When Zachary Beaver Came to Town (Saddleback's Focus on Reading Study Guides)

SADDLEBACK STUDY GUIDE

Saddleback’s literature study guides

FOCUS ON READING When Zachary Beaver Came to Town Give your students the background and support they need to understand and enjoy literature. With these study guides, your students will practice reading comprehension skills, sharpen their vocabulary, and learn to identify literary elements. • Prepares all students for reading success through prereading background building

Focus ON RE ADING Vocabulary

READING COMPREHENSION

• Focuses reading with guiding “Questions to Think About” • Builds vocabulary with prereading and during-reading activities • Develops cultural literacy by using well-known literature • Includes a comprehensive end-of-book test For more information on other titles in the Focus on Reading series, visit our website: sdlback.com

When Zachary Beaver Came to Town Kimberly Willis Holt

Three Watson • Irvine, California 92618-2767 1-888-735-2225 • sdlback.com

ACTIVATE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

Reproducible Activities

Focus

ON READING When Zachary Beaver Came to Town Mary Rich

Three Watson Irvine, CA 92618-2767 Web site: www.sdlback.com

Copyright © 2006 by Saddleback Educational Publishing. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the publisher, with the exception below. Pages labeled with the statement Saddleback Educational Publishing © 2006 are intended for reproduction. Saddleback Educational Publishing grants to individual purchasers of this book the right to make sufficient copies of reproducible pages for use by all students of a single teacher. This permission is limited to a single teacher and does not apply to entire schools or school systems. ISBN-1-59905-128-1 Printed in the United States of America 10 09 08 07 06 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Contents Introduction/Classroom Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iva Focus on the Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi Focus Your Knowledge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

I. Chapters One–Four Focus Your Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–3

IV. Chapters Thirteen–Fifteen Focus Your Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20–21

Build Your Vocabulary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Build Your Vocabulary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Check Your Understanding: Multiple Choice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Check Your Understanding: Multiple Choice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Check Your Understanding: Short Answer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Check Your Understanding: Short Answer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Deepen Your Understanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Deepen Your Understanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

II. Chapters Five–Eight Focus Your Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–9

V. Chapters Sixteen–Nineteen Focus Your Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26–27

Build Your Vocabulary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Build Your Vocabulary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Check Your Understanding: Multiple Choice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Check Your Understanding: Multiple Choice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Check Your Understanding: Short Answer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Check Your Understanding: Short Answer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Deepen Your Understanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Deepen Your Understanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

III. Chapters Nine–Twelve Focus Your Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14–15

VI. Chapters Twenty–Twenty-two Focus Your Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32–33

Build Your Vocabulary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Build Your Vocabulary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Check Your Understanding: Multiple Choice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Check Your Understanding: Multiple Choice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Check Your Understanding: Short Answer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Check Your Understanding: Short Answer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Deepen Your Understanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Deepen Your Understanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

End-of-Book Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Answer Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

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Introduction/Classroom Management Before Reading

Welcome to Focus on Reading Focus on Reading literature study guides are designed to help all students comprehend and analyze their reading. Many teachers have grappled with the question of how to make quality literature accessible to all students. Students who are already avid readers of quality literature are motivated to read and are familiar with prereading and reading strategies. However, struggling readers frequently lack basic reading skills and are not equipped with the prior knowledge and reading strategies to thoroughly engage in the classroom literature experience. Focus on Reading is designed to make teachers’ and students’ lives easier! How? By providing materials that allow all students to take part in reading quality literature. Each Focus on Reading study guide contains activities that focus on vocabulary and comprehension skills that students need to get the most from their reading. In addition, each section within the guide contains a before-reading Focus Your Reading page containing tools to ensure success: Vocabulary Words to Know, Things to Know, and Questions to Think About. These study aids will help students who may not have the prior knowledge they need to truly comprehend the reading.

• Focus Your Reading consists of 3 prereading sections: Vocabulary Words to Know lists and defines 10 vocabulary words students will encounter in their reading. Students will not have to interrupt their reading to look up, ask for, or spend a lot of time figuring out the meaning of unfamiliar words. These words are later studied in-depth within the lesson. Things to Know identifies terms or concepts that are integral to the reading but that may not be familiar to today’s students. This section is intended to “level the playing field” for those students who may not have much prior knowledge about the time period, culture, or theme of the book. It also gets students involved with the book, increasing interest before they begin reading. Questions to Think About helps students focus on the main ideas and important details they should be looking for as they read. This activity helps give students a purpose for reading. The goal of these guiding questions is to build knowledge, confidence, and comfort with the topics in the reading.

During Reading • Build Your Vocabulary presents the 10 unit focus words in the exact context of the book. Students are then asked to write their own definitions and sentences for the words.

Using Focus on Reading Focus on Reading is designed to make it easy for you to meet the individual needs of students who require additional reading skills support. Each Focus on Reading study guide contains teacher and student support materials, reproducible student activity sheets, an endof-book test, and an answer key.

• Check Your Understanding: Multiple Choice offers 10 multiple-choice, literal comprehension questions for each section. • Check Your Understanding: Short Answer contains 10 short-answer questions based on the reading.

• Focus on the Book, a convenient reference section for the teacher, provides a brief overview of the entire book including a synopsis, information about the setting, author data, and historical background.

After Reading • Deepen Your Understanding is a writing activity that extends appreciation and analysis of the book. This activity focuses on critical-thinking skills and literary analysis.

• Focus Your Knowledge, a reference page for students, is a whole-book, prereading activity designed to activate prior knowledge and immerse students in the topic.

• End-of-Book Test contains 20 multiple-choice items covering the book. These items ask questions that require students to synthesize the information in the book and make inferences in their answers.

The study guide divides the novel into 6 manageable sections to make it easy to plan classroom time. Five activities are devoted to each section of the novel.

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Introduction/Classroom Management

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other involved adults can review vocabulary words with students, offer their own insights about the historical and cultural background outlined, and become familiar with the ideas students will be reading about. This can help families talk to students in a meaningful way about their reading, and it gives the adults something concrete to ask about to be sure that students are reading and understanding. The Build Your Vocabulary and Check Your Understanding: Multiple Choice and Short Answer activities should be distributed when students begin reading the corresponding section of the novel. These literature guide pages are intended to help students comprehend and retain what they read; they should be available for students to refer to at any time during the reading. Deepen Your Understanding is an optional extension activity that goes beyond literal questions about the book, asking students for their own ideas and opinions—and the reasons behind them. These postreading activities generally focus on literary analysis. As reflected in its title, the End-of-Book Test is a postreading comprehension test to be completed after the entire novel has been read. For your convenience, a clear Answer Key simplifies the scoring process.

Classroom Management Focus on Reading is very flexible. It can be used by the whole class, by small groups, or by individuals. Each study guide divides the novel into 6 manageable units of study. This literature comprehension program is simple to use. Just photocopy the lessons and distribute them at the appropriate time as students read the novel. You may want to reproduce and discuss the Focus Your Knowledge page before distributing the paperbacks. This page develops and activates prior knowledge to ensure that students have a grounding in the book before beginning reading. After reading this whole-book prereading page, students are ready to dive into the book. The Focus Your Reading prereading activities are the keystone of this program. They prepare students for what they are going to read, providing focus for the complex task of reading. These pages should be distributed before students actually begin reading the corresponding section of the novel. There are no questions to be answered on these pages; these are for reference and support during reading. Students may choose to take notes on these pages as they read. This will also give students a study tool for review before the End-of-Book Test. The Focus Your Reading pages also provide an excellent bridge to home. Parents, mentors, tutors, or

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Focus on the Book to her since she left home. By the end of the book, Toby is actually able to be happy again.

