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The Penderwicks
By Jeanne Birdsall
Name:
9
The Penderwicks By Jeanne Birdsall
Chapter 1
Before you read the chapter:
The Penderwick family is comprised of a father and his four daughters (ages four, ten, eleven and
twelve). Using your imagination, think of one good thing about being the oldest girl in such a
family - and one disadvantage. What would be one good thing about being the youngest - and one
bad thing?
Do you think you would enjoy living in a mansion? Explain your answer.
Vocabulary:
Choose a word from the list to complete each sentence. [Be careful, some words may be
appropriate for more than one sentence - try to pick the best fit.]
concentrate devour botany apologetic terrace
pavilion fetch reluctant flora imitate
1. Joanna was very to climb down the face of the steep cliff.
2. After bumping into the elderly man and knocking his coffee out of his hand, Rosalind was
most .
3. ______________ is a branch of biology which deals with plant life.
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4. You get a lovely view of the countryside from the bedroom _______________.
5. I think you will do much better in your school work if you learned to _____________
in class.
6. My father has gone to the corner store to __________ a newspaper.
7. You will make the principal very angry if he discovers that you ___________ him in front
of the other students.
8. The _____________ featured in Miss Kimball's garden is most unusual.
9. When it began to rain the children all took shelter in the park's ______________.
10. After spending almost three days on his camping trip, Jackson will probably
_____________ any food put before him.
Questions
1. Until the reader gets to know the four Penderwick girls, their identities can be quite
confusing. To help get you started, complete the chart below. The characteristic should be
something distinguishing about each girl's appearance or personality. Put a star beside the
sister you think will be the main character.
Penderwick
Girl
Age Characteristic Hair
Color
Color of
Eyes
Batty
Rosalind
Skye
Jane
2. The setting of a story includes not only where but when the story takes place. What is the
setting of the story at the conclusion of Chapter One?
11
3. Where was Mrs. Penderwick - the girls' mother? How do you know this?
4. When the Penderwicks realized they were lost, what helpful suggestion did Rosiland make?
5. List two things which Jane's stories had in common.
6. What three pieces of helpful information did the tomato man give to the Penderwicks about
Mrs. Tifton?
7. According to Rosiland's best friend, Anna, you could always tell a lot about people by
their ____________.
8. A cliffhanger is a literary device used by authors (often at the end of a chapter) which
leaves the reader in suspense. Describe how the author uses Jane to create a cliffhanger at
the end of this chapter.
12
Activities
A. Cape Cod is the usual vacation spot for the
Penderwick family. Using resources in your school
library or the Internet, research this famous locale.
Prepare an information card on Cape Cod which
includes at least one picture (can be downloaded and
printed out from the Internet or drawn) and four
interesting facts. The purpose of your information card
is to attract vacationers to this popular spot.
B. The author, Jeanne Birdsall, enjoys using a variety of literary devices in this novel. One
such device is onomatopoeia. An example is “oomph” - the sound made by Batty as she
struggles with her car seat. Define onomatopoeia, and use your imagination to think of one
more example of this device.
C. PERSONIFICATION is giving human qualities to something that is not human. We find
an example of this in Chapter 1: ... a huge mansion crouching in the middle of formal
gardens.
Why do you think personification is a popular literary device used by many authors?
Create your own example of personification.
13
D. Storyboard
A storyboard is a series of pictures that tell about an important event in a story. A
storyboard can tell the story of only one scene – or the entire novel. [You may wish
to postpone the completion of this assignment until you have read further in the
novel.]
Complete the storyboard below illustrating the events of your favorite scene from
the novel thus far. You may wish to practice your drawings on a separate piece of
paper.
1
2
3
4
5
6
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The Penderwicks By Jeanne Birdsall
Chapters 2 - 3
Before you read the chapters:
In the next two chapters we get to know more about the Penderwick family and some of the people
they will be spending the next three weeks with. Take a look at the titles for Chapters Two and
Three. Choose one of the titles and predict what you think might happen in that chapter. After you
have read the chapter, go back to your response and see how close you were to the events
described by the author.
Vocabulary:
Many of the following words are from Chapter Two. Use the words in the box to complete the
following crossword puzzle.
