geocaching. Ask what they think the role of technology plays in the story, and how it might be used.
Continue to add information and ideas to the KWHL chart for these added areas.
Discussion Questions
The following discussion questions contained in this section address the following Common Core State
Standards: (RL.4–6.1, 3, 4, 10) (RL.4–5.7) (RI.4–6.4, 7) (RF.4–5.3a, 4a) (L.4–6.1, 2, 3, 4, 5) (SL.4–6.1,
2, 4, 5) (RH.6–8.7) (W.4–6.1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9)
1. Chapter 2 has the following quote:
“He discovered that making a good map was complicated, much more complicated than he had ever
imagined. And even though he didn’t like math very much, he made himself learn about fractions and
measurement so that his maps could be as accurate as possible. He didn’t really notice it, but during
fourth grade, maps began to turn him into a very precise thinker and a very careful observer.”
What does this tell us about Alton? Why does map-making require precision, observation, and math? Do
all maps require this? What skills does it take to read a map? Is it the same as reading a story? Can you
tell a story with maps? Compare and contrast different kinds of maps and what they require to give us
the information we are looking for.
2. Foreshadowing or guessing ahead is a literary device by which an author hints at certain
developments that may come later in the story. What is the author trying to tell us with the following?
“But any good mapmaker knows that the way things look and the way things are
can sometimes be different. Very different.”
As you are reading, cite evidence from the story that demonstrates that things are not always what they
seem.
3. Why do authors such as Andrew Clements use figurative language and specific word choices in their
stories? How does the author integrate visual information into the story? Find examples of similes,
metaphors, descriptive language, and visual information as you read. Keep track of these examples in
your journal, and note pages where you found them. How did this help your understanding of what was
happening at that point in the story?
4. How does the illustrator use pictures and details to develop the characters and setting of the story?
Give an example of an illustration that provides details for a character or an event.
5. Alton mentions that mapmakers don’t make stuff up—they present facts. He then goes into detail
about Miss Wheeling’s brain. Using the description in Chapter 5, draw a map of Miss Wheeling’s brain.
Be sure to include all the areas and make them in proportion to how Alton presents them.
6. Observe one of your parents, grandparents, brother, or sister for a few days. Draw a map of their brain
based on the details you have observed in the same way that Alton drew his observations. Keep track of
your observations in your journal so that you can be precise with your drawing.