Synopsis Toby finds life in Antler, Texas, boring—until the summer of 1971. This is the summer that his mother leaves town to enter a singing contest in Nashville—and doesn’t come home. It is also the summer that Zachary Beaver, billed as the fattest boy in the world, makes a stop in Antler. And it is the summer that his best friend’s brother is killed in the Vietnam War. Toby, understandably, has great difficulty in accepting the fact that his mother has left him and his father. At first, Toby fantasizes that maybe she really is going to make it big as a country singer, and that he will travel the country with her. He eventually understands that she is not coming home, and he is not going to her. His anger makes life with his father difficult for them both. But during this time, Toby learns a lot about his father. He also learns that his mother’s views about people and about life were only one perspective; there are other ways of looking at things. Toby and his best friend, Cal, befriend the enormously fat Zachary Beaver, a sideshow act who winds up staying for several weeks in Antler. Toby learns empathy and kindness from dealing with the defensive Zachary. When Toby and Cal decide to take Zachary to the drive-in movies, they endure stares and jokes alongside Zachary. They expand his narrow horizon and help him experience some of normal life. The loss of Wayne, Cal’s brother, puts a strain on their friendship, because Toby is unable to support Cal during this crisis. Toby struggles with Wayne’s death, as well as the absence of his mother. He and Cal make up, and Toby comes to understand Cal as a deeper person than he had thought. When Toby and Cal help Zachary to get baptized—his mother’s dying wish—Toby is cleansed as well. He is able to forgive his mother, and he writes his first letter

About the Author Kimberly Willis Holt is the author of My Louisiana Sky and Keeper of the Night, as well as When Zachary Beaver Came to Town. She is the daughter of a military man and has lived in many places, including Louisiana, France, and Guam. She enjoys writing from the perspective of young adults and concentrates on the coming-of-age story. Ms. Holt claims that her favorite part of the writing process is rewriting. The idea for Zachary Beaver was born when she visited the Louisiana State Fair and paid to see “the fattest teenage boy in the world.” When Zachary Beaver Came to Town has won much acclaim, including the National Book Award.

Historical Background The setting of When Zachary Beaver Came to Town is the small town of Antler, Texas, in the summer of 1971. Numerous period references appear in the book, including some to The Flip Wilson Show, Tammy Wynette, the Grand Ole Opry, and, of course, the Vietnam War. The United States was directly involved in Vietnam from 1965 to 1973. An important character in the book, Wayne, never appears in person because he is away fighting. He is killed in action and is one of 56,000 Americans who died in the conflict. The controversy surrounding the longest war in American history is evident in an anecdote a local tells about a young man who returned home from duty to spitting and insults. In his last letter home, Wayne confides that the war is unpopular in Vietnam, and the soldiers are not welcomed even by those they are supposed to be helping.

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Whole Book

Before Reading

Focus Your Knowledge When Zachary Beaver Came to Town takes place in the small town of Antler, Texas, over the summer of 1971. It is the story of a boy who learns a lot about himself and other people through some difficult times. Friendship and communication are both important in this book. • Look at a map of the United States and find Texas. In what region of the country is this state located? • Now look for Nashville, Tennessee. How far is Nashville from the panhandle of Texas? • What was going on in the world in 1971? Your parents, teacher, or other adults might have information about this. • What do you know about the Vietnam War? What was the attitude in your town toward the war? Do you know of any veterans from your town who fought in that war? • Zachary Beaver, a character in the book, is called “the fattest boy in the world.” People pay two dollars to walk through his trailer and stare at him. How do you think you would feel if you were Zachary? How would you feel if you saw him? • Many people in When Zachary Beaver Came to Town have dreams of what they would like to do with their lives. How important do you think dreams are in life? What are your dreams? Do you think the older people you know had or have dreams? If so, what are they? • There are many ways to communicate: by speaking, writing e-mails, reading books, writing in a journal, writing letters, leaving voice mail, and so forth. In 1971, not all of these methods of communication existed. Writing letters was more common then than now. Think about how often you write letters. How do you feel when you write a letter? How do you feel when you receive one? What are the advantages and disadvantages to letters versus other types of communication?

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

I. Chapters One–Four

Before Reading

Focus Your Reading Vocabulary Words to Know Study the following words and definitions. You will meet these words in your reading. Be sure to jot down in your word journal any other unknown words from the reading. griped—complained frantically—fast, anxiety-driven action accelerates—speeds up resuscitation—the act of reviving from apparent death or unconsciousness oblivious—completely unaware

mutter—say in a low voice revival—a highly emotional religious meeting sparse—not thickly grown vacant—empty defies—resists; withstands

Things to Know Here is some background information about this section of the book. Texas is a large Southern state that borders Mexico. When Zachary Beaver Came to Town takes place in Texas. Thunderbirds and Mustangs were popular sporty cars. Tammy Wynette was a very popular country singer who came from humble roots. She eventually packed up her family to move to Nashville to fulfill her dream of becoming a country singer. She was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame shortly after her death in 1998. The Grand Ole Opry is a live radio show that began in 1925 under a different name. It became so popular that it has changed venues (places) several times. It began as a studio show, but a live audience was soon invited to add excitement to the show. The cotton gin, invented by Eli Whitney in 1793, separates hulls, seeds, and other unwanted material from cotton fibers. This invention greatly speeded up the processing of cotton and made the crop profitable. A sheriff is an official who handles judicial duties. In When Zachary Beaver Came to Town, Sheriff Fetterman serves as the local policeman.

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

I. Chapters One–Four

Before Reading

Focus Your Reading (continued) Paulie Rankin acts like a carnival barker, someone who advertises at the entrance to a show. In this case, Zachary Beaver is the show. Casey Kasem and Wolfman Jack were DJs on pop music stations. Dry goods include clothing, fabrics, and other household items that are not hardware or groceries. A dry goods store is a general store. Shriners are members of a men’s group that supports charities. Ebenezer Scrooge is the main character in Charles Dickens’s novel A Christmas Carol. Scrooge is a miser, or someone who piles up his money and spends very little.

Questions to Think About The following questions will help you understand the meaning of what you read. You do not have to write out the answers to these questions. Instead, look at them before you begin reading, and think about them while you are reading. 1. How is Toby’s family different from Cal’s family?

2. How are Toby’s parents different from each other?

3. How does Toby feel about Antler, Texas?

4. How important are dreams in life?

5. How do people react to Zachary Beaver?

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

I. Chapters One–Four

During Reading

Build Your Vocabulary Read the sentences below. On the line, write your definition of the word in bold type. Then, on another sheet of paper, use that word in a new sentence of your own. 1. “‘Fatty, fatty, two by four,’ Tara chimes . . . ‘Shut up, squirt,’ I mutter.” mutter: __________________________________________________________________ 2. “. . . and when people exit the trailer, some come out all quiet like they’ve been to a revival. A few say things like, ‘Lord-a-mercy!’” revival: __________________________________________________________________ 3. “Because of the breaks, it’s not as flat and sparse as most of the Panhandle. Most Panhandle towns don’t have trees unless someone planted them, but Antler has plenty of elms and cedars.” sparse: __________________________________________________________________ 4. “Our town’s population has been shrinking. . . . A lot of the stores are vacant.” vacant: __________________________________________________________________ 5. “. . . Mom puts so much hair spray on hers it defies any Panhandle wind. . . .” defies: __________________________________________________________________ 6. “Dad always griped at the way Mom never kept enough groceries in the house.” griped: __________________________________________________________________ 7. “. . . Kate failed the driving test because she can’t parallel park. Now she frantically looks from the rearview mirror to the side mirror, inching the car backward.” frantically: _______________________________________________________________ 8. “He waves again, sucks in his big gut, and accelerates like he’s on a Harley-Davidson.” accelerates: _______________________________________________________________ 9. “The lifeguard got excited and yanked me out of the pool and did mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.” resuscitation: _____________________________________________________________ 10. “Billy sleeps on the couch, oblivious to the music and the growl of the machine.” oblivious: ________________________________________________________________

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

I. Chapters One–Four

During Reading

Check Your Understanding Multiple Choice Circle the letter of the best answer to each question. 7. What is noticeable about Zachary’s trailer? a. It is very clean. b. It is very dirty. c. It is painted black.

