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Lesson 1 (from Chapters 1 through 4)

Objective

Chapters 1 through 4

This novel is in the realistic fiction genre. The objective of this lesson is to understand realistic fiction.

Lesson

Lead the class in a discussion of realistic fiction. Have the students compare and contrast the life of Hattie Owen and her family with those who actually lived in a small town in America during the 1960s. What similarities do they find? What differences do they see? How closely does the author mirror the real people in 1960s small town America? What liberties does the author take with the fictional Hattie?

Divide the class into small groups and have them research the concept of realistic fiction novels. Realistic fiction is usually based on events which are probably not true but very well could be true. Why would Ann M. Martin be drawn to this topic? Why did she feel the need to bring Hattie Owen...

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