1 2 3 4 5
6 7
8 9
10 11 12 13
14 15
16
17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25
26 27 28 29
30 31 32 33
34 35 36 37
38 39
40 41 42
43 44
15
Down Across
1. Of unknown name.
2. Nobility; worthiness.
3 Penderwick dog.
4. Chiefly; for the most part.
5. Oafs.
6. Heaven.
7. To rise or come forth.
9. Sixth planet from the sun.
11. ____ and behold!
12. A story-writing Penderwick.
18 The Christmas season.
20. The youngest Penderwick girl.
21. Genuine; real.
22. Skye found a ____ through the hedge.
23. Improper; wrong.
24. Treats for Hound.
28 Steals a person.
31. To make white or lighter in color.
33. Very wet.
35. A large decorative vase.
36. A wild ox.
40. The total of two or more numbers.
42. Didn't stand.
3. Not proud.
6. Martin's surname.
8. Extremely angry.
10. The Penderwicks' destination.
13. Short for teaching assistant.
14 The oldest Penderwick girl.
15. Bringing up the rear.
16. Caretaker of the Garden of Eden.
17. Available; vacant.
19. Flows back.
22. Average or normal amount.
23. She was as meek ___ a lamb.
25. Irish Republican Army (abbrev.)
26. ___, myself and I.
27. The blue-eyed, blond sister.
29. Cagney's boss.
30 Short for pound.
32. Crates or boxes.
34 Strongly built.
37. Fortunate.
38. A word rhyming with lame.
39. The battle ____ for 10 days.
40. To act in a furtive or underhand way.
41. The first sign of the zodiac (the Ram).
43. Cape Cod's state.
44. A writing implement.
BLEACH SKYE EMERGE JANE DIGNITY URN
PASSAGE AMISS SINCERE MAINLY ADAM SUM
EBBS ANONYMOUS RAGED OPENLY KIDNAPS LB
BATTY ARIES STURDY CASES LUCKY NOEL
PARADISE SODDEN LAST BISCUITS HOUND LOUTS
FURIOUS PENDERWICK ARUNDEL NAME TIFTON HUMBLE
SNEAK MASSACHUSETTS ROSILAND YAK SATURN PAR
IRA PEN SAT LO TA AS
ME
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Questions
1. The Penderwicks had an unusual method of drawing for order. Describe how this
method worked.
2. Despite what everybody said, why did Skye have difficulty imagining she was going to
grow up to look like her mother?
3. Why did Mr. Penderwick sometimes speak in Latin?
4. Who interrupted Skye's visit with Cagney in the garden? What is your first impression
of this woman?
5. Why was Cagney reluctant to cut down the rosebush?
6. Describe how Skye "bumped into" Jeffrey.
17
b. How did she end up insulting Jeffrey?
7. What was the MOOPS?
8. Write a brief synopsis of the bedtime story that Rosiland told Batty that evening.
9. What did the girls vote on at the MOOPS meeting with regard to Jeffrey?
Patricia MacLachlan Louisa May Alcott
18
Activities
A. INVESTIGATION: Jane mentions two famous authors - Louisa May Alcott
and Patricia MacLachlan. Using resources in your school library or on the
Internet, investigate one of these talented writers, then match each author with
the novels from the list below.
NOVEL AUTHOR
LITTLE WOMEN
ALL THE PLACES TO LOVE
AN OLD-FASHIONED GIRL
EIGHT COUSINS
SARAH, PLAIN AND TALL
SKYLARK
B. Place the following words from these chapters in alphabetical order.
hedge 1.
Hound 2.
honored 3.
hadn't 4.
head 5.
high 6.
half 7.
heels 8.
had 9.
here 10.
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The Penderwicks By Jeanne Birdsall
Chapter 4
Before you read the chapter:
Losing one's temper can have damaging consequences. Write briefly about a time when you (or a
friend) lost your temper and then later regretted it.
Vocabulary:
In each of the following sets of words, underline the one word that does not belong. Then write a
sentence explaining why it does not fit.
