Blade: Playing Dead

BLADE: PLAYING DEAD

by Tim Bowler Teacher’s Edition

BLADE: Playing Dead JLG Reading Guide By Tim Bowler Copyright © 2009 Published by Philomel Books/Penguin Junior Library Guild Young Readers Group 7858 Industrial Parkway Copyright © 2008 by Tim Bowler Plain City, OH 43064 Originally published in the UK www.juniorlibraryguild.com ISBN: 978-0-399-25186-3 ISBN: 978-0-98235-064-5

Copyright © 2009 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 0 About JLG Guides Junior Library Guild selects the best new hardcover children’s and YA books being published in the U.S. and makes them available to libraries and schools, often before the books are available from anyone else. Timeliness and value mark the mission of JLG: to be the librarian’s partner. But how can JLG help librarians be partners with classroom teachers? With JLG Guides. JLG Guides are activity and reading guides written by people with experience in both children’s and educational publishing—in fact, many of them are former librarians or teachers. The JLG Guides are made up of activity guides for younger readers (grades K–3) and reading guides for older readers (grades 4–12), with some overlap occurring in grades 3 and 4. All guides are written with national and state standards as guidelines. Activity guides focus on providing activities that support specific reading standards; reading guides support various standards (reading, language arts, social studies, science, etc.), depending on the genre and topic of the book itself. JLG Guides can be used both for whole class instruction and for individual students. Pages are reproducible for classroom use only, and a teacher’s edition accompanies most JLG Guides. Research indicates that using authentic literature in the classroom helps improve students’ interest level and reading skills. You can trust JLG to provide the very best in new-release books, and now to enhance those selections by giving your school the tools to use those books in the classroom. And in case you think we forgot the librarians, be sure to check out the Library Applications page, shown on the table of contents in each guide. From all of us at Junior Library Guild, we wish you and your students good reading and great learning . . . with JLG Selections and JLG Guides.

About the BLADE series by author Tim Bowler ...... 3 Building Background ...... 4 Prereading Activities...... 6 Chapter by Chapter Chapters 1–4...... 7 Chapters 5–8...... 9 Chapters 9–12...... 11 Chapters 13–16...... 14 Chapters 17–20...... 16 Chapters 21–24...... 18 Chapters 25–29...... 20 Chapters 30–34...... 22 Chapters 35–38...... 24 Chapters 39–42...... 26 Wrap-up...... 28 Library Applications...... 31 Suggestions for Further Reading ...... 32 Correlations to National Standards ...... 33

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The BLADE series is an odyssey about a fourteen- year-old boy with a dangerous past and an uncertain future. I have tried to write a pacy thriller that not only focuses upon an engaging central character but also touches upon issues that concern me: gang culture, the exploitation of young people in fragmented communities, youth violence, and especially knife crime.

It horrifies me to think of young people using knives, and while I am a storyteller rather than a crusader, I cannot deny that one of my reasons for writing the BLADE series was to try to show young readers that you cannot wield a knife without devastating consequences, both for your victims and yourself. Knives have nothing to do with honor or respect. They are instruments of pain, mutilation, and death, and the use of them requires a committed act of personal savagery.

The boy at the heart of the BLADE series has lived by the knife but he is not a thug. He is smart, articulate, even likable, and he’s in terrible danger. His enemies are closing in, he’s becoming increasingly haunted by guilt for the things he’s done, and he’s struggling desperately to find some kind of redemption.

For more information about this author, visit www.timbowler.co.uk.

Copyright © 2009 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 3 Building Background Book Summary Fourteen-year-old Blade has been on the run and without a home most of his life. A girl from his past gave him his name because he was so good with a knife. Too good. Now she’s gone, and he’d just as soon leave all that behind him, including his name. But he’s been followed to this new city where he “plays dead” so no one can ever find him. That only works for a while, until he meets people he comes to care about, only to watch them slip into his past, too.

Understanding Genre: Realistic Fiction

1. What makes a story fictional? How would you define realistic fiction?

A story is fictional if it didn’t really happen or isn’t true. Realistic fiction is a story

that is based in modern times, and the characters are involved in events that could

happen.

2. Based on the book summary above, why is the novel BLADE: Playing Dead considered realistic fiction?

Blade is a teenager in circumstances that many people in the world are in: he is

homeless, has been in trouble, has lost friends, is trying to change, is running from

his past, and so on.

3. How would you know that BLADE: Playing Dead is not another type of fictional story, such as historical fiction or science fiction?

Possible responses: It is not set in a historical time period or based on a historical

account like historical fiction; they use only modern technology in the story; it is

not about science or technology of the future or set in the future or a different

universe.

4. What do you like about realistic fiction? Explain why you like it more or less than other genres.

Some possible responses: I can understand the characters’ struggles. It forces me to

think about tough subjects or decisions. It lets me into a world either that I

understand or wish I knew more about.

