1. Research pirates in 1814. Why did people choose to become pirates? What did a pirate do for livelihood? Where did they live and travel? Were all pirates "bad"? What happened to pirates?

2. Learn about the Mississippi River limestone caves. How did they form? Who used them and why? Do they still exist today?

3. Using the descriptions in the novel, illustrate the Hotel de Jacques, the twins' swampland hideaway. Use whatever medium (i.e., paint, chalk, pencil, etc.)

4. Research swamps in Louisiana. Could humans find edible food there? How?

What foods are poisonous? How would someone identify poisonous foods?

5. Characterize the wildlife and vegetation in the Louisiana swamps as well as the year-round temperatures. How would these things affect life in the swamps in 1814?

6. What is a pirogue? Describe its history...