ESU 11 2016-2017 Battle of the Books
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  • Absolutely Almost
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  • Beneath
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  • The Lost Hero
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  • Night of the Twisters
  • The One and Only Ivan
  • Red Queen
  • Saving Mr. Terupt
  • The Summer I Saved the World in 65 Days
  • Summer of the Monkeys
  • The Trouble in Me
  • Tuck Everlasting
  • Ungifted
  • Wonder
  • Woods Runner

The Trouble in Me
​                         Grades 5-8

​This fiery autobiographical novel captures a pivotal week or two in the life of fourteen-year-old Jack Gantos, as the author reveals the moment he began to slide off track as a kid who in just a few years would find himself locked up in a federal penitentiary for the crimes portrayed in the memoir Hole in My Life. Set in the Fort Lauderdale neighborhood of his family's latest rental home, The Trouble in Me opens with an explosive encounter in which Jack first meets his awesomely rebellious older neighbor, Gary Pagoda, just back from juvie for car theft. Instantly mesmerized, Jack decides he will do whatever it takes to be like Gary. As a follower, Jack is eager to leave his old self behind, and desperate for whatever crazy, hilarious, frightening thing might happen next. But he may not be as ready as he thinks when the trouble in him comes blazing to life.

Level 6.1; 7 points

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Activity One

This story is an autobiography. What is the difference between a biography and an autobiography? Write a one-page account of a personal experience and the impact it has had on your life or the lessons you learned as a result. Share your writing with jjack@esu11.org when you are done.
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Activity Two

Some people might consider Gary and Jack pyromaniacs because they love playing with fire. Look up the definition and, using evidence from the novel, justify whether or not the boys are, indeed, pyromaniacs. Investigate pyromania and its impact on communities. Share their findings with me.
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Activity Three

On page 121 and 122, Jack attempts to catapult himself over the house into the swimming pool, and Gary tells him to consider the geometry and timing. With a partner, investigate the necessary trajectory to accomplish what Jack did by blind luck. Then write an explanation of the math involved in accomplishing such a feat. 
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