1. Where is Toby’s mother? a. Amarillo b. Nashville c. Austin 2. How did Cal get his black tooth? a. from a football injury b. from his sister hitting him c. from a bicycle accident

8. Besides being the postmaster, what job does Toby’s father do? a. He is a cook at the Bowl-a-Rama. b. He sells snow cones in the summer. c. He is a worm farmer.

3. Who is Scarlett Stalling? a. a beautiful girl who Toby likes b. the next-door neighbor c. a waitress at the Bowl-a-Rama

9. What do people in town say about how Ferris got his limp? a. that he shot himself in the leg to avoid going to war b. that it was an accident that happened while he was cleaning his gun c. that one of the sheriff ’s dogs injured him badly

4. Who is Juan? a. the owner of the Bowl-a-Rama b. Scarlett’s boyfriend c. Tara’s babysitter 5. What does Cal’s brother Wayne write about in his letters from Vietnam? a. home b. the war c. his girlfriend

10. What does Toby keep track of on his calendar? a. the days until his mother comes home b. the days until he can release the ladybugs c. the days until Wayne comes home

6. Why is Zachary Beaver on display? a. He has a dog with two heads. b. He has two heads. c. He is the fattest boy in the world.

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

I. Chapters One–Four

During Reading

Check Your Understanding Short Answer Write a short answer for each question. 1. How did Toby’s mother get to Nashville?

2. Why does Scarlett come over to Toby while he waits in line at the trailer?

3. What does Cal do when he gets into Zachary Beaver’s trailer and sees him?

4. How does Zachary react when he realizes that Tara has had an accident in his trailer?

5. What does Miss Myrtie Mae ask Zachary Beaver?

6. What makes Juan different from the other boys?

7. Why has the number of people in Antler dropped?

8. What is the free entertainment at the Bowl-a-Rama?

9. From your reading so far, how is Toby like his father?

10. From your reading so far, how is Toby like his mother?

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

I. Chapters One–Four

After Reading

Deepen Your Understanding Setting means the time and place of a story. The author tells the place of the setting in the very first sentence of the book. Other parts of the setting she leaves for the reader to figure out. She gives many clues. List the time clues you find in Chapters One through Four. These may include dates, details about dress, transportation, jobs, and other things that may change over time. Look at the clues you listed. When do you think this story takes place? How does Toby’s life compare with yours?

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

II. Chapters Five–Eight

Before Reading

Focus Your Reading Vocabulary Words to Know Study the following words and definitions. You will meet these words in your reading. Be sure to jot down in your word journal any other unknown words from the reading. offend—cause difficulty or discomfort abandoned—left behind orphan—a person without living parents twinge—an emotional pang (pain) eternity—endless time

averts—turns away (the eyes) serial—happening in a series postponed—put off until a later time confess—admit to something intimidating—frightening

Things to Know Here is some background information about this section of the book. The Guinness Book of World Records is a reference book that tells about all sorts of records. Many of the records are for strange behavior. Proverbs is a collection of moral sayings that forms a book of Jewish and Christian Scripture. Ferris had once wanted to be a preacher, and he posts religious sayings from the Bible on the board at the Bowl-a-Rama. Emphysema is a serious lung disease that makes it very difficult to breathe. It is often caused by smoking. A Sugar Daddy is the brand name of a caramel lollipop. Paulie Rankin is supposed to be Zachary’s legal guardian. This means that Paulie has the legal responsibilities and rights related to taking care of Zachary.

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

II. Chapters Five–Eight

Before Reading

Focus Your Reading Questions to Think About The following questions will help you understand the meaning of what you read. You do not have to write out the answers to these questions. Instead, look at them before you begin reading, and think about them while you are reading. 1. Why is Toby uncomfortable talking about his Mom and the contest?

2. Why is Toby so interested in Wayne and his letters?

3. Why does Toby think that standing up for Zachary Beaver is different from fighting for himself?

4. How does the sheriff treat Zachary?

5. What is the relationship between Zachary and Paulie?

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

II. Chapters Five–Eight

During Reading

Build Your Vocabulary Read the sentences below. On the line, write your definition of the word in bold type. Then, on another sheet of paper, use that word in a new sentence of your own. 1. “His temples pulse, and he averts his eyes to the floor.” averts: __________________________________________________________________ 2. “‘A stranger can’t spend five minutes in Antler without everybody suspecting he’s a serial killer.’” serial: ___________________________________________________________________ 3. “‘Two nights before the [Miss Myrtie’s] wedding the Judge pretended to be on his deathbed. She postponed the wedding, but the lawyer broke up with her because he said she was already married.’” postponed: _______________________________________________________________ 4. “‘Toby, Sheriff Levi has something to ask you.’ He’s heard. Maybe I should confess.” confess: _________________________________________________________________ 5. “‘. . . since he’s just a kid, I don’t want to scare him or anything. Seeing a sheriff at your door can be intimidating.’” intimidating: _____________________________________________________________ 6. “‘Sorry. Didn’t mean to offend you.’” offend: __________________________________________________________________ 7. “‘. . . the court would view you as a minor who has been left unsupervised and abandoned.’” abandoned: ______________________________________________________________ 8. “. . . I remember his parents are dead. If I were an orphan, I probably wouldn’t have any manners.” orphan: _________________________________________________________________ 9. “Although I feel a twinge of disappointment for Mom because I know how much she wanted to win, I’m relieved.” twinge: __________________________________________________________________ 10. “‘Do you come here often?’ I ask. Each second I approach dork eternity.” eternity: _________________________________________________________________ © 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

II. Chapters Five–Eight

During Reading

Check Your Understanding Multiple Choice Circle the letter of the best answer to each question. 6. What item of Cal’s does Toby keep? a. a letter from Wayne b. his bike c. his baseball glove

1. Why does Miss Myrtie Mae act surprised to see Toby and Cal in the library? a. They do not know how to read. b. They are usually afraid of her. c. They haven’t been to the library in at least ten years.

7. How does Zachary’s window get broken? a. Toby accidentally hits it with a rock while chasing away some kids who were bothering Zachary. b. Cal breaks it while trying to look in the window at Zachary. c. Some neighborhood kids throw rocks at the trailer and hit the window.

2. Why do the boys go to the library? a. They want to talk to Miss Myrtie Mae about her photos. b. They want to check the Guinness Book of World Records to find out if Zachary Beaver really is the fattest boy in the world. c. They want to ask Miss Myrtie Mae to visit Zachary Beaver.

8. What does Zachary claim he has done? a. traveled widely b. shot at cans c. gone bowling

3. How does Miss Myrtie Mae know what the boys are looking for? a. Many people have been looking for the Guinness Book of World Records. b. Toby’s father has told her. c. Cal’s brother Wayne wrote her a letter.

9. What does Toby do rather than call his mother to find out when she is coming home? a. He writes her a letter. b. He writes to Wayne about it. c. He imagines what life would be like for him on the road with her.

