myself over what is happening in a book, then the readers will probably be caught up in the tension, too.

There’s a craft to it, as well as an art. I’m especially careful with the first and last sentence of each chapter. 

Pre-reading:

What do you think the title might mean? How can people not be who you expect? Has someone ever turned out to be different than what you expected? How did it change the way you felt about them? Did you become less trusting after that?

Discussion Guide:

1.      Read the first paragraph of the novel. Have you ever had this sensation yourself? When? How did it make you feel? What should you do in this situation?

2.      Ginger’s intuition is right about the woman and yet she doubts her decisions several times. Why? Are we taught to ignore our intuition and fear? How do you know when you’re feeling threatened or just being paranoid?

3.      Discuss the poster that Ginger received: Live with Purpose and Honor. What does it mean? Can you give examples of people who do this? What does it mean in everyday life at school? Which part is more difficult: purpose or honor? Why?

4.      What businesses do her mother, father and sister run? Do any of these sound appealing to you? What do you think would be the most difficult aspect of working with the public? Have you ever considered opening a business of your own? What would you do?

5.      What does Ginger want to be when she grows up? How does she practice her skills? Do you have a goal like hers? How can you develop your talent for it? Why do you think her parents don’t support it?

6.      Compare Karie’s house to Ginger’s. Why do they each appreciate the other’s home? Do you always want what you don’t have? Why? Is there a way to carve out more of what you need in the home you have?

7.      Describe Mrs. Vaughn. What kind of person is she? What does she want? What is she willing to do to get it? Are her motivations more insidious than they first appear? Why?

8.      What kind of coach is Mr. Wren? Do you agree with his philosophy on coaching or with the parents who are trying to have him fired? Why are sports so important? What do kids gain from being involved in them? Is there a way to make it more balanced?

9.      Why is Joyce Enderly following Ginger? Is she dangerous? Why or why not? What is her past? How did she get released from the hospital? How can we protect the public without infringing on the rights of others?

10.  Why is Ginger forced to choose between what she believes in and her family’s livelihood? Do you think she makes the right decision? Would you have made the same one?

11.  Ginger doesn’t want to ruin her parent’s business trips by calling and upsetting them. Is this a mistake? Why? What would your parents do in this situation? When are kids old enough to stay home when parents are gone?

12.   How do Joyce and her thug try to trick Ginger into going with them? Would you have gone under their pretense? How did she trick them and get help? Do you have a signal with anyone?

Projects:

Language Arts:

Research a career that you are interested in learning more about like Ginger was in sports broadcasting and Karie was in weather forecasting. Answer the following questions about your career:

How much education do you need?

What are the top schools in the country for that field?

How much will a novice to the field earn?

What special skills and abilities are needed for success?

Art:

Sketch out images from the book (for example, the white car, a basketball, or an adoption certificate) and watercolor them. Then, tear the images (or cut like a puzzle) and rearrange them on black construction paper. This will give your image a fragmented, nightmarish appearance much like the week Ginger had!

Music:

Find or create song lyrics through the eyes of one of the characters. Add musical accompaniment if you have that talent as well.

Social Studies:

Research one of the following topics from the novel reporting in a brief presentation about what you learned. (Use at least three resources only one of which may be an internet site):

Adoption

Mental Illness

Missing and Exploited Children

Stalking

Coaching theories

Sports Announcing

Weather Prediction

Catering

Event Planning

Piano repair

Eyewitness accounts

Coercion

Math:

Create a business plan for a small job you (and perhaps a friend or two) could run. Figure out how much, if any, you would need for start-up costs. How much for advertising and how much you would make an hour. Set goals for salaries earned for three months and graph your results.

Science:

Study the science of identity. What are the new methods for identifying paternity, victims and suspects? How accurate is DNA testing? Has it freed innocent people from prison? Are there any problems with it? Where do law enforcement officials find it? How is it analyzed?

