Messenger: End-Of-Book Assignments

Option 1: Independent
Complete the following:
  • Two post-reading questions.
  • One activity
  • One essay/report
/ Option 2: With a partner
Complete the following:
  • Five post-reading questions
  • Two activities
  • Two essays/reports
/ Due: Friday, October 27 at the beginning of class

Post-Reading Questions: (paragraph answer with textual evidence, use CEI format)

  1. How is Village like the world we live in? What similarities can you identify in leadership, respect, and roles?
  1. The assignment of a name in Village is very important and meaningful to the people. Think about things that you are passionate about, things that you are good at, or things that you could contribute to a community. What would your name be in Village? Why did you choose this name?
  1. Matty did not receive the name he desired to have, however Leader found another name more meaningful. Based on Matty’s role in the novel, which name do you think he should have received and why?
  1. In an interview, the author of the book admits that the practice of Trading in the book somewhat reflects the dark side of today’s commercial society. In what ways do you see this in the novel? Do people buy and spend wisely? Do people sacrifice morals for material things and appearances? Is this a threat to our society?
  1. Some of the people of Village felt strongly about building a wall and closing Village to newcomers. What are your thoughts on building barriers to some places in order to exclude it from others due to safety, citizenship, or other issues?
  1. Identify one important theme in Messenger. Is it the idea of selfishness, exclusion, compassion, or sacrifice? Identify and explain your answer with support from the text.
  1. Forest is developed into a very powerful element in this novel. What does Forest symbolize in the novel? Are there any “Forest” in our society? Was Forest needed in order to spotlight Matty’s sacrifice?

Activities:Full-page computer size sheet only. Must have color.

  1. Create a symbol that you feel represents Village. Think about the people, beliefs, leadership, and how it functioned. Be creative. Use images and symbols to illustrate your thoughts and ideas.
  1. Create a tombstone for Matty. You may be creative with dates. Look up samples for ideas. Be unique and creative. Make sure it is representative of his life, gift, and sacrifice.
  1. Forest is described in a way that really brings it to life for the reader. The author even personifies the plants and creatures and gives them human-like qualities and abilities. On one side of your paper draw Forest in its welcoming stage, and then on the opposite side, draw Forest in its threatening stage.

Essay/Report Options: (One page if typed, two pages if hand-written)

  1. Write a letter to one character in the book. Your letter can be one of thanks, admiration, or encouragement, or advice.(Two well-written paragraphs)
  1. Compare and contrast the three books in the series. Focus on similarities, differences, patterns, and themes.
  1. The author chose a sorrowful, yet inspiring ending for Messenger. How would you have chosen to end the story? Discuss the differences and explain why you would have written it this way.
  1. If Lois Lowry were to add another book to this series, whose life or journey should she focus on? Why did you select this character, and why would readers enjoy the fourth book?