1. What did you notice in the story?

Sam and his brother don’t get along that well and their father is moving the family to the Dakota Territory.

2. How did the story make you feel?

I don’t like how Sam feels towards Harold, the ex-slave, or how he treats his younger brother.  I felt bad for Sam when his father told them they were leaving.  If my family had to move, I would probably feel upset too.

3. What does the story remind you of in your own life?

When I was 9, my good friend had to move away.  Her stepfather got a job in another city so they had to move.  She was really upset and we both cried when she told me.  I never really heard from her after that.  That must have been what Sam’s friends felt like when he had to leave.

4. Would you like your friend to read this book?  Why or why not?

I would like my friends to read this book, especially if they know someone who had to move away.  This can help them to know what it feels like to actually move away from home.

5. What character in the story are you most like or unlike?  Explain.

I am most unlike Billy because he is extremely adventurous.  He doesn’t mind leaving the farm so much.  He didn’t mind leaving all the familiar things like Grandpa’s bugle and fresh apple pies.  He just backs down when Sam tries to pick a fight.  I guess he’s wiser that Sam in that aspect, but sometimes he should stick up for himself.

6. Does this part of the story remind you of any other story you have read or heard?  Explain.

This part of Grasshopper Summer reminds me of Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder.  Both families are starting on a journey and are unsure of what they might find.

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