1. demonstrate display show conceal
2. coddle confuse indulge pamper
3. revere disgust aversion revulsion
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4. frivolity silliness levity sensibility
5. noble dignified servile courtly
6. metallic tawny brownish bronze
7. subsequent prior after next
8. mortified embarrassed abashed elated
Questions
Cloze Call
Complete the following exercise filling in the correct words from the Word Box.
door recited Churchill broil coddling
Skye Rosalind math interest Mr. Penderwick
apology Jeffrey housekeeper accepted invisible
stuck- up Cagney brain Anna rose
simplest porch moron
While Jane went to apologize to _____________, __________ was put in charge of baking a
batch of cookies for an __________ party. Rosiland went outdoors to help ___________
replant the ___________ bush. Whenever Batty was with a new person she pretended to be
______________, remaining quiet until she'd found a common __________ with the person.
The bush was to be planted in the sunny spot by the ___________. Rosiland didn't like plants
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because she felt they were just one more thing that needed feeding and _____________.
Rosiland's friend, __________, said that the cuter the boy, the mushier the ___________. On
her way to make her apology, Jane ___________ as she went. At the MOOPS meeting they
had discussed at length which __________ Jane should use at the mansion. They felt that she
should choose the _____________ one she could find. When Jane rang the doorbell, Mrs.
___________, the ___________ answered. After making her apology to Jeffrey, Jane was
surprised that he _____________ it right away. According to Jane, of her sisters,
_____________ was the prettiest and Skye the smartest. Even though Skye was quite clever,
she set the stove at ___________ instead of bake. While the cookies were baking, Skye worked
on a number of ______________ problems. When the cookies caught fire, Rosiland called
Skye a _____________. In her anger, Skye was overheard by Jeffrey calling him rich and
_____________. It was then that _____________ wandered into the kitchen and saved the day.
Activities
A. Anagrams
An anagram is a word that is formed by changing the order of the letters of another word. For
example, the letters in the word DOES can also form the word DOSE. Follow these directions to
form the anagrams:
a) read the clue in the right-hand column.
b) Using the word in the left-hand column move the letters around in any order, but you must use
all the letters.
Each of the words in the left-hand column is found in this chapter.
Word Anagram Clue
doom One's frame of mind
speak Tops of mountains
smartest For sleeping on
rubble To make bubbling sound
agreed A bicycle or transmission is ____.
Cagney The place of business of an agent.
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B. Investigate - The Iguana
The author mentions in this chapter that Cagney once gave Jeffrey
an iguana named Darwin, but his mother broke out into hives as a
result and Jeffrey had to get rid of it. Using resources in your
school library or on the Internet research this rather misunderstood
creature. With your information create an information card. Your
card should be the size of a sports card; contain a picture (can be
downloaded from the Internet and printed out) and at least three
important facts about this rodent.
C. The author seems to enjoy using alliteration – a literary device where the author repeats the
same consonant sound at the beginning of several words in close succession. An example from
Chapter Four is: “chocolate chips goin' to cookie heaven”.
Using your imagination, create your own examples of alliteration from the following topics. Each
example must contain a minimum of three words.
The sound of a Canadian
goose –
A canoeist's paddle dipping
into the water of a lake -
The sweep of the winter
wind through pine trees –
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The Penderwicks By Jeanne Birdsall
Chapter 5
Before you read the chapter:
If you add to the truth, you subtract from it. ~The Talmud This chapter features an example of exaggeration. Can you imagine a time when an innocent exaggeration might turn dangerous?
Vocabulary: Draw a straight line to connect the vocabulary word to its definition. Remember to use a straight
edge (like a ruler).
1. scorn a. stroll
2. realm b. advertise
3. saunter c. provoke
4. hoist d. trespass
5. herald e. contempt
6. nigh f. tease
7. exasperate g. amnesty
8. intrude h. domain
9. taunt i. near
10. truce j. lift
24
Questions
1. What do you think was the real reason for Skye's resentment at the beginning of this
chapter?
2. What drew Batty into the field?
3. Describe the crisis that develops in this chapter and how it is resolved.
4. Why was being the OAP especially devastating for Skye in this instance?
5. What did the girls solemnly swear - and by what did they swear?
25
Activities
A. Toreador
Jeffrey reminds Skye of a toreador during his heroic adventures in the pasture. Using resources in your school library or on the Internet, investigate the toreador and write a brief description of what this person does that makes him such a popular person in countries such as Spain.
B. A Letter Home
This was a most unusual and stressful adventure for Skye, Jane,
Jeffrey - and especially Batty! Imagine you are one of these characters
and write a letter to a friend (or a pen pal), describing your adventures
thus far - expressing your feelings about your summer vacation thus
far. Your letter should be at least a half-page in length and follow the
proper format of a friendly letter.
