Vocab 1
When the story takes place in the present, but some chapters jump back to the past to describe how ZJ & Zachariah got along before Zachariah started experiencing symptoms of CTE
Flashback
What is the acronym for chronic traumatic encephalopathy?
CTE
Who says the following:
"When you love a thing, little man, you gotta love it with everything you got. Till you can't even tell where that thing you love begins and where you end"
Zachariah/Dad
“Are you counting stars? I asked.
No, she said. I’m looking for God.
If anyone has any answers, I guess God would.”
(Woodson 55).
Dialogue
“Maplewood, 2000”
“December 31, 1999 came on a Friday. So
Ollie, Darry, and Daniel were all staying at my house”
(Woodson 33).
Create the setting
This author's technique allows us to get into the mind of the narrator to understand their thoughts and feelings.
Inner thinking.
The attitude of an AUTHOR towards a subject--how the AUTHOR feels about a situation
tone
Who says the following:
"Ever since I was a little kid, I've loved football"
Dad/Zachariah
“It smells like leather and sweat and new snow.
I love football with all of my senses. Love the taste and feel
of the air in my mouth
running with the ball on a cold day. Love the smell
of the ball when I press it to my face
and the smell of the field right after it rains”
(Woodson 12-13).
Descriptive language & word choice
We know that ZJ did not want to play tackle football because his dad is severely ill due to repeated concussions throughout his football career, and he is now suffering severe consequences. The reason behind WHY ZJ does not want to play tackle football is an example of Woodson showing __________________.
show the character's motivation
__________ _________ uses sensory details to reveal character, setting, or theme. This uses the five senses (see, feel, hear, touch, taste).
Descriptive language
The point in a story where events are the most dramatic, and the characters will never be the same as a result
Climax
Who said the following:
"Your dad is so different now, man. I miss your old dad. He used to call me his son from a different mom and dad, remember? Now he doesn't really call me anything anymore."
Ollie
For example, we as readers know that Zachariah has CTE, but neither ZJ nor his dad know what is actually wrong yet.
The happy, nostalgic (or cringe) feelings we as readers felt when ZJ and his parents danced along to “September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire.
mood
What is the following sentence an example of:
Zachariah was so strong, when ZJ and his friends grabbed onto his arm, he shook them off like feathers, not boys.
Simile
Provide a definition for symbolism. BONUS:
+1 for example from the text
When an object is used to stand for/represent something else (usually an idea or feeling)
Examples may vary, but all should match the definition.
Who said the following:
"And then there's the morning
when my cereal's cold
and the new day feels old
and I'm missing my stuffed animals
because I'm too big, I'm told"
ZJ
“You got feet like wings, bruh” (Woodson 8).
Figurative language
“Ollie divides fractions in his head, can multiply them too–gives you the answer while you’re still trying to write down the problem, knows so much about so much but doesn’t show off about knowing.
Darry–besides running fast, he can dance. Get the music going and my boy moves like water flowing. All smooth like that.
Daniel’s super chill, says stuff like You okay, my man? You need to talk? And really means it. And really listens.(Woodson 14).
Reveal Character Traits
What does an author do when they include personification in their writing?
They give human characteristics to non-human things.
Who says the following:
"I better never see you playing without a helmet. Why don't you and Ollie find another game to play?"
Mom
When Woodson references The Giving Tree in order to represent everything Zachariah has given up:
“Some days he seems just like that tree.
Like he’s not his whole self anymore. Like one by one
somebody or something
took his branches” (Woodson 54).
Symbolism
“Maybe it was after his first Super Bowl win, his ring
new and shining on his finger. Me just a little kid,
so the ring was this whole glittering world,
gold and black and diamonds against
my daddy’s brown hand.
I remember hearing the reporter say
Listen to those fans! Looks like everybody’s
found their next great hero.”
(Woodson 3).
Provide the context or background information