Eleven

By: Patricia Reilly Giff
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Copyright: 2008

Sam, is turning eleven, What’s so bad about turning eleven? Well, the number eleven is haunting Sam, in his dreams and his memories. He doesn’t know why. But just before his eleventh birthday he discovers an old newspaper clipping in his grandfathers attic, with a picture of him and his first name, expect his last name is different and it says the word missing. Sam wants to know more about his life, but unfortunately he is not able to read very good, so he acquires the help of a his new partner for a school partner named Catherine. She is always reading, but Catherine’s family has their own troubles? Will Sam find out about his past? Is it worth it?

Suggested Delivery: Independent Read or Guided Reading


Lexile Level: 600L

Key Vocabulary: turrets, moat, detention, ornate, prow, dredge, trenchers

Web Resources:

Web Resources:

Teachers Guide: This is a teachers that is useful when guided students through the book; it gives teaching ideas, discussion and writing, and activities http://www.randomhouse.com/teachers/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780385730693&view=tg

Curriculum Guide: This is a guide is helpful to teachers by giving them teaching ideas http://www.emporia.edu/libsv/wawbookaward/curriculumguides/eleven.html

Comprehension Strategies:

Before Reading: Book trailer for Eleven http://www.booktrailersforreaders.com/Eleven+Book+Trailer

After Reading: Students will complete a popcorn discussion on their readings in the book.

Writing Activity: How are Sam, Mack, Onji, and Anima a family? Compare Sam’s family to Caroline’s family. Which family appears more unified? Debate whether Caroline envies Sam’s relationship with his family. Describe the special bond between Sam and Mack. Explain how learning about his past makes Sam feel even closer to Mack.