Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick … · 2020. 7. 7. · About the Book - Blurb...
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1 111 Presidential Blvd., Suite 203, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 Phone: 866.333.1213 | AlexsLemonade.org Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick Comprehension Guide About the Book - Blurb from Back Cover: Steven has a totally normal life (well, almost). He plays drums in the All-City Jazz Band (whose members call him the Peasant), has a crush on the hottest girl in school (who doesn't even know he's alive), and is constantly annoyed by his younger brother, Jeffrey (who is cuter than cute - which is also pretty annoying). But when Jeffrey gets sick, Steven's world is turned upside down, and he is forced to deal with his brother's illness, his parents' attempts to keep the family in one piece, his homework, the band, girls, and Dangerous Pie (yes, you'll have to read the book to find out what that is!). Guided Reading Level: Y Lexile Level: 940L Grade Level: 6-8 About Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) is a national childhood cancer foundation dedicated to raising funds for research into new treatments and cures for all children battling cancer and providing support to families of children with cancer. ALSF was founded by four-year-old Alex Scott, who was diagnosed with cancer shortly after her 1st birthday. She started selling lemonade in her front yard and would go on to raise more than $1 million before she passed away at the age of 8 in 2004. Today, the movement she started has become one of the largest national pediatric cancer organizations in the United States, having raised more than $150 million towards Alex’s dream of finding a cure, funding over 800 research projects at hospitals across the country. The following guide contains comprehension questions and activities to accompany Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie. This resource can be printed and completed at home during school breaks or times of social distancing; guide individual comprehension and discussions in small-group or whole-class settings; or serve as a multi-day homework packet. Please contact Carissa Latona at [email protected] with any questions you may have.
Transcript of Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick … · 2020. 7. 7. · About the Book - Blurb...
1 111 Presidential Blvd., Suite 203, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Phone: 866.333.1213 | AlexsLemonade.org
Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick
Comprehension Guide
About the Book - Blurb from Back Cover:
Steven has a totally normal life (well, almost).
He plays drums in the All-City Jazz Band (whose members call him the Peasant), has a crush on the hottest girl in school (who doesn't even know he's alive), and is constantly annoyed by his younger brother, Jeffrey (who is cuter than cute - which is also pretty annoying). But when Jeffrey gets sick, Steven's world is turned upside down, and he is forced to deal with his brother's illness, his parents' attempts to keep the family in one piece, his homework, the band, girls, and Dangerous Pie (yes, you'll have to read the book to find out what that is!).
Guided Reading Level: Y Lexile Level: 940L
Grade Level: 6-8
About Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) is a national childhood cancer foundation dedicated to raising funds for research into new treatments and cures for all children battling cancer and providing support to families of children with cancer.
ALSF was founded by four-year-old Alex Scott, who was diagnosed with cancer shortly after her 1st birthday. She started selling lemonade in her front yard and would go on to raise more than $1 million before she passed away at the age of 8 in 2004.
Today, the movement she started has become one of the largest national pediatric cancer organizations in the United States, having raised more than $150 million towards Alex’s dream of finding a cure, funding over 800 research projects at hospitals across the country.
The following guide contains comprehension questions and activities to accompany Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie.
This resource can be printed and completed at home during school breaks or times of social distancing; guide individual
comprehension and discussions in small-group or whole-class settings; or serve as a multi-day homework packet.
Please contact Carissa Latona at [email protected] with any questions you may have.