26
The Penderwicks By Jeanne Birdsall
Chapter 6 - 7 Before you read the chapters:
The author reveals a number of surprises about Jeffrey and his family in these chapters. Using you
imagination, predict what you think might be lurking in the background of the Tifton family. After
you have read Chapters 6 and 7, come back to your answer and compare it with the facts of the
story.
Vocabulary: Choose a word from the list that means the same or nearly the same as the underlined word(s).
brouhaha genetic quiver intricate dismal
mortification evade elegant possession vigorous
1 Jeremy was astonished at how complicated the procedure
was.
___________________
2. Daphne looked very sophisticated in the long evening gown.
___________________
3
Sammy gave the bottle an energetic shake, then cautiously
opening the lid.
___________________
4
Who would have guessed that his speech would have caused
such an uproar?
___________________
5
Everyone but Skye tried to avoid the truth.
___________________
6
"I thought I would simply die of humiliation when my jeans
ripped," she said.
___________________
7
I'm sure that if researchers examine the ancestral evidence,
they will put the pieces of the puzzle together.
___________________
8
The police found the handgun in the custody of the Prime
Minister.
___________________
27
9
My little sister began to tremble with excitement as the dog
neared her.
___________________
10
Who would have thought that the Chicago Cubs would have
such a disappointing season?
___________________
Questions
1. How did Cagney make Rosalind feel better when she tried apologizing to him for the
brouhaha the day before?
2. Anna makes some rather harsh generalizations about the genetic makeup of boys. How
is this true? How might making such generalizations be dangerous?
3. To what did Jane compare Jeffrey's home?
4. Put the following unique expressions from these chapters into your own words.
The splendor of a hundred civilizations.
The presence of a kindred spirit.
As cozy as Churchie herself.
Oh, my! Each prettier than the next.
28
5. Why didn't Jeffrey think the girls would want to come to the party?
6. How did Churchie make it possible for them to attend?
7 Why did Mrs. Tiftom have so many clothes in storage?
8. Explain why there was no Mr. Tifton.
Activities
A. Rewrite the following sentences putting in the correct capitalization and punctuation.
jeremy saw his sister's horse national velvet jump over the buick
where did you think you and teresa were going to spend tuesday night
sabrina caroline and stanley will be visiting montreal during the month of june
29
B. When Jane sees the interior of Arundel Hall she says, "The splendor of a hundred
civilizations."
Exaggeration seems to be a definite characteristic of Jane's personality. Define exaggeration:
_________________________________________________________
Give another example of exaggeration - either from the novel or your own imagination.
_______________________________________________________________________
Why do you think an author might use this device to make his/her story more interesting?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
C. In Chapter 6 Jeffrey refers to the great
Russian composer, Tchaikovsky (whose ballets include Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker) as well as the renowned school,
Juilliard. [Located at Lincoln Center in New York
City, The Juilliard School is one of the world's most prestigious performing arts conservatories.] Using resources in your school library or on the Internet, investigate either this famous composer or renowned school. Research three interesting facts about either topic and record them below. [You may wish to consult the Juilliard website: http://juilliard.edu/]
30
The Penderwicks By Jeanne Birdsall
Chapter 8 Before you read the chapter:
The Penderwick girls endure an awkward dinner party with Jeffrey and his family. Describe a time
in your own life when you had to endure such an awkward situation - with people that made you
feel less than comfortable. Why do you think such situations make a person feel this way?
Vocabulary:
Solve the following word search puzzle using the words from the Word Box. Remember – the
words can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal. They may be forward or even backward!
Word Box:
PAVILLION CONCENTRATE SQUISHINESS CURTSIED MISERY
COMPLACENT POSSESS UNDAUNTED ROBINETTE SISTINE
ASTROPHYSICIST CHERISH FINERY HANDIWORK HESITATE
A D E I S T R U C Y Q M B V X
S U P O S S E S S O R O P P M
T Q N Y O Q Z X W P I E M A P
R L K D H J U O K Z X P S V S
O P L C A L R I O M N B P I K
P A S U R U N B S M N V S L M
H D G K P H N O A H F T I L P
Y H E S I T A T E G I U K I M
I F S I V N M L E N H N O O L
C Z X I H Y I D E D I K E N M
I J L F R O B I N E T T E S H
S M N E K E L K G P Y G R C S
T A N T Y C H A N D I W O R K
L I K V C O N C E N T R A T E
F Q R U N T N E C A L P M O C
31
Questions
1. Anna's First Rule of Conversation with a Boy is "Ask lots of questions". What do
you think a good First Rule of Conversation with a Girl might be?
