A Year Down Yonder

|Pre Reading | During Reading | After Reading |

Reading Activities (compiled by Rebekah Richins)

Pre Reading Activities

1. Cohen, Robert. “Dear Mrs. Roosevelt.” New Deal Network. 2003-5. 14 September 2005.
http://newdeal.feri.org/eleanor/.
This website provides a fantastic resource for helping students gain a context of the depression. It provides links to letters written by children their age to Eleanor Roosevelt, links to pictures of the depression, and assignment ideas for educators.

2. Gold, Lara. “Authors & Books: A Year Down Yonder.” Scholastic. 1996-2005. 14 September 2005 http://www2.scholastic.com/teachers/authorsandbooks/teachingwithbooks/producthome.jhtml?productID=12884&collateralID=10001&displayName=Teaching+Plan.
This site provides a lesson plan and biographical links. Includes writing prompts, objectives, and ways for educators to better assess their students understanding of the context of A Year Down Yonder.

3. Halls, Kelly M. “Richard Peck: Newberry Award Winning Author.” 2002. 15 September 2005.
http://richardpeck.smartwriters.com/index.2ts.
This is Richard Peck’s official website. It provides book information, biographical information, interviews, and a plethora of other goodies. If you want information “straight from the horse’s mouth,” this might be a good site to visit to get information on Richard Peck.

4. Hesse, Karen. Out of the Dust. New York : Scholastic Press, 1997.
In stark contrast to A Year Down Yonder, this prose novel tells the story of a girl you suffered through the harsh realities of The Depression with little or no shield from loving relatives. Excerpts from this novel would provides more relatable context material to help a class understand the full effects of The Depression on youths such as themselves.

5. “Lesson Plans: A Long Way From Chicago and A Year Down Yonder.” Penguin Young Readers Group. 2003-5. 14 September 2005. http://www.teachervision.fen.com/page/6690.html.
This website is wonderful. It provides biographical information on Richard Peck, his commentary on the book, educational ideas and activities, and discussion ideas.

6. Peck, Richard. A Long Way From Chicago. Puffin: New York, 2000.
This book is the award winning prequel to A Year Down Yonder. Although it is not necessary to understand its sequel, it should at least be mentioned as a notable part of a two book series involving characters the children will hopefully fall in love with.

7. Places In The Heart. Dir. Robert Benton. Prod. Michael Hausman. Perf. Sally Field, Danny Glover, John Malkovich. Columbia, 1984.
When I was studying The Great Depression in eleventh grade U.S. History, they made us watch this movie. It tells the story of a widow who must find a way to plant and successfully harvest cotton, or starve. This movie brought The Depression alive for me in a very real way. It should be considered as a contextual piece for preparing students to understand what The Great Depression really was like.

8. “Richard Peck: Teacher Resource File.” Internet School Library Media Center. 19 September 2005.
http://falcon.jmu.edu/~ramseyil/richardpeck.htm.
This site contains links to biographical information and lesson plans on Richard Peck books. It is another valuable resource in providing contextual information about the book’s author for students.

9. Tallman, Joel. Newberry-Winning Author: Richard Peck. 2003. 15 September 2005
http://www.tallmania.com/peck.html.
I am a big fan of direct quotes. This site provides, as well as integrated biographical information, spot quotes from Richard Peck. Most of them concern his opinion on his writing and works. It is a great resource, even if it hasn’t been updated for two years.

10. Wild Hearts Can’t be Broken. Dir. Steve Miner. Prod. Matt Williams. Perf. Gabrielle Anwar, Michael Shoeffling, Cliff Robertson. Buena Vista Pictures, 1991.
This is a more light-hearted film intended for family entertainment. However, it has some surprisingly relevant material within the film’s narrative. It’s the story of a young runaway girl during the depression. She wants to learn to dive with horses in a spectacular extravaganza circus-like show. The music, setting, and context of the movie are quite pertinent for background information on The Depression.

During Reading Activities

11. Horwitz. “The Great Depression.” 21 September 2005
http://cvip.fresno.com/~jsh33/depr.html.
This website is very obviously an amateur site provided by a history teacher named Mr. Horwitz from somewhere in Fresno, California. That being said, I’ll put it aside because the website is an amazing resource of links leading to every discussion topic you can imagine under the title “The Great Depression.” Please consider this site—it will be a fabulous resource when collecting information and contextual resources for The Depression Era.

