Before starting this activity, please read chapter 19 of the novel. Remember to think about the strategies you can use as you read.

1. You know that the introduction is the beginning of the story. The setting and characters are introduced and you begin to learn what the story is about and what the conflict may be.

2. The rising action is when the events build up in an exciting or interesting way. The story and characters are developed.


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3. One of the key parts of a story is the climax. In many stories, the climax is the high point of the action.

It may be a great battle that has been brewing, or the crash that you knew was going to occur, or the moment when a tornado hits.
 

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However, not all stories are full of action and excitement, so the idea of climax needs to be broader. It is the point at which the conflict is most interesting, and the outcome is becoming more obvious to the reader or viewer. Think about where the climax is in The Middle of Everywhere. When does the outcome of the conflict in the story become obvious to you? If you're not sure, read the chapter summary below to see if you can figure it out.

4. After the climax comes the falling action. You now know how the story is going to end and how the characters have been affected by the events. The conflict in which the protagonist has been involved is finally resolved.

 
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5. The conclusion or resolution is the end of the story. Problems are resolved and loose ends are tied up.


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The group begins to panic in chapter 19 at the thought of little Etua missing in the frigidly cold weather. They all start shouting out his name, but when they stop to listen for him, all they hear is the wind's fierce whistle, the dogs' barking, and their own frightened-sounding echoes. They split up into three search parties and begin to search for Etua. Lenny and Noah are together, and when Lenny snaps at Noah in frustration, Noah thinks again of Roland Ipkins. Lenny mutters to Noah, "You shouldn't have left him alone," and Noah shouts back "You shouldn't have called me over and tried to trick me." Just then, Lenny stops in his tracks and raises one hand in the air. Noah wonders if now is when he is going to punch him. However, when Lenny puts his hand on Noah's shoulder, he feels relieved, but still a little nervous. They continue to look for Etua when Noah hears rustling in the low brush up ahead. Noah starts in the direction of the noise, but Lenny pulls him back. When Noah turns to look at him, Lenny is holding his index finger to his lips. Lenny silently mouths the words, "Could be a bear." They hear the rustling sounds again, only the sounds are getting farther away. The first noise that comes out of Lenny is a sigh, as he realizes that the polar bear is gone. Just then, as they head back out onto the lake, Etua walks up to them as if he was there all along!

Complete the activities that follow and then continue to read chapters 20 to 23 of the novel. Remember, as well, to continue with the vocabulary activity.