Lesson 24 — Activity 4: Chapters 27 – 28


Before starting this activity, please read chapters 27 and 28 of the novel. Remember to think about the strategies you can use as you read.


Theme:

The theme of the story is:

  • rarely stated directly
  • the central idea or message that the author wants to reveal through the piece of literature
  • a perception about people and/or humanity that is often meant to challenge the reader's own attitudes and beliefs

The author:

  • wants the readers to learn about themselves or some aspect of humanity







Theme must always be stated in a complete sentence. It answers the question, “What is the story telling me about life or how people interact?”

The author’s message relates to the story but also has meaning for you. You should be able to make connections between the characters and events in the story and people and events in your life.

Look at the terms in the box on the right. Are there any that apply to your novel? If not, think of a term that does apply. Take some time to consider what the author is saying about life and/or humanity in the novel The Middle of Everywhere.

Listed below are words around which a theme is often developed:

  • ambition
  • beauty
  • betrayal
  • courage
  • duty
  • feer
  • freedom
  • happiness
  • jealousy
  • lonliness
  • love
  • loyalty
  • prejudice
  • suffering

In chapter 27, Noah finally hears the sound of a snowmobile on Monday morning. Steve and Noah's dad have come to bring them home. Noah tells the story of the polar bear over lunch to his dad and Steve. Later, they all head back, and Noah gets to mush on the way home.


In the final chapter, Noah sends an e-mail to his mom telling her about the winter camping trip. He tells her that he is getting used to life in George River. Noah also sends an e-mail to his friend, Chris, to tell him about his close call with the polar bear. He also tells Chris that Lenny is not like Roland Ipkins after all, and that he's all right now that he has gotten to know him. Later, Noah and his dad take out the dogs on the sled so they can get some exercise. Noah and his dad lie together in the snow and look up at the Northern Lights. Noah thinks they are the most beautiful thing he's ever seen, and for the first time, he is enjoying the quiet of George River.

Courtesy of Pixabay

Complete the assignment on the next page, and then complete the second half of the vocabulary assignment that follows.