Copyright © 2009 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 4 Protagonist Characterization In realistic fiction, authors try to make their characters as real and antagonist genuine as possible. If the story is going to seem as though it could really happen, then the characters need to be believable. Static dynamic What makes a character seem real?

Possible responses: A character seems real when he or she has the same needs and emotions as people do. Characters also can seem real if they act or speak like people really do. Real characters aren’t perfect.

Within a story, there are characters who are protagonists and antagonists. See the chart below for a description of each kind of character.

Characters can also be described as static or dynamic. Static characters do not change much as the story progresses. Things may happen to them, but events do not change their basic natures. They are usually minor characters. Dynamic characters do change, though, in response to the events of the story. They may have a minor or major personality change and may grow better or worse, wiser or more foolish, more likable or less likable, stronger or weaker, etc. Protagonists are often dynamic.

Example from Static or Role Description BLADE Dynamic • Central character • Pushes the action forward Protagonist • Attempts to accomplish something • Can be seen as good or heroic • Complex • Character or force that holds back the protagonist • Directly opposes the protagonist in some way Antagonist • Can be seen as bad or a villain • Does not have to be a person; can be a group or even an unresolved situation or issue

Review the chart above, and think about examples of these types of characters as you read BLADE: Playing Dead. You will revisit this chart later to fill in examples from the story.

Copyright © 2009 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 5 Prereading Activities Making Predictions Predictions Read this partial summary of the story, and make predictions Evidence based on evidence from the text and/or from your prior knowledge or personal experience. purpose With a nickname like “Blade,” it seems like it might be hard to escape your reputation. That is why the main character in this story does his best to abandon the nickname and the actions that caused him to earn it. Blade has gone underground successfully for three years, hiding in a new city and learning how to survive and stay out of the police’s way. However, after a painful and humiliating encounter with a gang of girls, Blade finds himself in the middle of another mess, connected yet again to a girl named Becky, and feeling as though everyone he cares for eventually dies because of him.

1. How do you think Blade earned his nickname?

I predict: Based on what evidence? Predictions will vary but will most likely identify being violent and/or skilled with a knife as the reason.

2. Why is Blade trying to leave behind his past? I predict: Based on what evidence? Predictions will vary but will likely relate to a change in personality or life goals or escaping punishment.

3. Set a purpose for reading based on your predictions above.

Possible purpose: My purpose for reading is to find out how Blade is changed or

affected by his situation and if he escapes his old life.

4. How would you feel if you met a new guy and his name was Blade? What effect does that name have on how someone would treat him?

Possible answer: I would be nervous or wary of him probably. His name makes

you think he might be dangerous or violent.

Copyright © 2009 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 6 Chapter by Chapter Chapters 1–4 pages 1–20 Before You Read Introducing Vocabulary Hey, The author uses many British slang words and terms throughout the story. As we go through the chapters, we will identify some of bigeyes. those words as well as other vocabulary that make the story seem more realistic. It is important to understand what they mean to Don’t be appreciate how they add to the story. a muffin. Read the first three words below and define them. Check your answers using a dictionary. Then write a sentence using each word.

1. constable (n.) police officer (British)

Possible sentence: The constable chased after Blade as he ran from the police station.

2. bungalow (n.) type of house, usually one story with a low roof or front porch

Possible sentence: There were probably many bungalows along the canal.

3. towpath (n.) a path along a canal

Possible sentence: The joggers ran along the towpath.

The next two words are slang words that you will not likely find in the dictionary. Look for clues on the pages listed, and talk over possible meanings with your classmates.

4. “blotched” (page 7) tattled; told secret

5. “muffin” (page 11) someone who is soft, easy to beat After You Read Analyzing the Writing: Point of View

1. From which character’s perspective is the story written? How do you know?

Blade is the narrator of the story. He is telling the story from his perspective.

2. Who is Bigeyes?

Bigeyes is Blade’s nickname for the reader. We are Bigeyes as we look into his life.

Copyright © 2009 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 7 3. Which point of view does the author use in this story: first-person, Point third-person limited, or third-person omniscient? How do you know? (Feel free to look up these terms and their meanings if you of need a review.) view Blade is the narrator of the story, so the author uses first-person. Blade uses

pronouns such as I, me, my, and we learn only what he sees, hears, does, and

thinks.

Getting to Know the Characters 1. What past events have shaped Blade’s goals or affected his personality?

Possible responses: We know Blade has been in trouble and been involved in

violence. We know his friend Becky is dead, and that haunts him. We also know

that Blade wants to “play dead” and stay away from his past.

2. What can a character’s nickname reveal about him or her? How is that true for Blade?

Possible responses: Nicknames usually tell us what other people think about a

character. Blade was known as being good with a knife, he got that nickname.

