Discussion Director Questions:

1. MCEOG (multiple choice end of grade)

• All of the following best describes May Amelia except which one?

        a. responsible
        b. brave
        c. conceited
        d. determined

Answer: C

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2. Problem/Solution
 

• What do you think May Amelia's main problem is?
• How do you think she will go about solving it?

Answer:

• It is trying to fit in on their small farm in Nasel with so many brothers.  She may run away from the farm to be alone and face the world by herself.  Then she would not have to deal with all of her brothers and her father back on the farm.

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3. Cause/Effect

• Name 2 events that happened in chapter one (effect), and then discuss why (cause) each one happened.

Answer:

• Cause: Her father scolding her for no reason, just because she is a girl.
• Effect: Amelia ran away to the Baby Island and hid in the old sorcerer tree until Wilbert came to fetch her.

• Cause: Her mother is pregnant with her new baby brother or sister.
• Effect: May Amelia has to help out all of the time around the house.

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4. Characterization

• Describe the relationship between May Amelia and Wilbert.

Answer:

• Between all the siblings May Amelia and Wilbert are like best friends.  Wilbert is May Amelia's favorite brother, who is always trying to help her out.

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5. Setting

• Where and when does the story take place? If it took place somewhere else or in a different time, how would it be changed?

Answer:

• Near the Nasel River
• "We live on the Nasel in the state of Washington.  It is 1899."

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6. Figurative Language

• Find a simile.  Tell the two things that are being compared and why?

Answer:

• page 13, paragraph 2
• It is comparing Uncle Henry to a bear, because of his bushy red beard and broad chest and big belly.
• "He even looks like a bear, with his bushy red beard and broad chest and big belly."

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