For the next two months, we will be reading and exploring the topics that arise in Lauren Wolk’s novel Beyond the Bright Sea. The story takes place in the 1920s in the Elizabeth Islands. The main character embarks on a journey to discover her past while learning to utilize the resources provided to her by the sea. Wolk’s writing is rich with figurative language, which will be analyzed and emulated in a final product.
Common Core State Standards
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings.
Analyze how an author develops and contrasts the points of view of different characters or narrators in a text.
Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective techniques, relative descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience.
Essays: For every ten chapters (there are forty) we will focus on a different literary aspect..
Chapters 1-10: characterization and perspective taking
Argument Essay
Chapters 11-20: metaphors, similes, personification
Narrative: Rewrite a scene from the other character's perspective
Chapters 21-30: nonfiction connections
Paired text: comparing the characters to the real-life patients who lived on Penikese
Chapters 31-40:
Three-dimensional project: Create a three-dimensional product of a moment in the story using any medium.
NEW! Extension Readings
Documentary - The Lepers of Buzzards Bay
"The Exiles of Penikese Island," part 3 of 4
Video: Cape Cast - History of Penikese Island
Video: How Tides Work
Weather Signal Flags and Hurricane information
Timeline of Cuttyhunk and the Elizabeth Islands
"Lessons to be Learned from Penikese Experience"
"The Tragedy of Penikese Island"
New Bedford Whaling History (National Parks Service)
The Good Giant and the Bad Pukwudgies
"The Story of the Golden Egg" Chapter 17
"India's Fight Against Leprosy Undercut by Fear"
Chapters 31-40
Socratic Seminar and Essay Preparations and Outline chapters 1-10
Mrs. Cortese's Narrative (in draft form)
Abstract Thinking Levels (bookmark)
Noteworthy Quotes from the whole book!