2. Skye and Jane both had theories as to why after a whole week they had still not met
Mrs. Tifton. Explain their theories. Can you think of a possible third reason?
3. According to Anna, lipstick looked silly until at least the eighth grade. Do you agree?
Explain your answer.
4. This chapter has a number of similes. (Comparisons using like or as.) See if you can
find the following:
Her striped dress fit like a ______________
You all look gorgeous, just like _______________________________
5. What did Rosalind find so unusual about Dexter's smirk?
6. At one point in the dinner party Rosalind and Skye notice Jane slipping into her
nervously-spouting-nonsense mood. Describe how you (or a someone you know) might
react in such circumstances.
32
7. What career did Mrs. Tifton have planned for Jeffrey? What did the girls think Jeffrey
should pursue?
b. Comment on Mrs. Tifton's involvement in this regard. Can you think of any dangers in
this approach? Anything positive?
Activities
A. The author uses a literary device called a simile in this chapter. A simile is a comparison
of two things using the words like or as. The example from Chapter 8 is as follows: "Skye
squished like a monster jellyfish with feet..."
a) What two things are being compared in this example?
______________________________ and ___________________________________
Create your own similes from the following suggestions:
b) a desperate babysitter
______________________________________________________________________
c) a boy in a Halloween costume
______________________________________________________________________
33
B. When speaking about the ceiling of the dining room, Dexter brags that it was done by a French
artist just like Michelangelo in the Sistern Chapel. Rosalind realizes that Dexter has made a
mistake in calling it the Sistern Chapel. Michelangelo actually painted the ceiling of the Sistine
Chapel. Using resources in your school library or on the Internet investigate either Michelangelo
or the Sistine Chapel. During your research, transcribe three interesting facts about the subject of
your choice in the space below.
C. Choose ten words from this chapter with two or more syllables. Indicate the syllables
by drawing a line between each syllable. Example: Tif / ton.
34
The Penderwicks By Jeanne Birdsall
Chapters 9 - 10
Before you read the chapters:
As we get to know Mrs. Tifton we quickly realize what a bad parent she is. What do you think are
three characteristics of a really good parent?
Chapter Nine has an intriguing title: Shocking News. Before reading the chapter imagine you are
Jane and think of two really outlandish pieces of news that she would find shocking.
Vocabulary:
Write a sentence using the following words. Make sure that the meaning of the word is clear in
your sentence.
ferocious –
retrieve –
35
vulgar –
despise –
dastardly –
destiny -
simultaneous -
complacent -
Questions
1. What did Jeffrey's mother give him for his birthday? What might have been a more
appropriate present (in your opinion)?
2. When trying to determine what is in Batty's birthday present, Jeffrey asks her if it is
animal, vegetable or mineral - think of two APPROPRIATE examples of each to
complete the chart below.
ANIMAL VEGETABLE MINERAL
36
3. Rosalind says that hearing bad things about yourself is one of the punishments for
eavesdropping. Think of another unpleasant consequence of eavesdropping.
b. Rosalind also makes the statement, class is as class does. What do you think she means
by this?
4. In Jane's book, the antagonist was called Ms. _____________ and the protagonist was
called ______________.
5. Describe the circumstances which led to Batty letting Yaz escape.
6. What did Mrs. Tifton have scheduled for the next day that was proving a distraction to
her?
7. Describe how Yaz was finally recaptured.
8. Chapter Ten ends as a cliffhanger. Explain why this is the case.
37
Activities
A. We have already read about a number of important conflicts in this novel. Conflict is an
important element in a novel. There are generally three types of conflict: person against
person; person against self; and person against nature. Find three examples of conflict in
The Penderwicks, and tell which type of conflict each is.
1.
2.
3.