Responding to the Story

1. Why do you think the author begins the story with a flashback? Explain your answer.

Answers will vary but should include that this first chapter gives us insight into how

young Blade was when he began using a knife. It’s also a good way to get the

reader snagged into the story and to be surprised when they learn he’s only seven.

2. How are chapters 3 and 4 a contrast to the first two chapters?

Possible responses: The first two chapters show a very tough, street-savvy side of

Blade. We learn a bit about his past and his current life. Then the next two

chapters show his weakness and vulnerability as he is beaten and then in need of

the old woman’s help.

Copyright © 2009 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 8 Chapter by Chapter Chapters 5–8 pages 21–39 Before You Read Introducing Vocabulary: Context Clues and Slang When you come across an unfamiliar slang word, sometimes the sentences or paragraph around the word gives you clues about its meaning. As you read this passage from page 36, look for clues to the meanings of the underlined terms “slap it” and “snugged out.”

Most kids like me don’t last. They slap it for a bit, sleeping rough, getting cold, then before they know it, they’re starving, shivering, drugged out . . . Or they’re dead. Or they’re back home with Mummy. None of that applies to me . . . I don’t get many nights when I have to slap it . Five nights out of seven, I’m snugged out and nobody owns me. Cos nobody knows I’m there.

1. I think slap it means sleeping outside or on the ground because he talks right after that about “sleeping rough” and “getting cold.” It also seems like a negative term.

2. I think snugged out means secretly sleeping in a house or shelter because it seems like the opposite of to “slap it” and it seems like a safe place (“nobody owns me”).

Making Predictions And I’m still feeling scared.

In the last section, Blade leaves us with the words: “And I’m still feeling scared.” In these chapters, the old woman invites Blade into her home so he can warm up. She also gives him clothing and offers to call someone for him. Although it is hard to know exactly where their conversation will go, make a prediction about how Blade will respond to the old woman’s gestures to help. Then provide a reason for your prediction, either from the text or you own life experience.

I predict: Based on what evidence? Answers may vary. Make sure students provide a reason either from something they’ve read in the text or an experience they’ve had.

Copyright © 2009 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 9 After You Read Checking Predictions Review the prediction you made before reading this section. How did your prediction compare with what happened in these chapters? What events or new circumstances surfaced that you didn’t expect?

Answers will vary. It is likely most students will not have expected a break-in at

Mary’s home or for gunshots to go off. They are probably not surprised that Blade is

careful and not fully trust ing of Mary even as she tries to help.

Making Inferences In a good story, the author doesn’t explain everything. We as the readers have to read between the lines to get Read a full understanding of certain things. We have to add between our previous knowledge to what the text says to make an inference. the lines

Make an inference about why Blade does not want Mary to call anyone for him.

Answers will vary. Students will probably infer that Blade doesn’t have any family or

anyone close to call or that he doesn’t want his family to know where he is.

Responding to the Story Read this excerpt from page 38:

Come with me and I’ll show you a bit of my world. Just a bit, mind. Don’t get any ideas. But I need to talk. I need to get my mind straight. I’m messed up. First the stuff with Trixi, then Mary and that crazy dog. So you can stick around with me a bit longer.

1. How does this passage make you feel like you’re a part of the story?

Possible response: It is written as though I am right there and Blade is talking to

me. The main character is inviting me to come along with him in the story.

2. What do you learn about Blade by the way he responds here to how his circumstances have changed?

Possible response: He knows how to survive. He’s prepared and smart. He has

emotions.

I need to talk. I need to get my mind straight.

Copyright © 2009 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 10 Chapter by Chapter Chapters 9–12 pages 40–59 Before You Read Making Predictions At the end of Chapter 8, Blade says he needs to “snug out” and then welcomes us to “the snug.” He has just finished telling us about how he watches the city and knows where there are empty homes. Make a prediction about what Blade will do next and provide details. I predict: Based on what evidence? Possible prediction: Blade Reasons will vary based on will take us into one of the predictions. homes where he stays. He must know some way to get in. He goes there to get rest.

After You Read Checking Predictions Review your prediction about what Blade was going to do next. Explain how it was accurate or not. Was there anything you should have thought about when you made your prediction?

Answers will vary based on predictions, but students will likely be surprised that

Blade was followed or that someone else knew about his secret house.

Responding to the Story: Making Connections How can you relate to any parts of the story so far? For example, how are you like any of the characters, whom do you know whose world is like Blade’s, or how are your struggles similar to those in the story?

Answers will be unique but should include at least one example of how the story connects to the reader’s life in some specific way.

D o n ’ t b r e a t h e. Just wait and listen.

Copyright © 2009 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 11 Getting to Know the Characters As we continue to read, we begin to learn more about how Blade survives, what he likes, and why he is on the run.

1. How does Blade find out about the houses where he stays?

Possible response: Blade is always watching and observing the city and those

around him. He has spent time studying people’s patterns, eavesdropping on

conversations, etc. He even spent a year watching this couple and their house

before deciding to stay there!