4. What does Miss Myrtie Mae ask Otto if Toby may do? a. mow her lawn b. go with her to Nashville c. check out some library books for Zachary

10. What does Scarlett ask Toby to do when she finds him at the lake? a. She asks him to give a message to Juan. b. She asks him to dance. c. She asks him to spray some bug spray on her to keep away the mosquitoes.

5. What does Cal’s sister Kate finally get after trying for a long time? a. a date b. a new Carole King album c. her driver’s license

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

II. Chapters Five–Eight

During Reading

Check Your Understanding Short Answer Write a short answer for each question. 1. Why do you think Miss Myrtie Mae is protective of Zachary?

2. What is Toby’s attitude toward fighting?

3. Why does it seem all right to Toby to fight for Zachary Beaver?

4. Why is Zachary rude to people, such as the sheriff, who are trying to help him?

5. Why is Zachary sure that Paulie will come back?

6. What leads Cal to think that Zachary has not been baptized?

7. Why do you think Toby writes to Wayne—and signs Cal’s name?

8. Why does Toby not call his mother to find out when she plans to come home?

9. Why does Toby ride out to the lake after mailing the letter to Wayne?

10. On his way to the lake, Toby thinks of Antler as “this stinking town.” On his way home from the lake, he decides that he agrees with Wayne: “Antler is the best place on the face of the earth.” Why has his outlook changed so dramatically?

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

II. Chapters Five–Eight

After Reading

Deepen Your Understanding In Chapter Six, Toby wonders what it would be like to be as fat as Zachary: Once when I was nine or ten, Mom heard that a cold front might blow through the Panhandle. It was fifty degrees outside, but she made me wear a bulky sweater and my heavy winter coat. The cold front never arrived, and I felt like an enormous snowman, sweating under all those layers. I wonder if that’s how Zachary feels every minute. In this passage, Toby is identifying with Zachary. This means that he can compare his experience to Zachary’s and see how they are somehow alike. Authors often want their readers to identify with a character. This makes the story more interesting and important to the reader. Choose one of the characters below with whom you identify. Write a paragraph explaining why you connect with that character. Toby Cal Zachary Kate Wayne

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

I I I . C h a p t e r s N i n e – Tw e lv e

Before Reading

Focus Your Reading Vocabulary Words to Know Study the following words and definitions. You will meet these words in your reading. Be sure to jot down in your word journal any other unknown words from the reading. pining—longing for something that cannot be had traipse—to wander with a purpose devour—to eat hungrily despising—hating dictate—to speak or read aloud for another person to record

optimum—ideal; especially, the best condition for growing something verdict—judgment proceeds—moves forward along a course daintily—gracefully notify—to inform

Things to Know Here is some background information about this section of the book. A tiara is a jeweled or flowered headband or circle worn by women for formal wear. A gazebo is an outdoor structure with a roof and, usually, open sides. Scarlett wants to become a model or a stewardess. Nowadays, stewardesses are usually called flight attendants. Toby’s mom used to make him a breakfast that will “stick to your ribs.” This expression means a filling meal that will provide a lot of energy.

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

I I I . C h a p t e r s N i n e – Tw e lv e

Before Reading

Focus Your Reading Questions to Think About The following questions will help you understand the meaning of what you read. You do not have to write out the answers to these questions. Instead, look at them before you begin reading, and think about them while you are reading. 1. Why does Zachary insult Cal and Toby, who try to be friendly?

2. Why does Toby lie about the contest?

3. How important are places to the characters?

4. Toby’s mother’s dream is to become a country music singer. What is Toby’s dream?

5. What has Toby’s relationship with his father changed since his mother left for Nashville?

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

I I I . C h a p t e r s N i n e – Tw e lv e

During Reading

Build Your Vocabulary Read the sentences below. On the line, write your definition of the word in bold type. Then, on another sheet of paper, use that word in a new sentence of your own. 1. “She likes hearing about the optimum temperature for worms, and he likes learning about the different types of roses.” optimum: _______________________________________________________________ 2. “‘Don’t talk, son, when I’m handing down a verdict. . . . Now you’re going to have to do some time instead of paying a fine.’” verdict: __________________________________________________________________ 3. “Miss Myrtie Mae acts like she can’t hear him and proceeds down the stone path.” proceeds: ________________________________________________________________ 4. “She flings hers open and drops it daintily into her lap.” daintily: _________________________________________________________________ 5. “‘I’ll have to notify social services in Amarillo.’” notify: __________________________________________________________________ 6. “I leave the girl of my dreams in the kitchen, pining over some other guy. . . . Loser is my middle name.” pining: __________________________________________________________________ 7. “. . . I traipse over to the kitchen drawer and dig out a fork for Zachary and Cal.” traipse: __________________________________________________________________ 8. “Zachary snarls as I devour my slice [of cake], using my fingers.” devour: _________________________________________________________________ 9. “‘Being a farm kid, I grew up despising them.’” despising: ________________________________________________________________ 10. “She’ll write to me, and I’ll dictate letters to my personal secretary. . . .” dictate: __________________________________________________________________

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

I I I . C h a p t e r s N i n e – Tw e lv e

During Reading

Check Your Understanding Multiple Choice Circle the letter of the best answer to each question. 6. Why did the sheriff stop by the Pruitts’ house the day Toby is there? a. He wanted to tell Toby that Zachary was leaving town. b. He had to tell Miss Myrtie Mae that people were complaining about the Judge’s strange behavior. c. He wanted to ask Toby for worms.

1. What new thing does Toby try before going to mow the Pruitts’ lawn the first time? a. He drinks coffee. b. He puts on aftershave. c. He wears one of Otto’s work shirts. 2. What lie does Toby tell Mrs. McKnight about the singing contest? a. He tells her that his mother won, so she won’t be back for a while. b. He tells her that there was a fire at the Grand Ole Opry. c. He says that his mother lost, and she is so upset that she cannot face returning to town yet.

7. What does Scarlett believe might keep her from becoming a model? a. her lack of travel experience b. her mother’s need of her at home c. the gap in her teeth 8. What does Zachary do when Tara stares at him? a. He puffs his face up. b. He invites her to watch TV with him. c. He gives her a slice of Miss Myrtie Mae’s cake.

3. What is Miss Myrtie Mae’s costume every Halloween? a. the bride of Frankenstein b. Glinda, the good witch c. Tammy Wynette, the country singer 4. Why does Miss Myrtie Mae ask Toby rather than Cal to mow her lawn? a. She does not know Cal’s family. b. Cal did it once and did not do a good job. c. Mr. McKnight needs Cal to work on the farm.

9. What does Toby do with his letter from his mother? a. He tacks it on his bulletin board. b. He crumples it up and shoots it through his basketball hoop. c. He tears it into tiny pieces.

5. What treat does Miss Myrtie Mae make for Zachary? a. a lemon meringue pie b. a German chocolate cake c. a pineapple upside-down cake

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

10. When, according to Toby’s dad, can Toby decide what his life will be? a. when his mother returns b. when he grows up c. when he finishes high school

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

I I I . C h a p t e r s N i n e – Tw e lv e

During Reading

Check Your Understanding Short Answer Write a short answer for each question. 1. How does Toby know that his father feels “rotten” the morning Toby mows the Pruitts’ lawn?

