Anyone who is interested in blogging about what they are reading over the summer and discussing different books can join me on the following website:

http://steffen-bookclub.blogspot.com

Have a wonderful summer and I hope you stop by the website to chat about some of the books you are reading!  

Ms. Steffen

**This week you are required to answer all of the questions.  Please wait until you have finished the novel to respond to these questions.**

Questions for the Week of Monday, May 3, 2009

• Zinny's contact with nature and the peace, space, and quiet she finds outdoors helps her sort out her buried feelings of grief.  In what ways does the natural world help Zinny sort out her feelings?
• What does clearing the trail represent for Zinny in her life?
• What do you think the future holds for Zinnia Taylor?
• What was your reaction to this novel?  

Questions for the Week of Monday, April 27, 2009

• Do you think Uncle Nate, Zinny, and Ben have actually seen Aunt Jessie? Why do you think they feel it's necessary to show "proof" that they saw her?
• Describe the terrible things Jake does in the book.  Do you dislike or like his character in spite of these actions? Why?
• How do you know that Zinny misses her family while she is on the trail?  Why is this an important realization for her?

Questions for the Week of Monday, April 20, 2009

• Describe the types of gifts Jake gives Zinny. Why do you think he gives her these gifts?
• What is Zinny's plan to make sure she completes the trail? Do you think this is a good plan? Explain.
• Zinny makes up titles for herself throughout the book (Example: Zinnia Taylor: Explorer). What title not used in the book would you give her and why?

**BE SURE TO RESPOND TO THESE QUESTIONS IN THE COMMENT SECTION UNDER THIS POST!! CLICK ON THE COMMENT BUTTON UNDER THIS POST, NOT THE SAME COMMENT BUTTON THAT YOU USED FOR LAST WEEK'S POSTS**

Questions for the Week of Monday, April 13, 2009

• Describe the main character, Zinnia Taylor.
• Describe Zinny's relationship with her Aunt Jessie, Uncle Nate, and Cousin Rose.
• Compare the atmosphere of Zinny's house to her Uncle Nate's house.

Welcome to the Chasing Redbird blog!

You will be blogging 3 times a week during this novel unit.  Every week I will post questions related to the reading.  You will respond to at least 2 questions that I post.  Your third entry for the week will be a response to another student's entry.  Remember that when you are responding to another student's blog,  you need to be commenting positively and appropriately.

Blogging Rules-

1. Use appropriate language.
2. You may only blog about the book.  Nothing personal!
3. You may not post any personal information (use initials only).
4. Use proper writing conventions.
5. Use evidence from the novel to support your answers.
6. When responding to another student's post, be sure to reference which post you are responding to along with your own response.