Finished Book Assignment 1st Qtr. Sample

First, answer this question in one well-developed paragraph:  “What is the author trying to tell or teach me in this book?”  Expand on your ideas.  Don’t skimp!  After the first paragraph, find, and then individually comment on four quotes from the book that support your answer.  Be sure to include page number and specific comments for each quote.

Part 1:  What is the author trying to tell or teach me in this book?

 In the book Freak the Mighty, I believe the author is trying to teach me acceptance.  Rob Philbrick’s story shows us that everyone is different and you should treat others the way you want to be treated.  The main characters, Freak and Max, are very different.  Max is big and feels he is dumb because it is difficult for him to learn.  Freak is small, but smart; he loves the dictionary and computers.  They accept each other and their differences because they are both misfits; they fit together like a puzzle.  Together they both overcome their challenges; Freak helps Max by teaching him how to read while Max gives Freak “arms and legs” with a ride on his shoulders.  Overall the author wants us to see their partnership as an example for others to follow.  Philbrick wants us to look beyond the surface and accept everyone for who they are not what they look like.

Part 2: Quotes that demonstrate the author’s message

Quote 1: “I’m running right and left, running blind and just letting Freak decide which way we should go because he must have a plan, a dude as smart as he is.” Pg 36

Response:  I think this quote demonstrates the message because... 

Quote 2: “Me rescuing Freak.  What a joke, right?  Except that’s how it must have looked from a distance, because they never knew it was Freak who rescued me – or his genius brain and my big dumb body.” Pg 41

Response:  I think this quote demonstrates the message because... 

Quote 3: “He’s not that heavy.  And anyhow it’s not fair everybody always says ‘Poor Kevin,’ just because he didn’t grow.”  Pg 54

Response:  I think this quote demonstrates the message because... 

Quote 4:

Response:  I think this quote demonstrates the message because...