B. Investigations
In Chapter Ten Rosalind is reading about Ulysses S. Grant and
Appomattox in the books that Cagney loaned her. Using
resources in your school library or on the Internet, research
three fascinating things about either General Grant or
Appomattox. Once you have completed your investigation
compare your finding with a classmate and compare your
answers. A bonus point to the person with the most interesting
fact about either one [i.e. Ulysses S. Grant was actually born
with the name Hiram Ulysses Grant, but he changed his name
when he was at military school because he didn't like his
initials, H.U.G.]
38
The Penderwicks By Jeanne Birdsall
Chapters 11 - 12
Before you read the chapters:
In this chapter a number of characters display courage and imagination. Sven Eriksson once said,
“The greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure.” Describe what you consider to be the
greatest example of courage.
Vocabulary:
Choose a word from the list to complete each definition.
stern flag disdain resist obsession
guerrilla rigorous forage ferocity precision
1. No one expected such savage _____________ from such a mild-mannered person.
2. His enthusiasm began to __________ after playing the strenuous game for more than an
hour.
3. Catching Dr. Richard Kimble became an ____________ for the police lieutenant.
4. He pitched the baseball with such ____________ that every throw went exactly where it
was supposed to go.
5. The only way that the early colonists thought they could win a war against the British was
by using _____________ tactics.
6. Rosalind gave her sister a ___________ look when she knocked over the priceless vase.
7. The poor starving pup eventually began to ___________ for scraps of food in the garbage
cans.
39
8. Veronica held the eating of vegetables with such ______________ that her mother finally
gave up serving them to her.
9. "I just knew you could never _________ a good sale," she told her sister with a smile.
10. After three weeks of ____________ exercise, Jessica could feel her muscles begin to
harden.
Questions
1. From whose perspective is the first section of Chapter Eleven told?
2. As Chapter Eleven unfolds, what do we learn of Batty's plan. Why does she take such
desperate measures?
3. What great idea did Jeffrey come up with to help find Batty?
4. What was it that stalled Batty on her trek?
5. Mr. Penderwick says, "People sometimes make unexpected choices when they're
lonely." Do you think this is an adequate explanation for Mrs. Tifton's behavior?
Defend your answer.
40
6. Describe what distracted Jeffrey and the girl's attention from the Garden Club
competition - as well as the unfortunate results.
7. It mentions in the story that Jane hated to revise her stories. What is your opinion of
Jane's attitude in this regard?
Activities
A. Write the plural of the following nouns from these chapters. Careful – you may wish to
consult a dictionary for some of these words.
Singular Noun Plural Noun
man
butterfly
person
self
story
branch
mess
sky
closet
activity
41
B. There are a number of interesting characters featured in this novel. Choose any two of the
principal characters. These two people will no doubt have a number of important similarities and
differences. In the comparison framework below compare these two individuals by selecting criteria
you feel reveals the similarities and/or differences between them. You may select items regarding
their appearance and/or character.
Criteria Character 1: Character 2:
1.
2.
3.
4.
C. Observation Chart
The Penderwicks is a novel filled with sights and sounds. Look back over the novel and
get as many examples of the five senses, listing them in the chart below with a brief
description about where each was found. You may wish to choose your examples from one
particular scene, or include a number of different scenes.
Sight Sound Touch Taste Smell
42
The Penderwicks By Jeanne Birdsall
Chapter 13 Before you read the chapter:
In this chapter Skye overhears someone insulting people that she loves and becomes very upset.
Do you think it is harder to overhear someone say something bad about yourself - or someone
close to you (i.e. a family member or close friend)? Why?
Vocabulary:
Synonyms are words with similar meanings. Using the context of the sentences below, choose the
best synonym for the underlined words in each sentence.
1. It was evident from the dignified way she carried herself that she must be the princess.
a) exaggerated b) distinguished c) lowly d) pensive
2. After spending a week in the kennel, Charlie's black lab became quite ferocious.
a) docile b) amusing c) disobedient d) fierce
3. Most scientists rely on the power of logic.
a) reasoning b) intuition c) education d) mathematics
4. She glared venomously down at Skye.
a) silently b) menacingly c) confusingly d) wonderingly
5. "Then I'll show them all out," he said staunchly.
a) softly b) brightly c) intently d) belligerently
6. When she met her cousin for the first time she came away with the feeling that Brian was
really quite obnoxious.
a) repulsive b) dim-witted c) glib d) outrageous
43
7. Mrs. Tifton considered the Penderwicks to be very uncouth.
a) insulting b) talkative c) disrespectful d) crude
8. "Please don't be so presumptuous," she suggested disapprovingly.
a) boring b) loud c) overconfident d) modest
Questions
1. Why didn't Jane accompany Skye and Jeffrey back to the Tifton mansion?
2. According to Jeffrey, why was music like mathematics?
3. Mrs. Tifton has difficulty controlling her tongue when she found Jeffrey and Skye
wrestling on the floor. She uses adjectives such as obnoxious and wretched to describe
Skye. Think of four appropriate adjectives which would apply to Mrs. Tifton.