Internet Resources (use with caution, content not guaranteed appropriate):

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/

National Institute of Mental Health

:

http://www.met.police.uk/stalking/advice.htm

Advice for victims of stalking

http://careerplanning.about.com/od/careerchoicechan/a/myths_choice.htm

Ten career myths with great links

http://www.quintcareers.com/younger_teen_job_dos-donts.html

Teen business Do’s and Don’ts

Escaping the Giant Wave

Escaping the Giant Wave

by Peg Kehret

About the book:

Kyle thought spending a vacation on the Oregon coast with his family would be great. But one evening while babysitting his younger sister, BeeBee, the worst scenario happens- an earthquake hits. This sets off a chain of reactions that forces Kyle to be braver than he ever imagined! A fire starts in their hotel and the earthquake triggers a tsunami. The giant wave charges straight up the hillside through the woods where the kids are running for their lives.

About this guide:

This guide includes discussion questions and projects appropriate for children’s book clubs, literature circles, and classroom discussions. It is intended to provoke thought and insight into the themes of this book which include bullying, survival, sibling relationships, peer pressure, decision-making and fear.

Discussion guide:

1.      Mrs. Hoke asks her class to create goals for the summer but she doesn’t force them to share them with anyone. Why? What are Kyle’s goals? Write down three goals you have for yourself. Would you be willing to share them with anyone? Whom?

2.      Describe Daren Hazelton. What is the history between Daren and Kyle? Why do you think some kids get away with being bullies? What is the best way to deal with a bully at school? Can bullies change?

3.      How is BeeBee not your typical eight-year-old? How do Kyle and BeeBee get along? Would you want to babysit her? Why or why not? What rules does Kyle put in place for babysitting?

4.      What is the reason for the trip to Oregon? Where will the Davidson’s stay? Is this a typical vacation for them? How is it not what they expected? Have you ever taken a vacation with your own family?

5.      What threatens Kyle’s enjoyment of the whole vacation? What would you do in his shoes? Why hasn’t Kyle told his parents the truth about Daren?

6.      How does BeeBee give Kyle a scare while he’s watching her in the hotel?  What was he worried about? Do you think Kyle is a good babysitter? Why?

7.      Kyle is forced to make a series of important decisions. Which one is most critical? Why? What are the steps in making a serious decision? What does Daren decide to do?

8.      What do you think of the coastal town’s warning system for tidal waves? Why don’t some people take it seriously? Have you seen this type of attitude repeated in the news? In light of the Asian tsunami and the devastation in New Orleans with Hurricane Katrina, do you think people’s actions will change?

9.      What steps do the kids take to survive the 2^nd wave? What warning do they have that something is coming? What do they make to save Pansy too? What prevents them from dehydrating?

10.  What was the most interesting thing you learned while reading this novel? Do you think novels can sometimes be more valuable for teaching facts than a straight non-fiction narrative? Why?

11.  Even after Kyle saves Daren it does not change his behavior toward him. What gives Kyle the courage to stand up to Daren? What realization does he make about himself? What information does Kyle threaten Daren with for next year at school?

12.  How did Norm, Josie and Pansy help the children survive? What happened to each of them? What gave Norman strength to continue on?

13.  Mr. and Mrs. Davidson are out on the Elegant Empress. How do they learn about what has happened on shore? How are they reunited? Do you think they’ll let Kyle baby-sit again? Why?

14.  How do you think BeeBee will be changed by the events in the story? Predict what she’ll be doing in five years.

15.  How did your understanding of tsunamis change? What images will stick with you after closing the last page of this novel? Why do some books stay with you while others are forgotten? What will you remember most about this book?

 

Projects:

Language Arts:

Character Study:

We learn about characters by their actions, their words, and their relationships with others. Fill out the following chart on the characters from Escaping the Giant Wave.

Characters:	Actions	Words	Relationships
Kyle
BeeBee
Daren
Mr. & Mrs. Davidson
Norm & Josie

 

Science:

Fill out this KWL (Know, Want to Know, Learned) graph before you begin your self-directed research on tsunamis or earthquakes. Be sure to fill out the KNOW section before you begin your project as this helps you access all the information you know and will help your comprehension of new material. After researching the answers to your compelling questions, create a poster, graph, or other visual that shows what you learned on the topic and share!

KWL Chart on Tsunamis or Earthquakes

What I already KNOW	What I WANT to know	What I LEARNED:

Art:

Create a three-dimensional model of the setting of the novel. Extra points if you can show the scale of the waves in relationship to the buildings!

Music:

Find a piece of CLASSICAL music that would be used to accompany one of the scenes from the film. Write a brief journal explaining your choice. How does the music capture the mood of the scene? How does it add drama or fear?