2. Why does Toby’s lie about the fire make him feel worse than his lie about forgetting homework?

3. Why is Toby upset about the possibility of Zachary having to live in a foster home?

4. How does Toby prepare before going over to Scarlett’s house?

5. What does Toby do in Scarlett’s bedroom?

6. What favor does Toby do for Scarlett after her phone call from Juan?

7. According to Toby’s father, why did Toby’s mother leave?

8. What does Freddy, the bait shop owner, say about the young man in the photo who caught the big bass?

9. Why does Toby’s father tell Freddy that Toby “has a dose of big city in him”?

10. How does Toby imagine he will end his imaginary letters to Scarlett in the future? Why would he do that?

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

I I I . C h a p t e r s N i n e – Tw e lv e

After Reading

Deepen Your Understanding Places are very important in this story. Different characters want to go or stay in different places for different reasons. Find a few references to places in this section of the book. Then write about how one of the following characters feels about place. Toby Zachary Otto Opalina Scarlett

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

I V. C h a p t e r s T h i r t e e n – F i f t e e n

Before Reading

Focus Your Reading Vocabulary Words to Know Study the following words and definitions. You will meet these words in your reading. Be sure to jot down in your word journal any other unknown words from the reading. prance—to strut; to move with a springing step turmoil—a state of confusion optimist—someone who sees all things in a positive way queasy—nauseated; feeling sick to the stomach

lanky—awkwardly tall and thin obscene—coarse; offensive hermit—someone who lives alone and apart from other people obvious—easily seen or understood; evident eternal—unending; everlasting lingers—remains, although in decreasing strength

Things to Know Here is some background information about this section of the book. A drive-in theater is a place to see movies outdoors. People drive into a big parking lot and park next to speaker boxes, or they tune their car radios to a certain channel. The film is shown on a big screen, as in a movie theater. Cal and Zachary plan to have Zachary baptized. Baptism is a symbolic cleansing that shows that someone wants to be part of a certain religion. Many religions have some kind of baptism, including Catholics and Baptists, two religions mentioned in the book. Cal, Zachary, Kate, and Toby are going to see a John Wayne movie. John Wayne was a well-known movie star who often played tough, good-guy cowboy roles.

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

I V. C h a p t e r s T h i r t e e n – F i f t e e n

Before Reading

Focus Your Reading Questions to Think About The following questions will help you understand the meaning of what you read. You do not have to write out the answers to these questions. Instead, look at them before you begin reading, and think about them while you are reading. 1. What are some boundaries between people?

2. What does Toby learn about people he’s known all his life?

3. What motivates, or drives, Cal to become involved with Zachary?

4. What motivates Zachary to accept Cal and Toby as friends?

5. How does Zachary feel about his life?

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

I V. C h a p t e r s T h i r t e e n – F i f t e e n

During Reading

Build Your Vocabulary Read the sentences below. On the line, write your definition of the word in bold type. Then, on another sheet of paper, use that word in a new sentence of your own. 1. “. . . out of the corner of my eye I see Kate’s lanky shadow on her porch.” lanky: ___________________________________________________________________ 2. “Two of the jerks hang out, making obscene gestures and yelling . . .” obscene: _________________________________________________________________ 3. “I’m just thankful Dad is a hermit because I’d be grounded for life if he caught word of it.” hermit: __________________________________________________________________ 4. “And I can’t help wondering if my lie is as obvious to others.” obvious: _________________________________________________________________ 5. “‘And of course there is the gift of eternal life.’” eternal: __________________________________________________________________ 6. “Mom’s perfume still lingers, and I almost expect her to prance out of her bathroom, saying, ‘Hey, Critter!’” lingers: __________________________________________________________________ prance: __________________________________________________________________ 7. “‘No need to be ashamed. Every Christian goes through this time of turmoil.’” turmoil: _________________________________________________________________ 8. “‘Think he’ll do it?’ I ask. ‘Sure,’ Cal says, always the optimist.” optimist: ________________________________________________________________ 9. “But my stomach is queasy, and my knees feel weak.” queasy: __________________________________________________________________

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

I V. C h a p t e r s T h i r t e e n – F i f t e e n

During Reading

Check Your Understanding Multiple Choice Circle the letter of the best answer to each question. 6. What is in the mysterious bag that Zachary gives to Kate? a. a box of chocolates b. his laundry c. the Bible from his mother

1. Where does Cal want to take Zachary? a. to the doctor b. to the drive-in c. to the barber 2. How do the boys plan to get Zachary into the truck? a. They build a ramp. b. They borrow a winch. c. They build steps.

7. Whom does Toby ask about baptism? a. his father b. Mrs. McKnight c. Miss Myrtie Mae 8. What gift does Toby give to Scarlett? a. ruby earrings b. a diamond bracelet c. a pearl necklace

3. Kate assumes the boys want to take Zachary to the movies for what reason? a. to make fun of him b. to show him what a drive-in is c. to win a dare

9. Why does Reverend Newton visit Toby? a. He is concerned about Toby since his mother left. b. He has heard that Toby has been lying about the fire at the Grand Ole Opry. c. He has heard from Miss Myrtie Mae that Toby is interested in baptism.

4. What convinces Zachary to go to the drive-in? a. the promise of popcorn b. Kate’s kindness c. his desire to see a cowboy 5. What do the plains remind Zachary of? a. Paris b. the ocean c. his home in New York

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

10. When Toby goes to get his gift back, who and what does he see? a. Tara, wearing the necklace b. Scarlett, kissing Juan c. the Judge, throwing apples at the Stallings’ porch

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

I V. C h a p t e r s T h i r t e e n – F i f t e e n

During Reading

Check Your Understanding Short Answer Write a short answer for each question. 1. Why doesn’t Toby open his mother’s letter?

2. What convinces Toby that Zachary has been lying about the places he’s been?

3. What is Zachary’s attitude toward people walking through his home and looking at him?

4. What makes Kate seem pretty to Toby at Zachary’s trailer?

5. Why does Kate park in the back row at the drive-in?

6. How does Toby feel when he is alone with Zachary in the back of the truck at the drive-in?

7. Why does Cal think that Zachary would like to be baptized?

8. How does Toby feel after he drops off the gift at Scarlett’s?

9. What is Mrs. McKnight’s dream?

10. What is the news the army officers have brought to Mrs. McKnight?

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

I V. C h a p t e r s T h i r t e e n – F i f t e e n

After Reading

Deepen Your Understanding To create strong, clear images for their readers, authors use a variety of literary devices. One type of literary device is a simile. Similes make comparisons between two things. Similes use the word like or as to make the comparison. “Drops of sweat cover his upper lip, and he pants like a Saint Bernard after a run” is a simile from When Zachary Beaver Came to Town. “It [the sun] sits in the sky like a bright juicy orange waiting to drop from a branch” is another. Write a descriptive paragraph about a scene from the book. Be sure to use at least one simile in your paragraph.

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

V. C h a p t e r s S i x t e e n – N i n e t e e n

Before Reading

Focus Your Reading Vocabulary Words to Know Study the following words and definitions. You will meet these words in your reading. Be sure to jot down in your word journal any other unknown words from the reading. grimaces (verb)— frowns, showing disgust or disapproval petrified (adjective)—stonelike from fear passionate—enthusiastic glistens—to give off a sparkling reflection murky—dim; foggy; dark

teetered—wobbled; wavered sheen—brightness; shine betrayed—failed or deserted in a time of need etiquette—the expected behavior in social life downplay—to de-emphasize; to minimize

Things to Know Here is some background information about this section of the book. Cal’s father first saw his mother at a rodeo. A rodeo is a public performance featuring acts such as bronco riding, steer riding, and calf roping. Toby watches The Flip Wilson Show. Flip Wilson was an African-American comedian. His was one of the most successful variety shows of the 1970s. It aired from 1970 to 1974. Taps is a call played on a bugle to signal lights out at a military camp. It is also played at military funerals, like Wayne’s. Cal tells Toby that the army gave his family a flag. It is customary for the government to give a flag to the family at the burial of a soldier killed in action or a veteran of a war.

