The Basics
Explain a purpose for reading this story?
Answers will vary.
Ex: To learn about Piper's ability to fly.
How old is the main character?
12
Use one of our vocabulary words in a sentence that would help us understand the meaning of the word.
*Double Jeopardy: use the word roused.
Answers will vary.
Ex: I was roused from a deep sleep by a noisy alarm clock.
True or False:
The plot takes place in a consistent sequence of events. Meaning: we are reading the story at one period of time.
*Double Jeopardy if you can explain your answer.
False
*Double Jeopardy: The story also goes back to when Piper was a baby. It also explains the point in time where Piper got the idea to jump from the roof.
What was the roof slick with?
*Double Jeopardy if you can explain what it is.
Dew: water on cool surfaces, usually at night or in the morning.
Who is the author of the story and how do you know? *Double Jeopardy if you can pronounce the name correctly.
Victoria Forester.
We know because it says "By" under the title.
List two minor characters.
*Double Jeopardy if you can say each of their two names.
Ma (Betty), Pa (Joe)
What does "uncertainly" mean?
To be not sure or to lack confidence.
What was the introduction to the story?
Piper deciding to jump off the roof.
What was Joe's reaction to Piper telling him she has a feeling inside that's not quite right?
He shrugs.
How many paragraphs are in this story?
28
What is the main character trying to discover throughout the story?
She is trying to find out if she can still, truly, fly.
What is a "plough"?
A tractor or large farm tool that helps farmers turn up soil.
After the introduction to the story, what about Piper do we read about?
Piper's background.
Why do you think Piper believes people don't need to make plans after they fall on their heads?
She believes that if you fall off of the roof and onto your head, you will surely die. She doesn't feel that she needed to make plans after that.
What point of view is the story told from? Explain how you know.
Third person. The narrator is not part of the story.
What is something that Piper regularly feels?
Lonely.
Piper turned herself "a hundred and eighty degrees" in the story after jumping off the roof. What does that mean?
She was headed towards the ground, headfirst. Then, she began flying, so she was headed for the air in front of her.
What was the climax of the story?
Piper jumping off of the roof.
How did Betty feel about Piper's situation?
She was not happy. She prayed that the situation would get better.
Explain the setting of the story and draw a picture showing what you think it looks like.
*Double the time
Explain one way that you can relate to one of the characters in the story.
Answers will vary.
Ex: "I am similar to Piper because I can sometimes make rash decisions."
What does "with abandon" mean in the context of this story? (page 137).
Doing something without really thinking of the consequences.
What was the resolution to the story (the ending)?
Piper flew!
Where did Piper get the idea to jump off of the roof? (1/2) AND what were her thoughts about Ma and Pa when she saw it? (1/2)
She got the idea from watching a mama bird push her baby out of the nest. Even though it was risky, the baby bird still took flight. Piper thought that maybe Ma and Pa had forgotten to push her like the baby birds.