1. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares A Study Guide for Reading Class

2. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants I. Plot Summary II. Characters III. Settings IV. Chapter Summaries V. Conclusion/Insight

3. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Plot Summary Four HS students, Lena Kaligaris, Tibby Rollins, Bridget Vreeland, and Carmen Lowell feel that they are such close friends that they are virtually sisters. They find a pair of thrift store jeans that fit all four of the girls beautifully, even though the girls are different sizes and shapes. During their summer vacations apart from each other, they keep in touch by passing the pants along from one girl to another. Each time one of the girls wears the pants, she gains insights into her life and vows to change it.

4. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Vocabulary Alert! Sisterhood – an association of girls or women who come together for the same reason Prologue - an introduction to a novel or poem Vintage – general term for new or second-hand clothing or other items from a previous era or time Complexity – to describe something with many parts in a very detailed arrangement Coincidence - two or more events happen at the same time without an obvious connection Deteriorated - to become bad in quality, functioning, or condition Débutante - a young woman making her formal entrance into society

5. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Characters Lena "Lenny" KaligarisLena "Lenny" Kaligaris, is a beautiful and artistic girl of Greek heritage. She has a younger sister, Effie. Brashares based Lena on the Greek myth of Artemis, the proud, boy-hating goddess of the hunt who, when spotted bathing by a suitor, turned the young man into a stag.[1] She is very shy and withdrawn, due to the fact that she is nearly always judged on her appearance. When she goes to Santorini, Greece, to visit her grandparents for the first time, she meets Kostos, a young family friend. At first she dislikes him, convinced that he is only paying attention to her because of her beauty. Later on however, she falls in love with him, and he with her. Greek Artemis[1]Santorini Greece Lena "Lenny" KaligarisGreek Artemis[1]Santorini Greece

6. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Characters Tabitha Anastasia "Tibby" Tomko-RollinsTabitha Anastasia "Tibby" Tomko-Rollins is the rebellious daughter of two former radicals. She is extremely interested in filmmaking. Tibby lives with her parents and her much younger siblings, Nicky and Katherine. She feels misplaced in her surroundings, and has developed a very cynical outlook on life, feeling that she belongs in her parents' "old" life, while they are busy creating a new life with their younger children. During the summer, while her friends are away, she gets a job at a local supermarket and sets out to make a film about losers (her own genre, which she calls the "suckumentary"). At her job she meets twelve- year-old Bailey Graffman, who is dying from leukemia. Tibby initially wants nothing to do with Bailey, but soon finds that Bailey turns her world upside down. Bailey teaches Tibby that everyone has a little "loser" in them, and how to find the sun behind the clouds, an outlook that is totally unfamiliar to sarcastic Tibby. leukemia Tabitha Anastasia "Tibby" Tomko-Rollins leukemia

7. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Characters Bridget "Bree" VreelandBridget "Bree" Vreeland is the willful, energetic, athletic soccer star who is described as "single minded to the point of recklessness." Bridget has a twin brother named Perry. She is the daughter of a Southern belle and a former European history professor. When she and Perry were about twelve, their mother committed suicide. Bridget still hasn't recovered from the trauma, which triggers her sometimes self-destructive behavior. During the summer she attends a soccer camp in Mexico. She becomes obsessed with a handsome young soccer coach named Eric. Though flings between coaches and campers are forbidden, throughout the summer she relentlessly keeps seeking him out despite his reluctance. She learns however that thinking you want something and actually wanting it when you get it aren't necessarily the same thing. Bridget "Bree" Vreeland

8. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Characters Carmen Lucille "Carma" LowellCarmen Lucille "Carma" Lowell, whom her friends sometimes call Carmabelle (her IM name), is the sensitive, caring and dramatic half-Puerto Rican with the explosive temper. It was she who initially found the Traveling Pants. Of the four Sisters, she is the most insistent on keeping them together. Her parents are divorced, and she lives with her mother, Christina. She goes to spend the summer with her father in South Carolina, looking forward on spending quality time with him and doing father-daughter things. Her hopes are shattered when she finds out that not only has her father moved in with a woman, but they are planning to be married while she is there, and the fiancee is bringing two teenaged children of her own into the marriage. Carmen doesn't seem to fit in at all, which causes her to crumble and create havoc. She runs away and flies back home to her mother, only to discover that running away from problems isn't always the best decision, especially when it comes to family. Puerto RicanSouth Carolina Carmen Lucille "Carma" LowellPuerto RicanSouth Carolina

9. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants The Setting In Santorini, Greece, Valia and Bapi Kaligaris are Lena and Effie’s grandparents. Lena’s grandmother is talkative and spirited, like Effie, while Bapi is quiet and introspective like Lena. Kostos Dounas lives with his grandparents in Santorini. Lena falls in love with him eventually. He was played by Michael Rady in the movie version in which his relationship with Lena was changed from its depiction in the book.

10. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants The Setting In Washington, DC, Bailey Graffman is a 12- year-old girl who adores Tibby and assists her on her documentary film. She has leukemia, and dies from it near the end of the book. She was played by Jenna Boyd in the movie version.

11. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants The Setting In South Carolina, Albert "Al" Lowell is Carmen's father. When Carmen arrives for a visit, he surprises her with the news that he is engaged to Lydia. Lydia Rodman is Al's fiancée. Lydia is a perfectionist who wants everything orderly, which does not appeal to Carmen. She has two children from her previous marriage, Paul and Krista.

12. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants The Setting In South Carolina, Paul Rodman is two years older than Carmen and has an alcoholic father, whom he drives to visit every month. He attends the University of Pennsylvania, his father's alma mater. Carmen refers to him as being serious, mature, and responsible. He was played by Kyle Schmid in the movie version. Krista Rodman is Carmen's age. She and Carmen do not get along when they first meet because Carmen perceives her as being unintelligent and perfect. She was played by Emily Tennant in the movie version.

13. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants The Setting In South Carolina, Kelly Marquette is Paul's girlfriend, whom Carmen dubs "Skeletor." She seems to regard Carmen with contempt. She and Paul break up near the end of the book. She does not appear in the movie version of the book.

14. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants The Setting In Baja Mexico, Eric Richman is a college sophomore (at Columbia University) and coach at Bridget's soccer camp. Bridget falls in love with him, and although he reciprocates her feelings, he avoids her at first because he feels that it would be wrong for him to be with her. He was played by Mike Vogel in the movie version.

15. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants The Setting In Baja Mexico, Molly Brevin is the coach of Bridget's team, Los Tacos. During games he frequently makes Bridget play defense or even sit out when she thinks that Bridget is showing off. Diana is a friend that Bridget makes at camp. She is African American. She attends Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Diana is played by Erica Hubbard in the movie version.

16. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Prologue Carmen explains how she bought the pants and almost threw them out before she even tried them on. Chapter One The four girls try on the pants the day before they part for separate summer vacations. The pants fit all four of the girls beautifully, even though the girls are different sizes and shapes. They create 10 rules to govern how each girl is to wear the pants as they pass them from girl to girl during their summer vacations apart.

17. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Vocabulary Alert! Wallow - to indulge oneself a lot (as in self-pity)‏ Transforming - to change the outward form or appearance of something Aspersions – a false or misleading charge meant to harm someone's reputation Magic – an extraordinary power or influence seemingly from a supernatural source Diaspora - the movement, migration, or scattering of a people away from an established homeland Manifesto - a written statement declaring publicly the intentions, motives, or views of its issuer Comply – to conform, submit, or adapt

18. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Chapter Two Chapter Two talks about the first day of Bridget’s vacation to soccer camp in Baja, Mexico; and Carmen’s flight from Washington, DC to South Carolina to see her Dad. Bridget describes her first day and night at the soccer camp she’s attending in Baja, Mexico. She convinces two girls from her cabin to join her on the beach to sleep overnight. One girl, Diana, reminds Bridget of Carmen, “full of philosophy and psychochatter.” On her plane flight to South Carolina, Carmen reminisces about her Dad’s visits to see her in Washington, DC over the past few years. Plus she imagines what her first visit to South Carolina will be like.

19. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Vocabulary Alert! Dispenser - a container for holding and dispensing something in small amounts, such as water or lotion. Lumpen – to feel lost, alone, or stranded Maneuvering – steering in various directions Smock – a loose, lightweight garment worn over clothing to protect it while working. Facsimile – an exact copy of a book or painting Arid - extremely dry or barren Chromosome - a circular strand of DNA that contains the hereditary information necessary for cell life

20. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Chapter Three Chapter Three talks about Tibby's new job at the Wallman store in Washington, DC, as well as Lena's trip to Greece to see her grandparents. From the moment she finishes her employee orientation at Wallman's, Tibby finds her co- workers way-too-serious attitude hilarious. It gets worse when her boss confronts her for attempting to “steal” some Wallman scotch tape, which she used to slap together a deodorant display. She admits to it, although it was unintentional. Nevertheless, her boss takes away her 15% employee discount, and sends her off with a warning. Tibby decides her co-workers are definite candidates for her new “suckumentary” about losers she encounters everyday.

21. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Chapter Three Chapter Three talks about Tibby's new job at the Wallman store in Washington, DC, as well as Lena's trip to Greece to see her grandparents. Lena and her sister Effie arrive in Greece tired and a bit disoriented with the bright colors, new smells, and her aging grandparents. Lena was told that her grandmother was once as beautiful as Lena, but Lena just finds her old and wrinkled. Lena is captivated by the beauty of Greece, and especially the inlet where her grandparents have a nice, roomy house. Despite her initial disorientation, Lena begins to feel an “atavistic” connection to Greece and her people.

22. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Vocabulary Alert! Stupefied – to make stupid or groggy Cranky – complaining, easily angered, fussy Genuine – sincerely and honestly felt or experienced Atavistic – having a connection with an ancestral history, to have similar physical characteristics to one's ancestors Inventory – a list of things an individual or business owns, a collection of assets Don - to put on clothing or a hat Hefted – to lift up a box or other item, or put on one's shoulders

23. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Chapter Four Chapter Four talks about the party that Lena's grandparents are giving to welcome her to Greece. In South Carolina, Carmen is surprised to meet her Dad's fiancée and her two children. Lena discovers that her grandparents are planning a party for her and Effie. They have also invited a boy, Kostos, to meet Lena. She hates the idea. Nevertheless, she agrees to “dress up” for him. She decides to wear a brown turtleneck top with the Traveling Pants. Carmen arrives in South Carolina all excited to see her Dad's apartment, and to begin their summer together. But her Dad doesn't let her know until they walk through the door of his new house, that he is now engaged and living with his fiancée and her children. Carmen is upset that her Dad didn't warn her beforehand.

24. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Vocabulary Alert! Carousel – rotating conveyors in the baggage claim area of an airport Rabidly – extremely focused or fanatical about something Settled – to establish a home or to put away one's things for a while Inconsiderate – not thinking about the feelings of other people Exuberant – full of unrestrained enthusiasm or joy Conspiratorially - to join in a secret agreement Cliché – an overused expression or idea

25. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Chapter Five Chapter Five Chapter Five talks about Lena meeting the Greek boy, Kostos, and about Bridget meeting one of her coaches, Eric. Chapter Five talks about Lena meeting the Greek boy, Kostos, and about Bridget meeting one of her coaches, Eric. Lena meets Kostos. He is handsome and not obviously smitten with Lena's great beauty. Nevertheless, she is disappointed that he asks her out after meeting her just once. She wished he had played it more cool. Lena meets Kostos. He is handsome and not obviously smitten with Lena's great beauty. Nevertheless, she is disappointed that he asks her out after meeting her just once. She wished he had played it more cool. Bridget cannot believe how “beyooootiful” Eric is. He's 19, a coach, and completely unavailable for Bridget due to the soccer camp “antifraternizing” policy. Nevertheless, Bridget begins a campaign to win him over, and into her heart. Bridget cannot believe how “beyooootiful” Eric is. He's 19, a coach, and completely unavailable for Bridget due to the soccer camp “antifraternizing” policy. Nevertheless, Bridget begins a campaign to win him over, and into her heart.

26. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Vocabulary Alert! Antifraternizing – persons in authority do not socialize with persons they supervise Suspicious – to be doubtful or distrustful about a person's actions or words Pretend – to make-believe, or to play a character as in a stage play Scrimmage – a practice session or informal game, as between two units of the same team Corny– dated, melodramatic, or very sentimental Assignments – tasks given out to be completed by a later date Immune – not affected, influenced, or responsive

27. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Chapter Six Chapter Six Chapter Six talks about Tibby's first encounter with Bailey at Wallman's store. Carmen eats her first dinner with her father's new family. And Bridget jogs along side Eric during the camp's first long run on the beach. Chapter Six talks about Tibby's first encounter with Bailey at Wallman's store. Carmen eats her first dinner with her father's new family. And Bridget jogs along side Eric during the camp's first long run on the beach. Tibby hears a loud noise, and is horrified to see a young girl crash into her make-shift pyramid of deodorants at Wallman's. Tibby later holds the 12-year-old's hand in the ambulance to the hospital. Tibby hears a loud noise, and is horrified to see a young girl crash into her make-shift pyramid of deodorants at Wallman's. Tibby later holds the 12-year-old's hand in the ambulance to the hospital. Carmen eats her first meal with her Dad's new family, and hates them immediately. Her dad is doing things he never did with Carmen and her mother, such as saying grace before the meal. Carmen eats her first meal with her Dad's new family, and hates them immediately. Her dad is doing things he never did with Carmen and her mother, such as saying grace before the meal. Bridget finds a way to get close to Eric by running with him on the camp's first long run along the beach. She can tell that he's becoming interested in her. Bridget finds a way to get close to Eric by running with him on the camp's first long run along the beach. She can tell that he's becoming interested in her.

28. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Vocabulary Alert! Unconscious – not aware of one's environment and one's own existence, sensations, and thoughts Criminal – shameful, disgraceful, or illegal behavior Tentatively - not fully worked out, concluded, or agreed on Grace – a short prayer of blessing or thanksgiving said before a meal Loathing – a feeling of hate with disgust Plummeted - to fall straight down; plunge Sprinted - to move at top speed for a brief period