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

26

Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

V. C h a p t e r s S i x t e e n – N i n e t e e n

Before Reading

Focus Your Reading Questions to Think About The following questions will help you understand the meaning of what you read. You do not have to write out the answers to these questions. Instead, look at them before you begin reading, and think about them while you are reading. 1. How do Toby’s ideas about Cal change during this section?

2. Why is Toby unable to support Cal after the loss of Wayne?

3. How important are needing others and being needed by others?

4. Why is Cal upset that he did not write more to Wayne and that Toby did?

5. Toby has always complained about Antler. For whom is Antler a good place?

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

V. C h a p t e r s S i x t e e n – N i n e t e e n

During Reading

Build Your Vocabulary Read the sentences below. On the line, write your definition of the word in bold type. Then, on another sheet of paper, use that word in a new sentence of your own. 1. “‘But I always thought your dad teetered on being sad most days anyway. Some people are like that.’” teetered: _________________________________________________________________ 2. “A sheen of sweat covers his face, which is redder than his hair.” sheen: __________________________________________________________________ 3. “He stares at me like I’ve betrayed him. My chest tightens because I know that’s exactly what I’ve done.” betrayed: ________________________________________________________________ 4. “‘I ain’t had a customer complain about my table etiquette yet.’” etiquette: ________________________________________________________________ 5. “I try to downplay our home because I know Juan lives on the Mexican side of town, where the shabbiest houses are.” downplay: _______________________________________________________________ 6. “He grimaces. ‘Is that what this is all about . . .?’” grimaces: ________________________________________________________________ 7. “It’s hard to tell if she’s petrified or loving the adventure.” petrified: ________________________________________________________________ 8. “‘That tiny little thing was filled with so much life. . . . Passionate about her dreams, even back then.’” passionate: _______________________________________________________________ 9. “His temples pulse and he looks out onto the water, where the sun glistens.” glistens: _________________________________________________________________ 10. “He plunges in, bike and all, disappearing under the murky surface.” murky: __________________________________________________________________

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

V. C h a p t e r s S i x t e e n – N i n e t e e n

During Reading

Check Your Understanding Multiple Choice Circle the letter of the best answer to each question. 7. What two secrets does Cal expose in Zachary’s trailer after the funeral? a. that Zachary has not traveled widely and that Toby’s mother is not coming back b. that Toby’s mother lost the contest and that she is dating a record executive c. that Zachary has not been baptized and that Toby is dating Scarlett

1. What do all the neighbors on the street do to show support for the McKnights? a. visit the family b. raise their flags c. honk their horns 2. Whose idea was the Ladybug Waltz? a. Cal’s b. Kate’s c. Wayne’s

8. What is in the box Juan has with him while he waits on Toby’s front steps? a. golf balls b. Wayne’s clothes c. a gift for Scarlett

3. What does Toby do with his toy soldiers the day of the funeral? a. puts them in a box for Cal b. knocks them down one by one c. buries them in his yard

9. What did Antler offer Toby’s father that Dallas didn’t? a. the chance to be himself b. the chance to please his father c. the chance to live in a big house

4. What is Toby’s reaction to hearing taps played the day of Wayne’s funeral? a. He cries. b. A shiver runs through him. c. He salutes the flag.

10. What does Cal do when Toby follows him on his bike? a. He sprays mud on Toby by turning hard. b. He forces Toby into the lake on his bike. c. He rides right into the lake.

5. Who is Zachary’s only known relative? a. a brother being raised in a foster home b. an uncle who is in jail c. Paulie, his cousin and manager 6. What does Cal give Toby in Zachary’s trailer the day of the funeral? a. the $46 he owes Toby b. all his toy soldiers c. Wayne’s old clothes

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

V. C h a p t e r s S i x t e e n – N i n e t e e n

During Reading

Check Your Understanding Short Answer Write a short answer for each question. 1. Why does Toby think Wayne asked Toby’s dad to choose the music for the Ladybug Waltz?

2. According to Ferris, what is the root of all evil, besides money?

3. How does Toby know that Zachary is comfortable in Antler?

4. Why, does Toby conclude, has Zachary never been baptized?

5. For what three reasons does Scarlett return Toby’s gift?

6. What does Toby suspect kept Juan from going to the party for Scarlett’s grandfather?

7. What dream does Toby realize Juan might have?

8. What does Toby learn his father’s childhood was like?

9. What secret does Toby learn about his father’s past on the fishing trip?

10. After they make up at the lake, what idea do Toby and Cal plan for Zachary?

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

V. C h a p t e r s S i x t e e n – N i n e t e e n

After Reading

Deepen Your Understanding On the fishing trip with Toby, Otto says to his son, “You’re a lucky person if you go through life and have one person need you.” Toby wonders if his father is referring to Cal, who has just lost his brother. Choose one of the following characters. Explain who needs him or her, and why. Toby Cal Kate Zachary Opalina Miss Myrtie Mae

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

V I . C h a p t e r s Tw e n t y – Tw e n t y - Tw o

Before Reading

Focus Your Reading Vocabulary Words to Know Study the following words and definitions. You will meet these words in your reading. Be sure to jot down in your word journal any other unknown words from the reading. version—a form or variant of an original uttering—speaking; pronouncing; sending forth as a sound bittersweet—pleasant but including regret winces—to shrink back; to recoil ordinance—a law

recruiting—engaging (to do something); hiring conscience—the sense of moral goodness or badness of one’s actions persuade—to move by argument gag (verb)—to choke or to retch scouting—searching

Things to Know Here is some background information about this section of the book. Miss Myrtie Mae uses Oil of Olay once a week. This is a brand of moisturizer. Toby looks up Bible verses using a concordance. This is an index of key words in a book and the context that surrounds them. In preparation for the baptism, Toby looks up baptism references in the Bible. He finds the story of Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist. John the Baptist was Jesus’ cousin and an evangelist. John did not feel worthy to baptize Jesus, but Jesus asked him to do it anyway. John did as he was asked.

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

V I . C h a p t e r s Tw e n t y – Tw e n t y - Tw o

Before Reading

Focus Your Reading Questions to Think About The following questions will help you understand the meaning of what you read. You do not have to write out the answers to these questions. Instead, look at them before you begin reading, and think about them while you are reading. 1. How does Toby change during this section of the book?

2. What does it mean to be a friend?

3. How important is forgiveness to people in this section of the book?

4. What role do letters play in this book?

5. What has Toby learned from the summer he met Zachary Beaver?

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

V I . C h a p t e r s Tw e n t y – Tw e n t y - Tw o

During Reading

Build Your Vocabulary Read the sentences below. On the line, write your definition of the word in bold type. Then, on another sheet of paper, use that word in a new sentence of your own. 1. “Cal says he’ll take care of recruiting Kate. I’m assigned Malcolm and Ferris.” recruiting: _______________________________________________________________ 2. “I leave, hoping my words will bother his conscience.” conscience: ______________________________________________________________ 3. “Malcolm is easier [than Ferris] to persuade.” persuade: ________________________________________________________________ 4. “. . . I tell him, ‘You’re the strongest person we know.’ I almost gag, but it’s the truth.” gag: ____________________________________________________________________ 5. “I read the verses, scouting for something to say if we have to do it alone.” scouting: ________________________________________________________________ 6. “. . . Ferris asks Zachary if he wants the long version or the short.” version: _________________________________________________________________ 7. “Zachary pauses a long time before uttering a sound.” uttering: _________________________________________________________________ 8. “The moment is kind of bittersweet because even though Zachary got baptized, we know the social worker will be there tomorrow.” bittersweet: ______________________________________________________________ 9. “The sheriff winces. ‘Aww, Ferris, why’d you go and tell me that?’” winces: __________________________________________________________________ 10. “‘I ain’t thought of a fine, seeing as no one ever broke that ordinance.’” ordinance: _______________________________________________________________

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

V I . C h a p t e r s Tw e n t y – Tw e n t y - Tw o

During Reading

Check Your Understanding Multiple Choice Circle the letter of the best answer to each question. 1. Who is the pretty girl in the photo Toby sees at the Pruitts’? a. his mother b. his grandmother c. Miss Myrtie Mae

6. After the baptism, what does Toby do at home? a. He reads his mothers unopened letters. b. He reads the Bible. c. He goes fishing with his father.