4. When Skye was eavesdropping on Jeffrey and his mother, what was it that really set her
off, making her confront Mrs. Tifton?
5. Put the following expression in your own words: she girded herself for battle.
6. What upsetting thing did Batty hear Mrs. Tifton say about her?
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Activities
A. Copy out any three sentences from this chapter and underline the verbs.
B. Interview at least three other students for their views of this novel. (Try to get both
positive and negative comments.) Write a brief report putting these views together.
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The Penderwicks By Jeanne Birdsall
Chapters 14 - 15
Before you read the chapters:
In the next two chapters Jane discovers the danger of taking other peoples' opinions too seriously.
Can you think of an example of when it might be a good idea to take another person's opinions
with a grain of salt?
Vocabulary:
Antonyms are words with opposite meanings. Draw a line from each word in column A to its
antonym in column B. Then use the words in column A to fill in the blanks in the sentences
below.
Column A Column B
secure gentle
reprimand delightful
deceitful despondent
coincidence anxious
loathsome plan
ferocious trustworthy
optimistic praise
1. I don't see how anyone could be so _____________ about the future, considering all of the
bad things that happened to her.
2. It is probably not a good idea to put much faith in her promises, for Sherri tends to be a
very _________ person.
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3. Do you think it is just a _______________ that you arrived at the marina at the same time,
or was it planned?
4. I'm sure that after being on the job for more than two years she feels very ________ in her
position.
5. Your best course of action might be to get a ______________ dog to protect yourself.
6. Who would have thought that in just two short weeks that Ned would have picked up so
many ___________ habits.
7. I expect that he will receive a ___________ from his boss for letting the account slip
through his fingers.
Questions
Indicate whether the following statements are True or False.
1. Rosalind told Batty the story of peanut-butter-on-the-walls before T or F
she went to sleep.
2. Skye decided not to tell Rosalind about overhearing Mrs. Tifton say that T or F
Rosalind was following Cagney around like a lovesick puppy.
3. Rosalind's mother had said that when you're in love you feel like you've been T or F
hit by a truck.
4. After falling into the pond, Rosalind heard Cagney refer to her as just a kid. T or F
5. Rosalind told her dad that there were things about the incident at the pond T or F
which were embarrassing, but not shameful.
6. Despite her reluctance, Rosalind finally told her sisters the sad story about T or F
what happened at the lily pond.
7. Mrs. Tifton and Dexter took Jeffrey to Pennsylvania to check out the Military T or F
Academy.
8. Despite all that had happened, Skye did not feel the least bit responsible T or F
for Jeffrey or his fate.
9. Dexter summed-up his feelings for Jane's book with two words - It's terrible. T or F
10. Jane was comforted by Churchie's appraisal of her writing talents. T or F
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Activities
A. Find three examples of the following parts of speech from these chapters.
Nouns Verbs Adjectives
B. INVESTIGATE: When Rosalind is catching her breath by the
lily pond she considers talking to Cagney about the constellations
(areas of the sky), but the only one she could remember was Orion's
belt. Using resources in your school library or on the Internet,
research three fascinating facts about Orion's belt or another of the
constellations [the modern list contains 88 constellations].
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The Penderwicks By Jeanne Birdsall
Chapters 16 - 17
Before you read the chapters:
Jeffrey's dilemma involving attending the military school seems to be coming to a head. Do
you think he will be able to convince his mother no to send him to Pencey - and how will he do
this?
Vocabulary:
Analogies are equations in which the first pair of words has the same relationship as the second
pair of words. For example, stop is to go as fast is to slow. In this example, both pairs of words
are opposites. Choose the best word from the word box to complete each of the analogies below.
disgust discipline associate defiant provision
memento fantasize humiliation mournful frustration
1. Dream is to as lonely is to forlorn.
2. Competitor is to as peace is to war.
3. Triumph is to as gorgeous is to hideous.
4. Compliant is to as common is to rare.
5. Abhorrence is to as crimson is to red.
6. Courageous is to cowardice as encouragement is to .
7. Unbreakable is to fragile as disorder is to .
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8. Comply is to obey as anguished is to .