2. What kinds of things does Blade do to make sure people don’t know he was there?

Possible response: He makes sure no one seems him enter, or in the house, or

leave the house; he hides his shoes; he makes sure everything is exactly as it was

when he leaves; and he knows what he can do where.

3. How does reading this quote from page 43 change your perspective about Blade?

I didn’t use to like ‘em [books] but I really got into ‘em now. Sometimes, when I’m off my head, it’s books that calm me down.

Possible response: When you think about the stereotype of a violent teenager living

on the streets, you don’t think about him liking books. This quote surprised me but

also made me realize there is more to Blade than I realize. It makes me more

curious about him.

4. After Blade is nearly discovered in the house, what secret does he share with us? Who does he think is looking for him? Look for a quote in Chapter 11 to explain.

Possible response: “There’s other people looking for me. Never mind why. All you

need to know is that I got enemies. And it’s big stuff, okay? Serious grime. And it

goes back a long way.”

Thing is, bigeyes, something I haven’t told you . . .

Although the author does not tell us in which city the story takes place, we can figure out some possibilities. We know the author is using British slang. We also know that Blade guessed Mary had an Irish accent. Later on, Blade talks about using a Scottish accent.

There are several countries within Britain—also know as the United Kingdom. Native speakers usually speak English but have different dialects and accents of a British variety. Blade could possibly be in any city in Britain.

First, research which countries comprise Great Britain. Then find out what major cities are in each of those countries. Add a dot to the map on each city’s location. Then write in the name of the city.

Copyright © 2009 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 13 Chapter by Chapter Chapters 13–16 pages 60–80 Before You Read At the very end of Chapter 12, Blade goes back to Mary’s house expecting to find her and instead finds Trixi. Make a prediction about what happened with Trixi and how Blade will respond in this section and give reasons for your prediction.

Possible prediction: Trixi had seen Mary take Blade back to the house and followed them there. Then she got caught by the burglars and was hurt. I predict Blade will get scared again and run away because he doesn’t want anyone to find him, even if it means leaving Mary behind.

Introducing Vocabulary: Slang Define these slang words or terms the author uses. Most slang cannot be found in a dictionary, so do your best to figure out a definition. Look for clues on the pages listed and talk over possible meanings with your classmates.

1. “gobbo” (page 60) crook, criminal

2. “rubbed me out” (page 61) murdered, killed

3. “zipping me over” (page 61) to lie, deceive, try to fool

4. “cream” (page 63) steal, take by force

5. “nebs” (page 66) police officers

6. “cute” (page 66) careful, carefully

7. “nick some stuff” (page 72) steal, shoplift

After You Read Checking Predictions Review your prediction about what happened to Trixi and how Blade was going to respond. Explain how it was accurate or not. Was there anything that surprised you?

Answers will vary based on predictions. Students will probably not expect Trixi to be dead or another gang member to be there. They will likely be surprised to learn the house wasn’t Mary’s and that her body was nowhere to be found.

I follow. I don’t want to, bigeyes. I want to split. Copyright © 2009 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 14 Analyzing the Writing Look at how the writer organizes the text on the page. Sometimes the paragraphs are long; sometimes a paragraph is only two words long.

1. Why do you think the author uses this style of writing?

Possible response: To make it more interesting and make the pace of the story go

faster or slower. Sometimes there is dialogue, so a new line begins when there is a

new speaker. Sometimes I think the author wants to emphasize certain words.

2. How does it change the way you read the text or how it feels when you read?

Possible responses: It keeps things moving. I feel the intensity of what is happening

in the story like when the man broke into the house and was coming up the stairs.

I felt like I was in the middle of the action.

Sequencing Think about the main events of this section and their order. I’m not Complete the circles below by summarizing what happens in each chapter, including the outcome in chapter 16. arguing. She’s got the

Event 1: Chapter 13 knife and Blade finds Trixi dead I haven’t. and is confronted by Event 2: Chapter 14 man who knows who Blade escapes with girl he is. from gang, and they run from men who are after him. Blade goes to find out more about Mary.

Event 3: Chapter 15 Blade learns girl’s name is Becky and hears story about what happened. He finds Outcome: Chapter 16 out house wasn’t Blade gets coerced into Mary’s. helping Becky find a place to hide for the night.

Copyright © 2009 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 15 Chapter by Chapter Chapters 17–20 pages 81–106 Before You Read Ask Questions When you read a story, it is normal to have questions about the characters and the story line. In fact, it is important to ask questions as you read! With each chapter, hopefully more of your questions are answered. Think about the questions you have after what you have read so far. You can use the sentence starters below or write your own questions. Keep these questions in mind as you read this section.