2. Who does the Judge believe Toby is? a. Toby’s grandfather b. Miss Myrtie Mae’s son c. one of the McKnight boys

7. What did all the McKnights receive from Wayne after the funeral? a. a postcard b. a letter c. a Christmas gift

3. What does Toby do with the Judge the day of the baptism? a. He takes him to the Bowl-a-Rama for coffee. b. He plays catch with him. c. He plays hide-and-seek in the yard.

8. What are Kate and Mrs. McKnight going to do on their trip? a. look for lost roses b. see Toby’s mother at the Grand Ole Opry c. see the new act in Zachary’s show

4. How does Zachary get to the lake? a. Kate drives him in the pickup truck. b. Paulie drives him in the Thunderbird. c. Kate drives him in Wylie’s golf cart.

9. Where has Paulie been? a. Paris, Texas b. Paris, Wisconsin c. Paris, France

5. What is Zachary’s middle name? a. Elvis b. Alvin c. Paris

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

10. What punishment does the sheriff give for going in Gossimer Lake? a. Everyone must take turns mowing his lawn. b. Everyone must pay a fine. c. Everyone must pick up around the lake.

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

V I . C h a p t e r s Tw e n t y – Tw e n t y - Tw o

During Reading

Check Your Understanding Short Answer Write a short answer for each question. 1. Why must the baptism be held the day after the boys think of the idea?

2. How does Toby convince Ferris to perform the baptism?

3. What kind thing did Mr. McKnight do for his workers at Christmas?

4. How does Kate convince Zachary to come with her and the boys to the baptism?

5. Why is Malcolm invited to the baptism?

6. What has Zachary made while in Antler?

7. What is the main idea in Wayne’s final letter to Cal?

8. What is different about Mrs. McKnight the night of the Ladybug Waltz?

9. What has Paulie been doing on his trip?

10. What does the lone ladybug on a sunflower remind Toby of, and why?

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

V I . C h a p t e r s Tw e n t y – Tw e n t y - Tw o

After Reading

Deepen Your Understanding In Chapter Five, Ferris jokes that Toby’s mother would probably write a song about Zachary called “The Ballad of Zachary Beaver.” At the end of the book, Toby and Cal admire Miss Myrtie Mae’s series of photos entitled “The Ballad of Zachary Beaver.” Create your own “Ballad of Zachary Beaver.” It may take the form of a song, a poem, a drawing, a painting, a collage, or anything else you choose. Be prepared to discuss your creation with the class.

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

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Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

Whole Book

After Reading

End-of-Book Test Circle the letter of the best answer to each question. 6. Why has Miss Myrtie Mae never married? a. Her brother has always taken up all her time. b. She never found the right man. c. There were very few single men in town when she was young.

1. Why has Toby’s mother left town? a. to sing in a contest in Nashville b. to make a record in Nashville c. to fulfill her dream of meeting Tammy Wynette

2. Who does Toby have a crush on? a. Scarlett b. Kate c. Ima Jean

7. Why does Toby think the sheriff is not suited for his job? a. He abuses his power. b. He spends too much time fishing. c. He is too kindhearted.

3. Where is Wayne for the first half of the book? a. in Nashville b. at war in Vietnam c. in Paris

8. What job does Toby’s father do besides working at the post office? a. He is a classical musician. b. He grows roses. c. He raises worms.

4. What is Zachary Beaver’s claim to fame? a. He is the shortest boy in the world. b. He is the fattest boy in the world. c. He is a world-traveler.

9. How did Ferris get his limp? a. He was injured in the Korean War. b. He was injured in a car accident. c. He shot himself to avoid going to war.

5. What is Miss Myrtie Mae’s hobby? a. gardening b. photography c. playing the piano

10. Why does Juan walk around with a golf club? a. He wants to be a golfer. b. He wants to frighten people with it. c. He thinks it will impress Scarlett.

(continued) © 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

38

Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

STUDENT NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE__________________

Whole Book

After Reading

End-of-Book Test (continued) 16. Why did the McKnights release ladybugs over their fields? a. to eat bugs harmful to the cotton crop b. to give the town a summer spectacle c. to pollinate the cotton plants

11. What does Kate wear on her wrists? a. two watches: one with local time, one with Vietnam time b. two POW bracelets c. two bracelets from her boyfriend

17. What was strange about Wylie’s offer of his golf cart to Zachary? a. He never let anybody ride in his golf cart. b. His offer was the first time he had spoken in years. c. He knew that Zachary would not be able to fit in it.

12. What about Zachary’s appearance would make Scarlett jealous? a. his shiny hair b. his smooth skin c. his perfect teeth

18. Why hadn’t Zachary gone to Paris with Paulie? a. It was too expensive to fly both of them. b. Paulie needed someone to guard the trailer. c. Zachary was too fat to travel on a plane.

13. How does Toby get Scarlett to Juan’s house? a. He asks Kate to drive her. b. He borrows his father’s truck. c. He rides his bike with her on the back.

14. Who is Zachary’s legal guardian? a. his uncle b. Paulie Rankin c. his father, who has run off

19. Where does Toby plan to visit soon? a. Paris b. Nashville c. Dallas 20. What does Ferris display on the wall of the Bowl-a-Rama? a. pictures of Zachary b. pictures of Opalina at the Grand Ole Opry c. yearbook pictures of Wayne

15. What profession did Otto’s father want him to enter? a. medicine b. the law c. business

© 2006 Saddleback Educational Publishing

39

Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

Answer Key Check Your Understanding: Multiple Choice

I. Chapters One–Four

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Build Your Vocabulary Wording and definitions may vary. Students may remember the definitions given in the Vocabulary Words to Know section of Focus Your Reading, or they may refine the definitions based on the context and the reading overall. Students’ new sentences will vary. b b a b a

6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

a c a c b

Check Your Understanding: Short Answer

Check Your Understanding: Multiple Choice 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

c b a a c

c a c a c

Check Your Understanding: Short Answer 1. She won a singing contest in Amarillo and won an all-expense-paid trip to Nashville. 2. She wants him to take Tara in to see the sideshow. 3. He asks nosy questions. 4. He yells and tells Toby to get her out. 5. She asks if she may take some photos. 6. He is the only Mexican boy in Antler Junior High, he shaves, and he’s taller than the other boys. 7. These are bad times for farms. 8. Toby’s mom sings to—or about—the customers. 9. Toby is relatively quiet, like his father. 10. Toby looks like his mother: blond, brown eyed, and small.

Deepen Your Understanding Answers will vary.

II. Chapters Five–Eight Build Your Vocabulary Wording and definitions may vary. Students may remember the definitions given in the Vocabulary Words to Know section of Focus Your Reading, or they may refine the definitions based on the context and the reading overall. Students’ new sentences will vary.

