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Wolf Hollow



Last updated Friday, June 1, 2018

Author: Lauren Wolk
Date of Publication: 2016
ISBN: 1101994827
Grade Level: 5th    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jun. 2018

Synopsis: Growing up in the shadows cast by two world wars, Annabelle has lived a mostly quiet, steady life in her small Pennsylvania town. Until the day new student Betty Glengarry walks into her class. Betty quickly reveals herself to be cruel and manipulative, and while her bullying seems isolated at first, things quickly escalate, and reclusive World War I veteran Toby becomes a target of her attacks. While others have always seen Toby’s strangeness, Annabelle knows only kindness. She will soon need to find the courage to stand as a lone voice of justice as tensions mount.

Note to readers:
•  This books is about Annabelle, a young girl who is repeatedly picked on by Betty. Annabelle stands up against the bully with kindness and protects those she cares (her family, Ruth and Toby). There are scenes in the book that are sensitive like when Toby describes what the war was like and the deaths of characters in the book.
•  Suggested chapters to read: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  This book is set in 1943 - What was going on in the world then? (During 1943, the United States disagreed with another country on what was important to them and this led to war happening. Feel free to go into more details about World War II if the students express interest or have gone over WWII in their class before).

Vocabulary

•  Incorrigible: a person not able to change their ways.
•  Victory Garden: A vegetable garden planted during the war to help produce more food production.
•  Copperhead: a venomous snake with a brownish read head.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Why do you think Betty acts like a bully?
•  What could have made the situation better for Annabelle when she was getting bullied?
•  What do you think you can do when you see someone getting bullied?
•  How can you help stop bullying?

Craft ideas:
•  Make a father's day card for a father figure or family friend.
•  Draw a picture of what you think Annabelle, Toby or Betty look like.
•  Draw a picture your favorite part of the book.
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/june-2018-people-places/

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!