Chapter Twenty-five

What are some ways that Sam changed from the beginning of the story to the end?  What do you think caused these changes.  I am looking for a thorough explanation of these ideas.

Chapter Twenty-five

Why do you think Pa never said another word to Sam about the letter he wrote to Grandpa asking to borrow money?

Chapter Twenty-four

Why do you think the Grants would not accept the money from the Whites?

Chapter Twenty-four

On page 159, in his letter to Sam, Grandpa said, "And much as I want you here, home with Grandma and me, we can't have your new life in a new land blighted because of a plague of locusts."

What do you think "blighted" means?  Why do you think that?

Finishing the Book

Blog posts will be up for you in the morning.  Don't worry about it tonight.  :-)

Tomorrow

You will have time to work on your responses during readers' workshop.

Chapter Twenty-two

Explain how you feel about the decision Pa made and why you think he made it.

Chapter Twenty-two

It seems as though Sam learned an important lesson about Harold during this part of the story.  What do you think that lesson was, and how might it affect Sam and the way he sees things?

Chapter Twenty-two

Do you agree with Billy that he and Sam should get to help decide whether they stay or go?  Be sure to explain why you feel the way you do, using supporting details from the text to back up what you say.

Chapter Twenty-one

What do you think of the boys' idea to write the letters they did?  What do you think the results will be?

Chapter Twenty-one

Why is Sam so convinced that Pa would be upset if he knew about the letter he wrote to Grandpa?  Be sure to explain yourself thoroughly.

Chapter Twenty-one

On page 138, Sam says, "Ma chided me for fidgeting at the table, but I couldn't sit still and ran outside to stand on top of the dugout."

What do you think it means to "chide" someone?

Chapter Twenty

Sam seems to have done a reversal in terms of his feelings about their new home.  Now, instead of bemoaning (click for definition) the way things are, he seems determined to make it a success.  How do you account for this change in Sam?  What is behind it?

This question adapted from Matt's idea.  Thank you, Matt.

Grasshoppers Everywhere

Click here to see a news report of a recent grasshopper infestation in Colorado: Grasshopper Infestation Hits Farmers Hard

Chapter Nineteen

What do you think will be the effects of the grasshopper infestation? What might this mean for the two families? What can they do next? Please share your thoughts in detail.

Chapter Nineteen

Please describe in detail how you felt and what you thought as the clouds of grasshoppers descended from the sky.

Chapter Nineteen

On page, "The baby began to cry, a high, fretful sound." What do you think "fretful" means in this context? What makes you think that?

Chapter Eighteen

At the end of this chapter, Sam said, "I felt at home, for the first time." What factors do you think caused him to feel this way?

Chapter Eighteen

Why do you think Sam did not say anything to Allan (before the hawk came) about his dislike for trying to kill prairie dogs?

Chapter Seventeen

Do you think the events of this chapter will change Sam's outlook about his new life? Please explain how and why .

Chapter Sixteen

In this chapter, Sam and Billy argue about the importance of war. Based on the things they said in their argument, whose side would you take? In responding, be sure to explain yourself clearly, using examples from the text to support your beliefs.

Chapter Fifteen

This question is from Tyler: The word "niche" is used twice in this chapter. Please explain what you think it means and why you think that.

Thanks, Tyler!

Chapter Fourteen

It seems that Sam began to change a little in this chapter.  What changes did you see in him and what do you think were the reasons behind these changes?

Chapter Thirteen

From pages 85-86:

"'Get to work, Billy.  I want to get our house built!'

"He put his foot to the spade and smoothed the side of a brick.  'What's the hurry, Sam?  There's nothing to be afraid of.'

"I had all I could do not to jump on him.  What did he mean by afraid?  I wasn't afraid, just responsible."

What do you think of this exchange of thoughts?  Is Sam afraid?  Is he responsible?  Both?  Neither?  Something else entirely?  Please explain what you think is making Sam the way he is and why you think what you do.

Chapter Thirteen

On page 84, Sam wonders about Billy, "How could he leave everything behind and not mind?  How?"

If you were Billy, how would you answer this question in a way that Sam would understand?

Sod Houses

Watch a video (different than the one above) about sod houses -- like the one Sam's family is going to build -- here: Life in a Sod House

Here is a definition of sod.

The Homestead Act of 1862

Please learn about how Sam's family was able to claim land in the Dakotas by reading about (click this link) The Homestead Act of 1862 and be prepared to discuss this tomorrow.

Chapter Twelve

Why do you think Sam seems resentful or angry every time Billy says something smart, like when Billy asked Pa about digging into the hill, on page 82?

Chapter Twelve

The word "cheroot" appears twice in this chapter.  Please find it in context, reread those parts, and then explain what you think the word means, along with explaining why you think that.

Chapter Twelve

On page 80, Sam new that Pa was successful in obtaining the land even before he met up with him.  How did he know, and how do you know that this is how he knew?

Chapter Eleven

Why do you think Harold remains a topic of conversation and disagreement for Sam and Billy?  Explain yourself fully.

Chapter Eleven

After Ma had made it clearly known that she wanted to live where she could have neighbors and be close to a town, why did she (and the rest of the family) decide to stop and settle where they did?  Be sure to revisit the chapter and explain yourself completely and thoroughly.

Johnathon

You need to revisit the posts for chapters nine and ten.  Your level of effort is unacceptable.

Chapter Ten

Sam and Billy reacted quite differently to their stop in the town.  What do you think accounted for their differing perspectives?

Chapter Nine

Do you think it was fair for Pa to hold Mr. Lasker responsible for Billy's disappearance?  Please be sure to explain yourself thoroughly.

Chapter Eight

Why do you think it was so important to Billy and Sam to have a funeral for the horse that drowned in the Mississippi Rive?

Chapter Seven

It seems that Sam's attitude about his family's journey is changing a bit, as well as his relationship with Billy. Do you agree? Please provide some evidence that shows these things, or explain why you disagree.

Chapter Six

In this chapter we learn more about how Ma feels about the family's expedition.  Using examples from the text, please explain how you think she feels and why you believe that.

Chapter Five

Were you surprised that Grandpa and Grandma were not accompanying the rest of the family on the journey west?  Why do you think they were not going?  Please explain why you think what you do.

Chapter Four

Despite the risks in doing so, Pa thinks setting out for the Dakota Territory is a good idea.  What seems to be his motivation?

Chapter Four

Sam and Billy seem to have very different opinions and feelings about Harold.  Why do you think that is?

Chapter Three

Please reread pages 14-16 before responding to this.

Sam's father grew very upset when he found Sam wearing his Civil War jacket.  What do you think caused him to be so agitated?  Why do you think he told Grandpa that the world after the War "is better... for a man with vision"?

Chapter Two

In this chapter, Sam seems very preoccupied, and his mind wanders while he is in school. What's on his mind and how do you think he is feeling?  Please use evidence from the text to support your thinking.

Chapter One

Please revisit chapter one in order to respond thoughtfully to this.  At the end of this chapter, Billy says to Sam, "Harold says there's no such thing as always."  Why do you think Billy mentioned this to Sam and what do you think he meant by it?