40

1. Answers may vary. She has taken care of her senile brother, so she may know what it is like to have fingers pointed at her. She seems to have little patience for small-town gossip. She may also feel that he has no one to stand up for him and he cannot defend himself if he cannot leave the trailer. She sees him as a person with feelings, not just a sideshow act. 2. Injustice makes Toby angry, but Toby’s father is against fighting. Therefore, Toby did not defend himself in the past when he was picked on. 3. When neighborhood kids harass Zachary, Toby feels that it is all right to fight for someone who cannot defend himself. He compares himself and Cal to soldiers. 4. Answers will vary. Zachary is probably not used to people being nice to him for no reason. He is probably also defensive as a way to avoid getting hurt first. 5. Paulie is dependent on Zachary for his living; he says he is Paulie’s “bread and butter.” 6. The baptism section of his Bible has not been filled in. 7. Answers will vary. Toby fantasizes about having a big brother, and he idolizes Wayne, perhaps making him seem like a more wonderful brother than he was. Toby does not feel it is his place to write to Wayne. He also feels that Cal should write to Wayne, so Toby signs Cal’s name. 8. Answers will vary. Toby may already suspect that she may not return and does not want that suspicion confirmed. 9. The lake is cool, and the night sky reminds Toby of his mom. 10. Before, Toby was thinking about how boring Antler is; after dancing with Scarlett, he thinks

Answer Key

he just might have a chance with her and his whole outlook changes.

Deepen Your Understanding Answers will vary.

III. Chapters Nine–Twelve Build Your Vocabulary Wording and definitions may vary. Students may remember the definitions given in the Vocabulary Words to Know section of Focus Your Reading, or they may refine the definitions based on the context and the reading overall. Students’ new sentences will vary.

41

and that he had come home from the war only to be spit on by “hippies.” 9. Toby and his father had been talking about Otto’s life in Dallas. Otto wants someone (besides him) to tell Toby that the big city is not always wonderful. 10. His imaginary letters would end with a promise to take her out of Antler and then a withdrawal of the offer. He probably imagines writing this because Scarlett, perhaps without meaning to, takes advantage of Toby.

Deepen Your Understanding Answers will vary.

Check Your Understanding: Multiple Choice 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

a b b b b

6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

c c a c b

Check Your Understanding: Short Answer 1. His father is not dressed yet, as he usually would be; his hair is sticking up; he has dark circles under his eyes; and he asks Toby to deliver soil and tomatoes to Mrs. McKnight for him, something he usually enjoys doing himself. 2. Answers may vary. Toby’s lie about homework is impersonal and relatively inconsequential. The lie about the fire is told to someone he likes, which makes him feel bad. It also relates to his mother and her absence, which is a very upsetting subject for him. His lie to Mrs. McKnight (and others, later) does not really convince her, and he will soon have to admit the truth. 3. Toby does not like the idea of Zachary living with strangers. Toby probably recognizes that Zachary being an orphan and being enormously obese make his life difficult. Living with people who do not know him is likely to be another difficulty. 4. He puts on some of his dad’s Royal Copenhagen aftershave, and he wears deodorant. 5. He sprays her cologne, Wind Song, on his hand to get a good sniff of it. 6. Toby takes Tara to see Zachary again. 7. He says that she didn’t like her life, so she left. 8. Freddy says that the boy barely speaks to anyone,

IV. Chapters Thirteen–Fifteen Build Your Vocabulary Wording and definitions may vary. Students may remember the definitions given in the Vocabulary Words to Know section of Focus Your Reading, or they may refine the definitions based on the context and the reading overall. Students’ new sentences will vary.

Check Your Understanding: Multiple Choice 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

b c a b b

6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

b c c c a

Check Your Understanding: Short Answer 1. He says that he doesn’t want to hear her claim that she has not left him. He is very angry and hurt, and he may not want to have to try to understand her feelings. 2. He sees that Zachary is drawing himself in to look smaller and turning his eyes away from people. Toby realizes that someone this uncomfortable in public—not to mention this big—has probably barely been out of his home at all. 3. He tells Kate that since people are going to stare at him anyway because of how he looks, he might as well be paid for it. 4. Kate’s kindness and sincere interest in Zachary when she meets him make her seem pretty to Toby. 5. She probably parks in the back so that there will

42

Focus on Reading: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

be less chance of Zachary being bothered by other people. Toby is very uncomfortable. He feels as if he is Zachary, because he is lumped in with him when people are staring and pointing and making fat jokes. Cal thinks that, because Zachary was almost baptized and his mother gave him his Bible, Zachary would like to honor his mother’s wish that he be baptized. Cal imagines that this might have been Zachary’s mother’s dying wish for her son. He feels guilty as soon as he enters his own house and sees things that are important to his mother: her velvet painting of Hank Williams and framed form letter from Tammy Wynette. Mrs. McKnight thinks it would be exciting to travel around the southeastern part of the United States searching for old breeds of roses. They have come to tell her that Wayne has been killed in action.

Deepen Your Understanding Answers will vary.

Build Your Vocabulary Wording and definitions may vary. Students may remember the definitions given in the Vocabulary Words to Know section of Focus Your Reading, or they may refine the definitions based on the context and the reading overall. Students’ new sentences will vary.

Check Your Understanding: Multiple Choice b c b b b

Deepen Your Understanding Answers will vary.

VI. Chapters Twenty–Twenty-two

V. Chapters Sixteen–Nineteen

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

4. After hearing about the crowds and media attention surrounding the funeral of Zachary’s mother, Toby realizes that Zachary might not want to do anything in public that might draw attention to himself. 5. Her mother makes her return it, she doesn’t like Toby “in that way,” and she would not wear them anyway. 6. Toby realizes that Juan may not have had anything to wear to the big party and had been too proud to explain. 7. Juan might want to be a famous golfer, like Lee Trevino. 8. Otto’s father spent time working and entertaining important people, and he had almost no time for his family. Otto wanted attention from his father. 9. Toby learns that his father failed the bar exam— twice. 10. They get the idea to baptize Zachary in the lake.

6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

a a b a c

Check Your Understanding: Short Answer 1. Wayne knew that Otto was shy, and he wanted to involve him in the ladybug release, which was a big deal. 2. Besides money, Ferris thinks the root of all evil is drinking—which he does. 3. Zachary leaves his door unlocked and calls, “It’s open” when someone knocks.

Build Your Vocabulary Wording and definitions may vary. Students may remember the definitions given in the Vocabulary Words to Know section of Focus Your Reading, or they may refine the definitions based on the context and the reading overall. Students’ new sentences will vary.

Check Your Understanding: Multiple Choice 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

c a b c a

6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

a b a c c

Check Your Understanding: Short Answer 1. The social worker will take Zachary away the next day. 2. He reminds Ferris of the story of John baptizing Jesus even though John feels unworthy. 3. He bought them all shoes. 4. She asked him to trust them. 5. His strength was needed to pull Zachary out of the water. 6. He has made friends.

Answer Key

7. The main idea was that war is hell, and Cal should not even play soldier as a game. 8. She is wearing shorts and no apron. Toby had never thought about or seen her in any other role—or clothes—than that of a housewife doing chores. 9. He has been trying to get a bearded lady act for the sideshow. 10. The ladybug reminds Toby of his mother, who loves sunflowers and who has chosen a different path from that of others.

Deepen Your Understanding Answers will vary.

End-of-Book Test 1. a 2. a 3. b 4. b 5. b 6. a 7. c 8. c 9. c 10. a

11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.

b c c b b a b c b a

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