Swallowing Stones Novel Study

Swallowing Stones Novel 9

During this novel study students read to gather ideas about its themes. Using graphic organizers and discussions students:

  • analyze character motivation (9. 2.2.7)
  • examine and relate to character’s emotions, experiences and issues (9.2.2.10)
  • select an issue of personal importance to explore further (9.2.2.8)


This information collected while reading, is used to help students create a One Pager. This creative openended product allows students to capture their insights on a theme important to them. This One Pager includes:

  • a thought provoking question on the theme (9.2.2.8)
  • support for the theme found within the text(9.2.2.8)
  • a written to explanation of the message and techniques used (9.3.3.5, 9.2.2.11)
  • a presentation of the One Pager to the class (9. 4.3.4)
LA 9 Swallowing Stones Unit Plan
Swallowing Stones: Novel Activities

Section 1: Analyze how the choices and motives of characters provide insight to self and others. (2.2.7)

Section 2: Students Relate the characters emotion, experiences or issues to an issue of personal significance. (2.2.9)

Then they discuss it with their peers and complete a discussion exit slip.

Section 3 & 4: Students read to gain an overall impression of the text focusing on central images.

Then they identify several themes (or topics) in the text and generate their own thought provoking questions.

  • Both organizers help students generate ideas for their One Pager Project
Swallowing Stones Presentations: Collecting Insights
Teacher One Pager Example
Swallowing Stones: One Pager

One Pager Project: Students identify and discuss theme, generalize from their own life experience and discuss their message and techniques used in their products. (2.2.8, 2.4.1, 4.1.7, 2.2.11)

  • Students create a One Pager to represent their insights on a theme.
  • They show their connections to the text with a central question, image, quotes and song lyrics.
  • They present these to the class.