Mood

We have spent a lot of time talking about mood and how one can create a certain mood with words, descriptions, scenarios, etc. in writing. Identify the mood in one particular part of your mystery. Is it sad, happy, romantic, angry, scary, suspenseful? Describe what the author does to create this mood. What type of techniques is the author using to make the reader feel this way? What type of words? What type of scenes? What type of descriptions? Support your argument with triangulated (three) evidence (specific examples) from the book. Finally, discuss why your author might have chose to use this mood. Why does the author want you to feel this way at this particular part?"

In chapter ______ of my mystery titled _________________, I think the mood is... because the author... For example, in the book...
I think the author wants the reader to feel this way because...

Suspects and Motives

In learning about the mystery genre, we have learned that suspects are an important part to any mystery. Part of finding the solution to a mystery and figuring out which suspect is the perpetrator or maybe even accomplices. Motives play a large role in helping to narrow down the suspect list. You have already created a character chart for your book. Look at these characters and determine which are and which are not suspects thus far in your opinion. Who can you eliminate from the suspect list? Why can you eliminate them? What individuals are at the top of your suspect list? Why are they at they the most suspected? What are their possible motives? Make sure to back your theories or guesses up with support from the book and specific examples to illustrate this support.

Spirit Bear Conclusion

Now that you have finished Touching Spirit Bear, do you think the restorative process was more helpful than traditional punitive punishments, not just for Cole but for everyone involved? Why or why not? Who do you think benefited or did not benefit from this process? What were some positive or negative outcomes? What would have been different for Cole, his mom, his dad, Peter, Peter's family, Garvey, and Edwin if Cole had just received the traditional punitive punishment of being put in jail -- would things have been better or worse? WHY? Remember to use specific examples from the book to support your arguments.

Compare Restorative Circles

You have read and acted out the first parts of Cole's Restorative Circle process and you've watched a real-life circle process involving boys who burned down a historical bridge in Pennsylvania. Compare and contrast the two circles. What similarities and differences do you notice between the process, the parents, the community members, and the boys in trouble? Remember to use specific examples from your reading to support your arguments.