Comprehension
What is the setting of the story?
A jungle ravine in Hawaii
Define Ravine
A deep narrow valley made by running water
What is the author's name?
Graham Salisbury
What is an inference?
An educated guess
Describe Starlene's personality
Imaginative, curious, energetic, friendly, brave,
Who are the characters in the story?
Vinny, Joe-Boy, Starlene, Mo
Define Precipice
an overhanging of extremely steep area of rock
How long did they wait to go to the ravine after the accident?
Two weeks and a day
What order did everyone jump off the 15 foot ledge?
Starlene, Joe-Boy, Mo, Vinny
Describe Joe-Boy's personality
Cocky, mean, careless, risky, impulsive, carefree, brave,
What legend does Starlene tell Vinny about? What does this say about Vinny?
A stone goddess took the boy because she was lonely. Vinny who didn't believe in it prior decides to believe in it as a precaution. This shows his fear is in control.
Define Cascasde
fall, pour, rush in stages, like a waterfall over steep rocks
How old are each of the characters, including the dead boy?
They are 15 except the dead boy who is 14.
What is the theme of the story?
What are 3 things Vinny is worried about for the jump?
His mom finding out he came to the Ravine
The dead boy and sharing a similar fate
Joe-Boy making fun of him if he decides not to jump
What motivates Vinny to climb up the highest ledge?
He doesn't want his friends to know he is afraid.
Define Rivulet
A small brook or stream
What is the dead boy's name?
Butchie
What roles would all of the characters fill?
Joe-Boy: Instigator
Mo: Follower
Vinny: Brave Coward
Why does Vinny think Starlene is "asking for it"
Everyone else is unbothered by the dead boy, they are even teasing and making fun. Starlene jumps where the boy jumped from prior to his disappearance then purposefully stays underwater to scare her friends.
How does Vinny change by the end of the story?
He learns it is okay to say no to his friends.
Define Gnarly
something that has many knots and bumpy areas on the surface
What two things were done prior to jumping and why?
They drew a symbol in mud on their chests (a cross or a lightening bolt) and they put a leaf in their mouth to prevent water from getting in their noses.
What day did the boy drown?
Monday
How many search and rescue divers looked for the boy?
Four