HW Mr. Padilla 4.3.17

Homework: Parents/guardians, please assist your child with today's homework.

Collections: About Walter Dean Myers, Author of Monster

Option 1: “I was born on a Thursday, the 12th of August, 1937, in Martinsburg, West Virginia. My name at birth was Walter Milton Myers. I was about two years old when my mother died and then I was inexplicably given to Florence and Herbert Dean. I was raised in Harlem by Herbert, who was African-American and Florence, who was German and Native American and wonderful. They loved me very much and I grew to love Harlem.

As a child, my life revolved around my neighborhood and church. The neighborhood protected me and the church guided me. I resisted as much as I could. I was smart (all kids are smart) but didn’t do that well in school. I had a speech impediment and often found myself leading with my fists when teased.

I found solace in books. My mother read to me from a very young age. From my comfortable perch on her lap, I would watch as she moved her finger slowly across the page and I’d imagine the characters. Reading pushed me to discover worlds beyond my landscape, especially during dark times when my uncle was murdered and my family became dysfunctional with alcohol and grief.

1.       What are some important events in Myer’s life?

2.       Why do you think Walter resisted as much as he could? There is no right or wrong answers—just explain your thoughts.

3.       Do you think he had a happy childhood or not? Explain. Use evidence. 

Option 2:  “I was born on a Thursday, the 12th of August, 1937, in Martinsburg, West Virginia. My name at birth was Walter Milton Myers. I was about two years old when my mother died and then I was … given to Florence and Herbert Dean. I was raised in Harlem by Herbert, who was African-American and Florence, who was German and Native American and wonderful. They loved me very much…

As a child, my life revolved around my neighborhood and church. The neighborhood protected me and the church guided me. …. I was smart (all kids are smart) but didn’t do that well in school. I had a speech impediment and often found myself leading with my fists when teased.

I found solace in books. My mother read to me from a very young age. …on her lap, I would watch as she moved her finger slowly across the page and I’d imagine the characters. Reading pushed me to discover worlds beyond my landscape, especially during dark times when my uncle was murdered…

1.         Where was the author born?

2.         What happened when Walter was 2 years old?

3.         Where did Walter grow up? Who raised him?

4.         How did Walter do in school?

5.         Why did Walter fight when he was a kid?

6.         Why did Walter love books?

Option 1:  “I was born on…12th of August, 1937, in Martinsburg, West Virginia.

1.    Where was the author born?

My name at birth was Walter Milton Myers. I was about two years old when my mother died …

2.    What happened when Walter was 2 years old?

I was raised in Harlem by Herbert, who was African-American and Florence, who was German and Native American and wonderful. They loved me very much…

3.    Where did Walter grow up? Who raised him?

As a child…. I was smart (all kids are smart) but didn’t do that well in school.

4.    How did Walter do in school?

 I had a speech impediment (problem) and often found myself leading (fighting)  with my fists when teased.

5.    Why did Walter fight when he was a kid?

I found solace (peace) in books. My mother read to me from a very young age. …on her lap….

6.    Why did Walter love books?

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