1. Who is coming with Becky? Who is she talking about?

2. I wonder why Blade is so worried about Becky telling the police about him.

3. How will the author continue to reveal more about Blade’s past?

After You Read Blade Getting to Know the Characters Characterization is the way writers reveal the nature of people. Writers include details about appearance, background, actions, Becky and speech to show the kinds of people their characters are.

1. Describe Blade’s character using the chart below. jaz

Lived in another city three years ago, got into Background History trouble

Family Situation Reader doesn’t know of any family

Physical Appearance Keeps clean, wears nice clothes

Fears Being caught, causing people to get hurt

Rough but feeling, determined, smart, careful, Personality mistrusting, creative

Possible responses: We can tell Blade cares about being clean and well-dressed.

We see how smart, careful, and creative he is by the way he moves around the city

and has kept hidden. The way he acts also tells us he’s disturbed by his life and

doesn’t trust people.

3. Would you say Blade’s character is the protagonist in this story? Why or why not?

Yes. Blade is definitely the central character, the story revolves around him, and he

is the character who pushes the action forward. He is not necessarily seen as a

good person or hero as some protagonists are, though.

4. Is Blade’s character static or dynamic? Why?

Possible responses: Blade is a dynamic character because we see him change as he

responds to story events. He is also becoming more likable as the story builds.

Responding to the Story On page 92, Blade is in the house trying to rescue Jaz. He says:

May need to wig it fast. But I’m not going without Jaz. Don’t ask me why. I don’t know either. But I’m not going without her.

Why do you think Blade is feeling this way and expressing this?

Possible response: Blade feels a sense of responsibility to keep a promise to Becky

or to save this little girl from the drug house. He is used to going with his feelings

about things, and maybe he is just uncomfortable with the idea of leaving her.

I wish I was her. But I’m not. I’m me. Try as I might, I’m always me.

Before You Read Introducing Vocabulary: Context Clues As you read this passage from page 107, look for context clues to It was the meaning of the word specter. good It was good playing dead. I was sleeping my life out and it playing was sweet. I told you life’s a whack. Trouble is, it’s only a dead. whack when you’re in control. Rest of the time it’s a dredge. I got to get a grip, got to sort out what to do. I’ve been a ghost for three years but now there’s specters after me again.

1. I think specter means a haunting spirit because he talks about being a ghost that’s

now being followed by bad things that are coming back from his past.

2. Explain what he means about life being “a whack” or “a dredge.”

It the phrasing he uses for when life is either good or bad; easy or hard; etc.

Making Predictions At the end of the last section, Blade tells Becky “It’s just beginning.” Thinking about Blade and Becky’s previous discussions and other details you can remember, try to predict what the two will do next.

Details Becky wants a place to stay. Blade seems protective of Jaz. Blade uses a knife again. Blade wants to stay away from police.

I predict: Possible prediction: Blade will take Becky and Jaz to one of his “snags.” Then they will keep running from those following them together.

Copyright © 2009 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 18 After You Read To go to the Checking Predictions future, you got Based on what you read, was your prediction about Blade and Becky’s next steps accurate? to have a future.

Responses will vary based on predictions. Students will probably accurately predict that Blade will find a place for Becky and Jaz to stay at least for the night.

Getting to Know the Characters The author helps us get to know the characters by sharing details about them or showing what they do, what they say, or how others react to them. Use this chart to summarize what you know about these characters so far in the story. Give one example for each character listed. Examples will vary.

What I learned about the Character Detail character from this detail

[about Jaz:] “I’m telling you, Blade definitely has a Blade Bigeyes, she melts me, this kid. sensitive side. He is not There’s just something about completely hard and her. She’s like a pixie or an elf calloused. It seems like he is or something.” (page 120) becoming more this way.

“But I’ll tell you one thing about Becky—Trixi was wrong about Blade thinks Becky is strong her. The girl’s not yellow. She’s and smart. She is not a Becky just scared and that’s not the coward like Trixi or the girls same thing at all. She’s still got said. But she is scared about her eyes closed, see? But I’m what’s going to happen. telling you, she’s wide-awake and she’s thinking hard.” (page 108)

Technology Connection

The Internet and other technologies have made it easier than ever to gather research data. Using reliable Web sites, conduct some research on gang-related violence and crimes. Choose three American cities, and find out details about the crime statistics in those areas. How prevalent is gang activity? How do gangs contribute to crime? Then compare and contrast the kinds of problems each city faces. Create a poster to show your findings. Make sure to cite the Web sites you use.

Copyright © 2009 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 19 Chapter by Chapter Chapters 25–29 pages 129–154 Before You Read Making Predictions In the last section, Blade realizes they are being followed. Becky acts like she hasn’t seen anyone, but Blade is sure “[s]he knows who he is.” Who do you predict is following them?

I predict: Based on what evidence? Possible prediction: the person It seems like this guy and his friends following them is the guy who know where Blade goes. Perhaps he broke into Mary’s and then into knew about the place where they the house where Blade was slept last night and followed them staying. from there.

