SS/ELA project

"I say my 'true' adventures because I told a fib to a writer once, who went and put it in the newspapers about me and my big brother, Harold, winning the battle of Gettysburg, and how we shot each other dead but lived to tell the tale. That's partly true, about winning the battle, but most ways it's a lie. Telling the truth don't come easy to me, but I will try, even if old Truth ain't nearly as useful as a fib sometimes.“ - Homer Pierce Figg (p.7)

The year is 1863 and the American Civil War is raging. This story is about the unbelievable adventures (and outlandish prevarications) of 12-year-old Homer P. Figg during June and July of that year. After suffering hunger and abuse inflicted on him and his brother by his nasty uncle Squinton Leach in Pine Swamp, Maine, who assumed guardianship and then mistreated both Homer and his older brother Harold following their mother's death, he runs away from the farm to look for, find, and rescue his big brother Harold...illegally "sold" to the U S Army by their mean uncle Squint. While following the trail of Harold, Homer meets up with an unusual array of people. Some are good, some are foolish, some are scalawags, and some are downright evil. Among the many interesting things that happen to him during his entertaining odyssey: Homer finds himself involved with runaway slaves and slave catchers, rides on a train to Portland and then sails to New York aboard a steamship for the very first time, is featured as an attraction while traveling with a Medicine Show, is accused of being a spy, has a close encounter with a hot air balloon, and witnesses the above mentioned battle of Gettysburg. These and other wild adventures await the reader of this humorous book. I highly recommend THE "MOSTLY" TRUE ADVENTURES OF HOMER P. FIGG to young adults and to "old folks" who, like myself, enjoy reading YA literature. I'd give it 6 stars if I could. Rodman Philbrick is a terrific storyteller.

In groups of 3-4 students, you are to choose assignments from each of the categories below. Writing Element- choose two Presentation Element- choose one Creative Element- choose one Who’s who Guide to the Battle of Gettysburg Book Review- Prezi Map of Homer P. Figg’s journey to save his brother. Fact-based bookmarks- 5 Parallel Timeline Movie Trailer- photostory Journal of Homer P. Figg’s brother, Harold Character Interview Movie Poster

 Biography of and important figure from the Battle of Gettysburg Biography of and important figure from the Battle of Gettysburg  Fact-based bookmarks- 5 Fact-based bookmarks- 5  Journal of Homer P. Figg’s brother, Harold Journal of Homer P. Figg’s brother, Harold

 Book Review- Prezi Book Review- Prezi  Parallel Timeline Parallel Timeline  Character Interview Character Interview

 Map of Homer P. Figg’s journey to save his brother. Map of Homer P. Figg’s journey to save his brother.  Movie Trailer- photostory Movie Trailer- photostory  Movie Poster Movie Poster

Assignment/ ElementPossible PointsYour Score Writing Element A25 Writing Element B25 Creative Element25 Presentation Element25 Total100