Vocabulary
In the story, Travis looks for a "refuge". What is a "refuge"?
A safe place where someone or something can hide or be protected.
What kind of danger continues to affect the Coates family and the animals during these chapters?
Diseases and other dangers threaten the family's health, animals, and way of life.
Who is Travis Coates?
Travis is the main character, a young boy who must care for his family and animals while his father is away.
Why does Travis have to help more around the homestead?
His father is away, so Travis must take on many of the responsibilities at home.
What can you infer about Travis from the way he helps his family?
Travis is dependable and is trying hard to become responsible.
If a person "hobbled" after being hurt, how would the person move?
The person would walk with a limp.
Who is Lisbeth and how does she help the Coates family?
Lisbeth, Bud Searcy's granddaughter, is a kind girl who helps her family while Travis is recovering.
What responsibility does Travis have toward Arliss?
Travis must protect and care for his younger brother.
What is one effect of sickness spreading among the animals?
The animals become weak or rabid, leading to death, and the family must take precautions to protect themselves.
What can you infer about Old Yeller’s relationship with the Coates family?
Old Yeller is more than a pet; he is a trusted and valued member of the family.
What does "squeamish" mean?
Easily nauseated or sick
Why do the wolves come close to their house?
They are attracted to the burning bull that they had to burn due to hydrophobia.
How does Mama help the family during difficult events?
She stays strong, cares for the family, and helps make practical decisions.
What happens when Travis tries to protect the family and the animals?
He faces danger and has to make difficult decisions instead of simply acting like a child. He ended up getting hurt by the hogs.
What can you infer about Mama’s feelings when the family faces danger?
She is worried, but she tries to remain calm and strong so the children will feel safe.
How would you describe a "stout" animal?
A strong, sturdy, and solidly built animal.
She wasn't feeding her calf; she was walking and bawling in circles, and she didn't come to the barn.
What does Old Yeller show about his character through his actions?
He is loyal, brave, protective, and willing to face danger to help the family.
Why do dangerous animals and diseases create fear in the family?
They can cause serious injury, illness, or death, so the family must remain alert and careful.
Why might Travis feel both proud and frightened as he handles problems without his father?
He is proud that he can help, but he is frightened because the responsibilities are serious and mistakes could hurt someone.
Use the words "pesky" and "dismounted" in one or two sentences.
Answers may vary.
How do Chapters 9–16 build toward the novel’s later conflict?
The chapters show increasing danger, sickness, fear, and responsibility, preparing Travis for an even more difficult decision about Old Yeller and the family’s safety.
How does Travis change as a character in Chapters 9–16?
He becomes more responsible and mature. He learns that protecting others sometimes requires courage and painful choices.
How does Travis’s growing responsibility affect his relationship with Old Yeller?
Travis depends on Old Yeller more as a protector and helper, which makes Travis’s concern for the dog stronger and makes later choices more painful.
What larger message about growing up can readers infer from Chapters 9–16?
Growing up means accepting responsibility, protecting others, and making difficult choices even when those choices are painful.