After You Read Checking Predictions How did you prediction compare to what actually happened in this section?

Answers will vary. Possible response: No, I didn’t know about Riff and didn’t expect it

to be someone connected to the girls in the gang.

Analyzing the Writing: Dialogue The author uses dialogue often as he writes. How does dialogue tell the story in a different way from the rest of the narrative? How does it help us sense the relationships among characters?

Possible response: Dialogue makes the story more realistic. We get to read the

characters’ words and see how they interact with others. For example, we can tell that

Blade talks to Jaz in a way that’s different from the way he talks to others. It makes

more of an impression to read his words than to read that “he is kind to Jaz.”

I’m losing it now, bigeyes. I can’t cope with this.

Copyright © 2009 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 20 Analyzing the Writing: Cause and Effect A cause is why something happens. An effect is the result or a sign that something happened because of the original event/thing. As we read this section, we see how one event leads to several other unexpected events. As Blade, Becky, and Jaz are heading to their next stop, they realize they are being followed. This changes Blade’s plan and leads to different decisions and results.

Complete the cause-and-effect chart below. Look at the initial cause or event that happens at the beginning of this section. Then list any positive or negative effects that stem from that event. Feel free to add boxes for more effects if necessary.

CAUSE

Blade realizes they are being followed by someone Becky knows. As a result, he . . .

EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT Blade changes their path Blade tearfully regrets his and tries to mislead the Blade leaves Becky and decision and decides to person following them. Jaz in a hidden area to go “stop being prey” and to find “enemies,” but then chase guys. Jaz is taken and Becky is killed.

Getting to Know the Characters Describe the differences between Blade’s character at the beginning of the story and his character at this part of the story.

Possible response: At the beginning of the story, Blade’s character seemed tough,

violent, mistrusting. He didn’t seem like someone who knew how to care for people.

Then we had started to see how he does care for Jaz and even for Becky. We also

learned that he really had tried not to be known by his knife and was walking away

from that past. As we get to this section, though, we wonder if Blade isn’t going to

become a violent person again.

I’m so dangerous it scares me.

Before You Read Making Predictions In this section, Blade responds to what has just happened to Becky and Jaz. He has been following the guys who are responsible. What do you predict he will do next?

I predict: Based on what evidence? Possible prediction: Blade is We know that Blade is violent and planning to hurt or kill one of capable. Now he is very angry, and the men. it is possible he might revert to his old ways.

After You Read Checking Predictions Reread your prediction. Based on what you read, how did your prediction compare with what really happened? Was there anything you forgot to consider when you made the prediction?

Answers will vary. Possible response: Yes, I thought Blade was planning to respond to the situation with violence, but I didn’t predict how he was going to approach the men or that he would not be able to follow through completely with his plan.

Getting to Know the Characters Several times in this section Blade seems to struggle with his decisions or following through completely with his actions. What does this reveal to you about him?

Answers will vary. Possible response: Blade is not the same violent person he used to be. After years without using a knife or trying to be violent, he is finding himself back in an old part of this life. He is struggling with himself and wrestling with his decisions and actions.

Copyright © 2009 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 22 Making Connections I’m On page 155, Blade tells us: breathing . . . Don’t try and talk me out of it, Bigeyes. It’s too late for words now. I’ve got both Beckys blood in my mind. I’m seeing ‘em clear, I’m seeing Jaz, I’m seeing all the other stuff. I’m breathing blood so bad I want to rip up the sky. 1. Describe a time when you were so angry about something you wanted to get revenge. Responses will vary.

2. When you feel that way, what are your options? What are some healthy ways you can express your anger?

Responses will vary, but students should be able to explain that we have a choice

about how we act on our emotions. Some of our options include: being hurtful or

violent, walking away from the situation, trying to gain perspective, and choosing

to forgive and move on in our lives. Students should hopefully recognize that it is

not healthy to seek revenge or inflict pain upon people.

Responding to the Story 1. Why do you think Blade calls 911?

Possible response: Even though he hates the police, he wants to use them to get

the guys. He also wants to get the police off his own tail.

2. How does Blade change his appearance?

Possible response: He remembers a house where he can get all he needs in one

place. He cuts his hair, colors it with the mom’s hair dye, and then steals clothing

from one of the kids.

3. Why do you think Blade is so enticed by the books when he knows he might trigger the alarm?

Possible response: We know he loves books, but he especially wants to escape

from life right now. It is like the books are a physical representation of escape.

Copyright © 2009 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 23 Chapter by Chapter Chapters 35–38 pages 184–206 Well, I had a plan. Before You Read Or kind of Introducing Vocabulary a plan. Read the first three words below and define them. Check your answers using a dictionary. Then write a sentence using each word.