9. Grab is to clutch and keepsake is to .
10. Doubt is to confusion as supplies is to .
Questions
1. When Jeffrey is explaining to Skye near the beginning of Chapter 16 that he is running
away, he says to her, "Besides - You stood up for yourself. You have courage." What is
Jeffrey implying in this statement?
2. Why was the Major who interviewed Jeffrey at Pencey special to the family?
3. Describe the circumstances surrounding Rosalind's unusual statement: "I'm proud to be
the wrong kind of people."
b. What does this statement tell the reader about Rosalind's character?
4. Describe the details of Jeffrey's plan to run away. Does it sound realistic? Explain your
answer.
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5. In your opinion, what was Jeffrey's strongest argument when trying to convince his
mother not to attend Pencey?
6. What did Skye make on her last evening that would give Jeffrey an extra special reason
to remember her?
Activities
A. Beside each of the following words from this chapter, write its root word.
running
rubbed
expecting
pleadingly
angry
hugged
families
uncomfortably
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B. Imagine you are a newspaper editor at the time of the Penderwicks' adventures. You
decide to write a story briefly relating to your readers the exciting adventures of the four
sisters. Write a brief synopsis of their three week stay at Arundel (be sure not to say anything
bad about Mrs. Tifton, because you might be sued!)
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C. The Five W’s Chart
Choose a major event from the novel, then complete the following chart with
the important details.
What happened?
Who was there?
Why did it happen?
When did it happen?
Where did it happen?
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The Penderwicks By Jeanne Birdsall
Chapter 18
Before you read the chapter:
If you were the author, how would you conclude the Penderwicks' adventures?
Vocabulary: Draw a straight line to connect the vocabulary word to its definition. Remember to use a straight
edge (like a ruler).
1. resolute a. injury
2. woebegone b. mental health
3. mature c. store
4. concussion d. grown-up
5. precise e. loving
6. sanity f. disguise
7. stow g. determined
8. camouflage h. moral sense
9. affectionate i. exact
10. conscience j. sad
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Questions
1. The climax of a novel or short story is the decisive moment in the story, bringing the
events to a head and leading to the conclusion. What do you consider to be the climax of
this novel?
2. Were you satisfied with the ending of the novel. Give reasons for your response.
3. Who was the only person to say good-bye to the Penderwicks when they were
originally planning to leave?
4. What event saved them from not missing saying goodbye to Churchie, Jeffrey and
Cagney?
5. What two things about Cagney's last visit gave Rosalind hope that Cagney had some special
feelings for her?
6. What did Jeffrey reveal to the girls about his plans for September?
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Activities
A. Try to reassemble the word parts listed below into ten compound words found in this chapter.
Be careful - there's one or two that are quite tricky!!
well them bed back ever
her any boy fare room
card selves seat thing friend
for were wolf self post
1. 6.
2. 7.
3. 8.
4. 9.
5. 10.
B. Lights, Camera, Action!
You are the casting director for a project designed to put together a movie version
of The Penderwicks. Who would you cast for the principal roles:
Rosalind –
Skye –
Jane –
Batty -
Jeffrey –
Cagney –
Mrs. Tifton –
Dexter –
Churchie -
Mr. Penderwick
You may wish to choose Hollywood actors for this task, or for some fun, limit
your choices to people in your school (teachers and students). Beside each
selection write a brief explanation for your choice.
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C. Book Cover
Create a book cover for The Penderwicks. Be sure to include the title, author, and a picture that will make other students want to read the novel.
D. A Book Review
Now is your chance to share your own reactions to the novel with others. Write
a review of the book, describing in no more than one paragraph an outline of
the plot, and then in another paragraph how you enjoyed the novel (or didn’t)
and why. (Please don’t give away the ending!)
This review can be posted to a website like www.amazon.com for others to
enjoy.
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E. Sequence Chart
List the main events of The Penderwicks in the order in which they occurred.
The Penderwicks
First
Next
Next
Next
Next
Next
Next
Next
Last
