Choose one of the following:
A) The last line of the book suggests that Joey looks back on his visits to Grandma Dowdel�s with appreciation and fondness. You are to imagine that you are Joey sometime after the events of the story. You are to write a letter to her reminiscing about your visits in which you talk about several things you learned from her. Again, the focus of your letter should be what you appreciated about the visits and what you learned from Grandma Dowdel. (3.5 pages)
B) Joey is the narrator of A Long Way from Chicago. The author, Richard Peck, wrote a sequel to the book in which Mary Alice is the narrator. You are to write a possible first chapter for such a sequel. Here are some pointers/things to keep in mind.
1) For the most part, there is a great deal of humor throughout the book, and each chapter recalls a single event during the trip to Grandma Dowdel�s house. Your chapter should be consistent with the style of the first book: you will need to create a story revolving around Grandma Dowdel�s involvement in a particular event, and the story should have plenty of humor in it.
2) Grandma Dowdel is a particularly �unique� character in the book. Be sure to keep her character consistent in your chapter.
3) Remember that Mary Alice will be the narrator in your chapter. How will she tell things different from Joey?
4) If it helps, you may begin your chapter with the line �When I got off the Wabash Railroad�s Bluebird Train . . .�
Chapter should be 4 pages minimum.
Among the Hidden Assignment
A) Write a review of the book. The first page of your review should summarize the plot of the book, the next page and a half should discuss one or two major themes in the book, and the last page and a half should discuss in detail the strengths/weaknesses of the book. Please make sure you check out the links on my web page (on the writing help page) on how to write a book review. (4 pages total)