1. allotment (n.) plot of land left to someone to cultivate (British)

Possible response: The gardener used his allotment to plant a vegetable garden.

2. anorak (n.) pullover hooded jacket long enough to cover the hips

Possible response: I needed an anorak to protect my new shirt from the rain.

3. foliage (n.) leaves, flowers, branches

Possible response: The foliage changes colors in the fall.

The last two words are slang words that you will not likely find in the dictionary. Look for clues on the pages listed, and talk over possible meanings with your classmates.

4. “sort” (page 184) throw away; get rid of

5. “yonks” (page 190) ages; years

After You Read Analyzing the Writing 1. How does the author build suspense and make readers wonder what Blade is planning to do?

Possible response: The author likes to leave “cliffhangers” at the end of most

chapters, so you immediately want to read the next one to find out what happens.

The author also doesn’t feel like he has to explain what Blade is planning to do.

2. What effect does it have for Blade to speak directly to the reader?

Possible response: Blade creates a nickname for the reader and speaks directly to

us, it places us in the middle of the story. The author creates more intimacy by

writing it that way.

Possible response: Early on, Blade told us to “never stop watching.” We see how

much he knows and how many resources he has because of his careful watching. He

also knows so many places, roads, and so on that are enabling him to work his plan

now.

Making Connections On page 203, Blade is very emotional as he shares: They all My old sweet Becky. She shouldn’t have died. She die, should be alive. Why does everybody I care for have to die? bigeyes. . . . They all die, Bigeyes. One by one they slip away. What’s going to happen to me? Am I going to slip away too? One by Maybe I’ll be dead as well by the end of the day, money gone, dreams gone. one . . .

How can you sympathize with Blade? Do you relate to his fears? Why or why not?

Responses will vary based on personal experience.

Visual Arts Connection

Blade is wrestling with serious fears and questions, and it doesn’t seem that he has any support or guidance. If only he had a family member, teacher, or mentor to help, he might not feel so helpless. Think about movies or television shows you have watched in which an older or stronger person came alongside someone and gave him or her some tools and advice to deal with life.

Write down the titles and a brief summary of how the person helped.

Copyright © 2009 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 25 Chapter by Chapter Chapters 39–42 pages 207–231 That’s what’s Before You Read getting to me. Making Predictions In the last section, Blade goes to find Jaz. Instead he sees Everything’s Riff from a distance. What do you predict he will do next? wrong. I predict: Based on what evidence? Possible prediction: Blade is going He is convinced that they have Jaz to spy on Riff to see where he and Riff was the last one that had goes. her as far as he know.

After You Read Checking Predictions Reread your prediction. Based on what you read, was your prediction correct? Was there anything that surprised you in this section?

Answers will vary. Possible response: My prediction was correct that Blade was going to follow Riff, but I didn’t expect that Riff might be setting him up. I was surprised by the whole section!

Analyzing the Writing What details in the story make you feel like it’s real?

Possible response: There are many scenes that make the story feel real. Sometimes it’s a detail like a person on a cell phone, or the dialogue is believable. The conflict and violence (instead of perfect characters) also makes the story feel real.

Responding to the Story 1. Describe Blade’s mood as he is in the diner. Possible response: Blade is nervous that his disguise won’t work. He’s angry at Riff

and Dig for hiding Jaz. But he is also bold as he tried to get the information he

needs to find Jaz.

We learn that Becky (“ Bex”) is actually alive. Blade discovers her on the boat.

3. How does Blade’s perspective shift in this section? Give specific examples.

Possible response: Blade realizes that many things he believed were not true. The

biggest shock is that Becky is not Jaz’s mother, but he is also sadly surprised when

Jaz is scared of him. On page 225, he says “And suddenly it’s like nothing else

matters anymore.”

4. What most surprises you about what happens on the boat?

Answers will vary. Students will probably be surprised that Blade gets hurt and

doesn’t “save the day.”

5. At the end of the story, we read this from Blade’s thoughts about people from his past:

“The faces go on floating, floating, floating. Then one by one they start to slip away. And that’s when I get it, Bigeyes. That’s when I understand. They’re from the past. But they’re not the past. They’re the future. That’s right. If I live through this, they’ll come back. But for now they’re slipping away. Like me. Fading into nothing. And you know what, Bigeyes? Maybe that’s best. Cos if I’m nothing, they can’t ever hurt me again.”

What does this final passage tell us about Blade? Possible response: Blade feared his past. It seemed he really wanted to change but

just couldn’t shake it. This scene gives us a picture of how he felt. As he is hurt and

possibly dying, what he is recalling is all that has haunted him. It’s as though he is

taking comfort in possible death.

That’s when I understand. They’re from the past. But they’re not the past. They’re the future. . . . they’ll come back.

Reviewing Predictions and Purposes 1. Turn to page 6 of this guide to review your first predictions. How accurate were they? Did you provide good evidence for your predictions.