12. “From the Great War to the Great Depression.” discoveryschool.com. 2005. 21 September 2005 http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/greatWarGreatDep.
This site is a fantastic resource for Depression Era contextual information. It provides lesson plans, clear objectives, and most importantly, an abundance of links leading to information about people who were highly relevant to Depression Era art and literature.

13. The Legend of Bagger Vance. Dir. Robert Redford. Prod. Jake Eberts. Per. Matt Damon, Charlize Theron, and Will Smith. Dream Works, 2000.
This film takes place during the Great Depression, and tells the story of a man who’s almost given up on himself and life. It is a beautiful film, and though it might be challenging to get students to the see the point, there is a great deal they can learn from the film about overcoming obstacles that seem to cloud their own lives. In addition to storyline, the music, setting, and costume design of the film will give them a greater understanding of what it must have been like to live during The Depression.

14. Richins, Rebekah. “Research Project: Depression Era Poetic Work.” Brigham Young University. 2005.
The Great Depression, in addition to being a time of great suffering, was also catalyst for quite a few poetic works. Have students research a literary poem or lyrics to a song written during that time frame. Then have them explain the poetic devices and emotional effects found in the work in a one page response that can be read and discussed in class.

15. Richins, Rebekah. “Writing Prompt: It’s All in The Family.” Brigham Young University. 2005.
In the story A Year Down Yonder the main character Mary Alice is sent to live with her Grandma during a period of financial hardship her family experiences while living through The Great Depression. If you had live with one of your relatives—Grandma, Aunt, Cousin, Uncle, or anyone of them—who do you think would be the person you could learn the most from? What would be hard about living with them? What would be exciting?

16. Richins, Rebekah. “Writing Prompt: Movin’ to a New Place.” Brigham Young University. 2005.
In the story A Year Down Yonder Mary Alice, in addition to having to pack everything up and move to her Grandma’s, has to start all over in a new place. Have you ever had to move? What was the hardest part? If you’ve never moved, what do you think was the hardest part about Mary Alice having to move? What would you miss about your life now? Think of your friends and all of the places you call home. Try to imagine what it would be like without them.

17. Richins, Rebekah. “Writing Prompt: Waving Goodbye to the ‘Good Life.’” Brigham Young University. 2005.
The story A Year Down Yonder takes place during The Great Depression. As we have discussed this experience of hardship that affected the entire nation, we’ve emphasized what people had to give up. What in your opinion would be the hardest thing to give up? Food and nice clothes are just a few of the things that we take for granted now. Think of the “luxuries” you enjoy the most. Try to imagine what life would be without them. And keep in mind “luxuries” for people during this time frame are things that you think of as normal “must haves” now.

18. Richins, Rebekah. “Writing Prompt: What’s Your Turkey Shoot?” Brigham Young University. 2005.
In the novel A Year Down Yonder the people of Mary Alice’s “new/“old” town enjoy an annual tradition known as the Armistice Day Turkey Shoot. What annual traditions do your town, community, or family enjoy? What is your favorite part about them? Are they fun? Embarrassing? Describe what is unique about them.

19. Richins, Rebekah. “Writing Prompt: Sometimes Gifts Aren’t Just Things.” Brigham Young University. 2005.
In the novel A Year Down Yonder Mary Alice wants a pair of nice shoes. Grandma is able to make sure that she gets a pair. These shoes mean more to Mary Alice than just something to cover her feet—they keep her from embarrassment, and give her a sense of pride. Describe a gift you’ve been given that meant more to you than just the object is was. Discuss your sentimental affection for it, as well as its practical uses.

After Reading Activities

20. “The Unofficial Billie Holiday Website.” 2005. 21 September 2005
www.ladyday.net.
This website is a great place to find lyrics for the “Depression Era” research project discussed in number 4 on this site list. Though it doesn’t seem like the most professional site, there are plenty of reasons to go poking around. The site provides links, biographical information about Billie Holiday and other Depression Era singers, and plenty of photos. The most important thing is its fabulous supply of lyrics—definitely worth consideration.

21. Richins, Rebekah. “Writing Prompt: Which Would You Prefer: Living in the Boonies or the Big City?” Brigham Young University, 2005.
In the novel A Year Down Yonder Mary Alice is sent to live in a rural area of Illinois with her Grandma after her family experiences the financial hardships of The Great Depression. Think about what changes she faces by moving from the city to the country. Now that you’ve finished the book, what do you think the greatest differences have been for Mary Alice? Which do you prefer? Would you like living out in the Country with fresh air and freedom, or the Big City where culture and people live life up?