2 111 Presidential Blvd., Suite 203, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Phone: 866.333.1213 | AlexsLemonade.org
Chapter 1: Dangerous Pie
ALEX'S LEMONADE STAND FOUNDATION FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER
Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick: Comprehension Guide
1. What do you think Steven means when he says he was ‘demoted to Vice King’? (p. 4)
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2. Make an educated guess: “Dangerous Pie” is most likely part of the title of the story because… (p. 7)
a. Steven will eventually eat Dangerous Pie and become sick
b. Jeffrey is known for making strange concoctions in the kitchen
c. This scene in the story is a metaphor for the way things unfold in the story
d. The main theme in this book involves the dangers of overeating
3. We learn that other band members have nicknames with words like “King”, “Dutchess”, “Princess”, and “Count”.
However, Steven’s nickname is “Peasant”. How may this affect him? (p. 9)
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4. Steven remarks, “…I’d have eaten the Dangerous Pie if I could have stopped October from coming.” Which of the
following is the least likely reason for him to say this? (p.12)
a. Steven loves his brother and wishes he could help him
b. Steven secretly wants to try eating Dangerous Pie so he can prove a point to Jeffrey
c. October is going to be a very stressful time for Steven and his family
d. None of the above
5. Given what you know so far, make a prediction about what you think will happen in October.
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3 111 Presidential Blvd., Suite 203, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Phone: 866.333.1213 | AlexsLemonade.org
Chapter 2: Jeffrey’s Moatmeal Accident:
Chapter 3: Anxiety with Tic-Tacs
Read this chapter and answer the questions below.
1. What does music represent to Steven? Why do you think the author included so many details about Steven playing
and listening to music in this chapter?
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2. Steven says he was relieved to find out Jeffrey has leukemia, and he says he won’t forgive himself for feeling this way.
Explain how he feels both ways at the same time.
Relieved: _______________________________________________
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Unable to forgive himself: __________________________________
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Read this chapter and answer the questions below. 1. Check your prediction from page 2 to see if it was accurate. Write a brief summary of what has happened so far on
October 7th.
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2. In this chapter, we learn that Jeffrey has said plenty of “little-kid things” before saying his “parts hurt”, and he has also
had a nosebleed at least once in the past. Circle all of the reasons why Steven and Jeffrey’s parents become more
worried about Jeffrey this time.
a. He has never had a nosebleed this bad before
b. He no longer likes to eat oatmeal
c. He has been complaining of pain for a prolonged period of time
d. Steven and Jeffrey have been arguing more lately
ALEX'S LEMONADE STAND FOUNDATION FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER
Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick: Comprehension Guide
4 111 Presidential Blvd., Suite 203, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Phone: 866.333.1213 | AlexsLemonade.org
Chapter 4: The Fat Cat Sat
Chapter 5: Jeffrey’s Vacation
ALEX'S LEMONADE STAND FOUNDATION FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER
Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick: Comprehension Guide
1. Why do you think Steven jokes about Jeffrey missing kindergarten during this very serious conversation? (p. 42)
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2. Describe Steven and Jeffrey’s relationship, from the perspective of each brother. (p. 45)
Steven’s perspective: _________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Jeffrey’s perspective: __________________________________________________________________________________________________
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1. Jeffrey expresses that he still thinks it’s ridiculous that people are “freaking out” over a bloody nose. Select the most
probable reason why he thinks this way. (p. 53)
a. The doctors were eventually able to stop Jeffrey’s bloody nose
b. Steven thinks it was a mistake to have Jeffrey see a doctor in the first place
c. Steven is still in denial that his brother may be seriously ill
d. Jeffrey doesn’t understand why his bloody nose is making people worry about him
2. Why would someone have thoughts or write journal entries like the ones Steven has in this chapter?
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2a. Do you think this is a good idea? Why/why not? _________________________________________________________
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5 111 Presidential Blvd., Suite 203, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Phone: 866.333.1213 | AlexsLemonade.org
Chapter 7: Take Me!
Chapter 6: No M ore Vacation
1. List two things about Jeffrey that have changed since he started treatment. List two things that have stayed the
same.
Changed Stayed the Same
1. ______________________________________________________________
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2. _____________________________________________________________
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1. ____________________________________________________________
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2. ____________________________________________________________
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2. What is ALL? What does it mean to have a “moderate risk” case? (p. 75) _________________________________________________
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3. Why doesn’t Steven want his mom to tell people at his school about Jeffrey’s illness? (p. 79)
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ALEX'S LEMONADE STAND FOUNDATION FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER
Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick: Comprehension Guide
1. How is Steven’s opinion of Annette beginning to change in this chapter? Why do you think this happens?
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2. List two examples of Steven’s “bargaining”.
1. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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2. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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6 111 Presidential Blvd., Suite 203, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Phone: 866.333.1213 | AlexsLemonade.org
Chapter 8: Fever
Chapter 9: Trouble
ALEX'S LEMONADE STAND FOUNDATION FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER
Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick: Comprehension Guide
1. How does Steven act toward Jeffrey when he is being treated at the hospital? Write at least one character trait, and
at least one thing Steven does or says to show this trait.
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2. Circle the words that describe the way Steven and Jeffrey’s father is reacting to Jeffrey’s condition. Put an ‘X’
through the words that do not apply.
Warm Aloof Vulnerable Affectionate
Unemotional Frantic Tentative
1. Steven feels ______________________________________________ after talking to his teachers what was going on at home.
1a. Provide a piece of text evidence to support your answer. ______________________________________________________
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2. How does Steven think Miss Palma found out about Jeffrey’s illness? How did she actually find out?
Steven thinks…
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…but what really happened was…
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7 111 Presidential Blvd., Suite 203, Bala Cynwyd, PA
19004 Phone: 866.333.1213 | AlexsLemonade.org
Chapter 10: Starving in Siberia
Chapter 11: Pointlessness and Boy Perfume
ALEX'S LEMONADE STAND FOUNDATION FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER
Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick: Comprehension Guide
1. Why do you think the author chose ‘Starving in Siberia’ as the name of this chapter?
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2. How is Steven and Jeffrey’s father acting at the end of this chapter, compared to earlier in the book?
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1. Why can’t Steven let Renee into his house? _____________________________________________________________________________
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1a. Draw the image you see in your mind of Renee’s reaction to Steven turning her away.
2. Compare and contrast Annette and Renee using the Venn Diagram on the next page.
8 111 Presidential Blvd., Suite 203, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Phone: 866.333.1213 | AlexsLemonade.org
9 111 Presidential Blvd., Suite 203, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Phone: 866.333.1213 | AlexsLemonade.org
Chapter 12: The Silver Lining
Chapter 13: Fear, Gum, Candy
ALEX'S LEMONADE STAND FOUNDATION FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER
Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick: Comprehension Guide
1. Choose the word that most closely describes how Steven feels after being called ‘Irresponsible’.
a. Remorseful b. Cordial c. Exuberant d. Irate
2. How does Steven’s dad respond to his reaction? ___________________________________________________________________
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2. What does Steven’s mom do on p. 172 that surprised him? Why do you think she does this?
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1. In your own words, describe what happens in Steven’s nightmare. ___________________________________________________
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2. Which of the following does NOT happen during Mrs. Galley’s counseling session with Steven?
a. Mrs. Galley advises Steven to focus on what he can control, not what he can’t control
b. Steven describes his nightmare to Mrs. Galley
c. Mrs. Galley gives Steven her full attention by turning off her office phone line
d. None of the above
10 111 Presidential Blvd., Suite 203, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Phone: 866.333.1213 | AlexsLemonade.org
Chapter 14: Good News, Bad News
Chapter 15: Close Shaves in an Unfair World
1. Steven’s plan to help his parents with their finances is to…
a. Offer drum lessons, which would bring in $80/month
b. Sell his drum set, so he can give them $300
c. Cancel his drum lessons, which cost $80/month
d. Stop playing the drums in the basement, to save $15/month on electricity
2. Why doesn’t Steven have to go through with this plan after all?
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3. Write two traits that describe Jeffrey’s drum instructor.
Trait 1: _____________________________________________ Trait 2: _________________________________________
ALEX'S LEMONADE STAND FOUNDATION FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER
Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick: Comprehension Guide
1. What does Steven do in this chapter to show he’s taking Mrs. Galley’s advice, and why does he do this?
What?
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Why?