Responses will vary.

2. At the bottom of page 6, you set a purpose for reading. Did you accomplish that purpose? How?

Responses will vary.

Reviewing Characterization On page 5, we learned about protagonists and antagonists as well as static and dynamic characters. Review the chart and the definitions. Then complete the chart below with characters and/or elements from this story. Answers may vary. Sample responses below.

Static or Role Description Example Dynamic • Central character • Pushes the action forward Blade Dynamic Protagonist • Attempts to accomplish something • Can be seen as good or heroic • Complex • Character or force that holds back the “Gobbos” Static protagonist • Opposes the Trixi’s gang Static protagonist in some Antagonist way Blade’s past • Can be seen as bad or a villian • Does not have to be a person; can be a group or even an unresolved situation or issue

Copyright © 2009 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 28 Character Development Story Map Complete the Character Development Story Map below. Think of something that happened in the story that caused Blade to change. Then complete the chart, explaining the difference in his character before and after, as well as noting the event that caused the change.

Blade

Copyright © 2009 Junior Library Guild/Media Source, Inc. 29 Understanding Genre: Realistic Fiction Look back at how we defined realistic fiction on page 4. Would you still say this story fits that definition? Why or why not?

Possible response: Yes, we know the story is set in modern times. For example, people use cell phones. Even though the characters are involved in things that not every kid can relate to, the events are still realistic and could/do happen.

Responding to the Story

Based on this story’s ending, where would a sequel pick up the story? Which characters would return? How would you expect the characters to change?

Responses will vary.

Research: Freedom Writers In the movie Freedom Writers, an inspiring teacher makes a significant difference in her students’ troubled lives. The students in the story are facing much of the same violence, confusion, displacement, and personal loss that Blade faces in this story. The movie’s story is based on real events that happened in the 1997–1998 school year. If possible, coordinate with other staff to show Freedom Writers or a similarly themed movie in your library or school. At the least, encourage students to watch the movie on their own time. Discuss with students the Freedom Writers Foundation. Explain that their assignment is to research the foundation using the Web site www.freedomwritersfoundation.org. Ask them to write a summary page on their findings, including who founded the foundation, its purpose, and what the foundation does to help.

Writing = freedom

Favorite Literature Book Talks

Blade loved to escape or dream through reading books whenever he could. He had memorized characters, their lines, and which houses had the books he loved. Ask the students to think about their favorite books or the book they like to read that takes them away to another world. Have them locate the book in the library or bring in their own copy. Start a book club that allows students to take turns sharing their favorite books. You might want to consider videotaping their book talks and air them on your local school information network.

reading = escape

Other books by Tim Bowler: BLADE: Running Scared. Oxford University Press, 2009. Frozen Fire. Oxford University Press, 2008. Shadows. Oxford University Press, 2007. River Boy. Aladdin, 2004.

Books about gangs, violence, or growing up alone: Bonham, Frank. Durango Street. Puffin, 1999. Ferris, Jean. Bad. Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2001. Flinn, Alex. Breathing Underwater. HarperTeen, 2002. Hinton, S. E. The Outsiders. Viking Press, 1967 (and others). Myers, Walter Dean. Monster. Amistad, 2001. Wild, Kate. Fight Game. The Chicken House, 2007. The Freedom Writers Diary : How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them. Main Street Books, 1999.

Books on anger: Crist, James J., Ph. D. Mad: How to Deal with Your Anger and Get Respect. Free Spirit Publishing, 2007. DiConsiglio, John. Out of Control: How to Handle Anger—Yours and Everyone Else’s. Scholastic/Children’s Press. 2008. Hipp, Earl. Fighting Invisible Tigers: Stress Management for Teens. Free Spirit Publishing. 2008. Marcovitz, Hal and Gail Snyder. A Guys’ Guide to Anger/ A Girls’ Guide to Anger (Flip-It-Over Guides to Teen Emotions). Enslow: 2008.

Content Area Standard Standard Objective Number

Making Connections Between Visual Visual Arts NA–VA.9–12.6 Arts and Other Disciplines

Languages Arts: English NL–ENG.K–12.1 Reading for Perspective

Languages Arts: English NL–ENG.K–12.2 Reading for Understanding

Languages Arts: English NL–ENG.K–12.3 Evaluation Strategies

Languages Arts: English NL–ENG.K–12.4 Communication Skills

Languages Arts: English NL–ENG.K–12.5 Communication Strategies

Languages Arts: English NL–ENG.K–12.6 Applying Knowledge

Languages Arts: English NL–ENG.K–12.8 Developing Research Skills

Languages Arts: English NL–ENG.K–12.11 Participating in Society

Geography NSS–G.K–12.1 The World in Spatial Terms

Geography NSS–G.K–12.2 Places and Regions

Technology NT.K–12.5 Technology Research Tools