22. Richins, Rebekah. “Writing Prompt: What’s In Style?” Brigham Young University, 2005.
In the novel A Year Down Yonder it reads, “Nobody had told Grandma that skirts were short this year. Her skirttails brushed her shoes.” In your own life and fashions, what have you noticed change in the last few years? What do you feel would make you look ridiculous now, but made you feel cool back then? Think about your hair, your shoes, and clothes. Think about colors that used to be popular. Do you think neon pink will ever have a comeback? Free write your thoughts on the subject.

23. Richins, Rebekah. “Writing Prompt: On the Subject of Halloween.” Brigham Young University, 2005.
In the novel A Year Down Yonder Halloween seems to be a pretty big deal. What’s your favorite part about the holiday? What were you last year? What do you want to be this year? Do you feel you’ve out grown trick-or-treating? Are there any fun Halloween parties you’ve been to? What was the scariest costume you’ve ever seen? What was the most creative? Have you pulled any crazy tricks?

24. Richins, Rebekah. “Writing Prompt: What’s Your Favorite Media Escape?” Brigham Young University, 2005.
In the novel A Year Down Yonder Mary Alice says, “I loved everything else on the radio. I’d lie there in the orange glow of the Philco dial, listening to the world.” In your own life there are lots of media resources. Which ones are your favorites? What programs do you feel have the most influence on how you see the world and what you enjoy? Are their website that have music, styles, and information that you feel are relevant for you? Write about it.

25. Richins, Rebekah. “Writing Prompt: Would You Really Like Your Own Room?” Brigham Young University, 2005.
In the novel A Year Down Yonder Mary Alice is forced to sleep in a room upstairs by herself. Have you ever had your own room? Did you like it? Did you think it was lonely? What do you think the benefits were? Are there downsides? If you’ve never had your own room, what do you feel about the same questions above in a hypothetical sense? Think about it; then write.

26. Richins, Rebekah. “Writing Prompt: What’s Your Burgoo?” Brigham Young University, 2005.
In the novel A Year Down Yonder there is a stew called Burgoo. “Burgoo—a stew made with whatever you had on hand. White meat and red meat and maybe squirrel. Any old vegetable, heavy on the turnips. Potato wedges for body, stewed tomatoes for color, onions to taste. It was served from every out door event, from an auction to a hanging, as Grandma would say.” Are there any dishes in your family served like that? Does everyone dread them, or are they famous and greatly desired among family members? Write about them. Talk about when they’re served and what makes them so disgusting or special.

27. Richins, Rebekah. “Writing Prompt: What is So Great About The First Snow?” Brigham Young University, 2005.
In the novel A Year Down Yonder the first snow means the beginning of trapping season for Grandma. What does the first snow mean in your life? Does it mean something about a season/holiday? Do you do any specific things with your family? How does it make you feel to walk in the first snow by yourself? Is it pretty, or just pretty miserable?

28. Richins, Rebekah. “Writing Prompt: Who doesn’t Like Royce McNabb?” Brigham Young University, 2005.
In the novel A Year Down Yonder Mary Alice gets a crush on a boy Royce McNabb. Have you ever had a devastating crush? What was it like? Did it turn out for the best? Did you ever tell that someone? Share your experiences. Note: Feel free to use Pseudonyms if you would like to protect the names of the innocent or guilty.

29. Richins, Rebekah. “Writing Prompt: Have You Ever Had A Pet Like Bootsie?” Brigham Young University, 2005.
In the novel A Year Down Yonder Mary Alice has a cat named Bootsie who becomes progressively feral through the story. Have you ever had a pet you lost? Was it hard? Do you like animals? Are there any you’ve become obsessed with, or hated with an adamant passion? Think about it. Write what you think about Mary Alice’s loss of Bootsie.

30. Richins, Rebekah. “Writing Prompt: What’s Your Family Do That Sometimes Embarrasses You?” Brigham Young University, 2005.
In the novel A Year Down Yonder Mary Alice is somewhat embarrassed by her Grandma when Royce comes to call. Understandably it’s hard to imagine how a boy will take a gun-toting granny. How do some of your relatives’ qualities sometimes embarrass you? Are their oddities funny? Depressing? Is it hard to be confident when you know everyone in the group should feel welcome, but you can’t figure out the right words? Describe a situation where you had to do this?