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11 111 Presidential Blvd., Suite 203, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Phone: 866.333.1213 | AlexsLemonade.org
Chapter 16: The Quadruple Uh-Oh
ALEX'S LEMONADE STAND FOUNDATION FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER
Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick: Comprehension Guide
1. Make a list of the positive and negative aspects (also called ‘pros’ and ‘cons’) of Annette and Renee’s plan for the band
to fulfill the high school service requirement.
Pros Cons
2. Do you think the girls will move forward with their plan? Circle one. Yes No Maybe
2a. Explain your answer. ____________________________________________________________________________________________
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12 111 Presidential Blvd., Suite 203, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Phone: 866.333.1213 | AlexsLemonade.org
Chapter 17: A Men’s Journey
Chapter 18: I’m a Man Now
ALEX'S LEMONADE STAND FOUNDATION FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER
Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick: Comprehension Guide
1. Who or what does the family forget to bring with them on the trip to Philadelphia?
a. Mrs. Alper b. Max Medic c. Steven’s drumsticks
2. How doesJeffrey’s solve to this problem? ____________________________________________________________________________
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3. What advice does Samantha give to Steven at the end of the chapter? Why do you think she says this?
1. Draw a picture of what Mr. Alper’s face might look like when he’s talking to Steven about the benefit concert.
1a. In the speech bubble, write the reason why Mr. Alper says he may not make it the concert.
1b. In the thought bubble, write a reason why he may not want to go to the concert.
What?
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Why?
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13 111 Presidential Blvd., Suite 203, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Phone: 866.333.1213 | AlexsLemonade.org
Chapter 18: I’m a Man Now (Continued)
Chapter 19: Rock Star
1. Describe the impact that the trip and Mr. Alper’s compliment have on Steven.
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1. How does Steven feel when he finds out why Jeffrey and his mom are at his school?
a. Disrespected b. Relieved c. Conspicuous d. Disheartened
2. Find a simile on page 257. Write it here: ___________________________________________________________________________________
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3. Rewrite the sentence using a different simile that serves the same purpose. ____________________________________________
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4. Write two things the band members do to show extra support for Jeffrey. (p. 252-253)
a. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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b. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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ALEX'S LEMONADE STAND FOUNDATION FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER
Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick: Comprehension Guide
14 111 Presidential Blvd., Suite 203, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Phone: 866.333.1213 | AlexsLemonade.org
Chapter 19: Rock Star (Continued)
Chapter 20: The End
ALEX'S LEMONADE STAND FOUNDATION FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER
Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick: Comprehension Guide
1. Write a short summary of Mr. Alper’s speech to the band.
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2. Which of these is NOT a reason why Steven chooses to leave the concert?
a. He is worried about Jeffrey and wanted to be there for him
b. He realizes his family is more important to him than music
c. He is too nervous to play his solo in the concert
d. None of the above
1. How are Steven’s feelings changing toward Renee and Annette?
Renee: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Annette: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
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2. Why does Steven say he now has two pairs of special drumsticks?
a. He will eventually have two pairs that were signed by famous drummers
b. He replaces his first pair of special drumsticks after they are used to make Dangerous Pie
c. He will keep the pair he shared with Samantha to remember their friendship
d. All of the above
15 111 Presidential Blvd., Suite 203, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Phone: 866.333.1213 | AlexsLemonade.org
Epilogue
1. What do we discover has changed about Steven and Annette’s friendship?
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2. Describe Steven now, versus Steven at the beginning of the book.
Steven “Then” Steven “Now”
ALEX'S LEMONADE STAND FOUNDATION FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER
Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick: Comprehension Guide
16 111 Presidential Blvd., Suite 203, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Phone: 866.333.1213 | AlexsLemonade.org
General Thoughts
ALEX'S LEMONADE STAND FOUNDATION FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER
Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick: Comprehension Guide
1. Write your reaction to this book. Did you like it? Why or why not? Which parts of the book stuck with you the most,
and why?
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2. If you find out that someone you know has cancer, what are some ways you can support them? Write some ideas
from the book and brainstorm your own ideas below.