History:

Research a natural disaster that had a major impact on history. Find out the five journalist questions about your topic: the who, what, when, where and why and how of the event. Consider volcanoes, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, tornadoes,

Resources:

Dangerous Planet: Natural Disasters That Changed History

by Bryn Barnard

ISBN: 0375822496

http://www.h-net.org/~environ/bibs/disasters.html

Great jump off point to other links on this topic

http://www.ala.org/PrinterTemplate.cfm?Section=News&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=105300

ALSC compiled books to help kids deal with natural disasters

http://www.noaa.gov/tsunamis.html

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on tsunamis

Abduction!

Abduction!

by Peg Kehret

About the book:

Matt Sholter is missing from school. He knows better than to leave with anyone and yet the clues all say that’s exactly what happened. Who has him? And where is the family pet, Pookie, too? Was he used as bait to get Matt? Bonnie, Matt’s sister, does everything she can to help get her brother back but she makes a huge mistake. Action packed, suspenseful, and set in Seattle this novel will keep even reluctant readers turning pages.

About the guide:

This guide includes discussion questions and projects appropriate for children’s book clubs, literature circles, and classroom discussions. It is intended to provoke thought and insight into the themes of this book which include fear, family relationships, criminal behavior, and truth.

Discussion Guide:

1. How does Denny Thurman lure Matt away from the school? What other lies do kidnappers often tell kids to get them into cars?
2. Do you think you could ever be fooled? Do you know any younger siblings or neighbor kids who might be tricked? How can you help them stay safe?
3. Why does Denny want to take Matt? Does he really want to be a parent? Why or why not? What do real parents do? How do you know if someone is telling the truth or not?
4. How does Denny have money? Why can this be dangerous too? Why does he often have to move?
5. What are some interesting facts you learned while reading this book? What would you do if a kid went missing in your neighborhood?
6. What does Bonnie do to try to help? What clues does she find? How would you feel if you were in her situation?
7. Describe what happens at Safeco field. Do you think Bonnie made the right decision? What might have happened had she chosen the other option?
8. Several strangers had the opportunity to help the kids but they don’t. Why do people sometimes ignore the pleas of others? Would you have reacted differently? Will this book change your actions in the future? How?
9. Create a timeline of what happens on the ferry. How does Bonnie’s quick thinking save her? What is a zinger?
10. Predict what Matt would do if someone tried to take him again. How do you think he’s been changed by this experience? Do you think Bonnie will continue to appreciate regular days with her brother too?
11. What was your favorite scene in the book? Why? What do you like best about the author’s style of writing? Would you recommend her books to a friend?
12.  What is an Amber Alert? Do you know who it was named for? Do you think it is effective? Why?
13. Do you know what to do if a kid is missing? (Here’s a link to an action plan from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children) http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PageServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US&PageId=244

Compare the actions of Matt’s mom with this list. Did they do it correctly? What might have been done better?

14. Most abduction cases are within family relationships. Why? How can they be prevented? Do you study the faces of missing kids? Why or why not?
15. Which character is your favorite in the book? Why? How do readers get to know characters? How do authors build believable characters?

Projects:

Language Arts:

Discuss safety with your parents. Make a code word and emergency action plans in case they’re ever needed. Create identity cards and have emergency numbers for parents, grandparents and neighbors kept in backpacks or shoes. Talk to younger kids about how bad guys use lies to get kids to do what they want.

Art:

Draw or paint a scene from the book. On the back explain why you picked this scene to illustrate.

Music:

Teach this tune to youngsters to help keep them safe

to the tune of “Farmer in the Dell”

Don’t get in a car!

Don’t get in a car!

Unless your parents know where you are

Don’t get in a car!

Ask before you leave!

Ask before you leave!

Remember to ask, “Mom can I please?”

Ask before you leave!

Community:

Organize a picture ID campaign at your local elementary school where parents can bring children and get a recent digital picture taken and put all important information in one place in case of an emergency. Photos greatly increase the likelihood that a child will be found!

Internet Resources: (use with caution, safety not guaranteed)

http://www.missingkids.com/

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

http://www.theyaremissed.org/ncma/gallery/ncmalistview.php?wstr=Child&alpha=%

Gallery of missing children

www.TracieVaughnZimmer.com