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First Read - Staying with Uncle Stephen

Last updated 9 months ago
12 questions

Paragraphs 1-9

1 Brody stared out the kitchen window and heaved a sigh. His parents were traveling for business this weekend, and he was staying with his Uncle Stephen. Unfortunately, Uncle Stephen lived in a cabin in the countryside, 50 miles away from Brody's home in the bustling city. Restlessly Brody picked up the phone and called his friend Marisa.

2 "What are you doing today?" Brody asked.

3 "Our robotics team is meeting later," Marisa reported. "We're still trying to decide what kind of robot to design. I wish you were here with us—we could really use your help."

4 "Oh, I wish I were there too," Brody managed to respond before hearing Marisa's mom in the background.

5 "I need to go," Marisa said. "My mom wants me to clean my room now. Talk to you later." Marisa hung up the phone before Brody even had a chance to say goodbye.

6 Brody dialed his friend Jeffrey next, hoping to hear that at least someone was having a fun weekend.

7 "Playing basketball—too bad you aren't around," Jeffrey said when asked what he was doing.

8 "For sure," Brody agreed.

9 "Oh, the guys are here—I have to go," Jeffrey said, hanging up.
1

Who is the protagonist (the main character)?

1

Part A. What is the narrative point of view?

1

Part B. Which sentence proves your answer to Part A?

1

What is the setting of this story?

1

What conflict is introduced?

Paragraphs 10-15

10 Brody figured his other friends would be busy too, so he pulled his homework from his backpack on the table—at least he could get ahead on his assignments over the weekend. Opening his English notebook, he tried thinking of a topic for his poem, but his mind was blank. Suddenly Uncle Stephen strolled into the kitchen.

11 "I finished landscaping the Pederson's yard," Uncle Stephen announced. "Time for some relaxation. Let's go hiking up Twisted Mountain."

12 That's relaxation? Brody thought to himself. He stared up at the sky through the window and noticed some fluffy white clouds in the distance. "Do you think it's going to rain?" Brody asked hopefully.

13 "No way. Those aren't rain clouds," Uncle Stephen said. "Don't worry," he added, noting Brody's hesitance. "Twisted Mountain isn't a real mountain—more like a very tall, wooded hill.

14 With no way for Brody to escape the hike, he gave in. But the trek up Twisted Mountain reinforced Brody's opinion of forest adventures. The mosquitoes hovered around his head like a whining cloud. In spite of his cautious steps, Brody planted his new tennis shoes in mud and scratched his hands on some thorns. Uncle Stephen hardly spoke a word the entire way; he moved like a shadow through the woods in front of Brody. When they reached the top of the mountain, Brody's one reward was a glimpse of an eagle circling in the skies. That would be a cool topic for a poem, he thought.

15 The two spent an hour observing nature, and Uncle Stephen taught Brody about various plants they saw nearby. Brody was impressed by the fantastic scenery and was just starting to enjoy being there, but his glimmer of joy vanished as soon as Uncle Stephen said it was time to return home —Brody remembered how difficult the journey to the top had been.
1

Underline words, phrases, and sentences that portray hiking up Twisted Mountain as a negative experience.

1

Underline words, phrases, and sentences that portray hiking up Twisted Mountain as a positive experience.

Paragraphs 16-24

16 When Brody and Uncle Stephen arrived at the cabin, Brody worked on his poem; closing his eyes and remembering the eagle's graceful wings and the caress of the cool breeze, the words swiftly flowed from his pen.

17 Just as Brody finished his poem and settled in to watch some television, Uncle Stephen announced, "Let's go fishing."

18 "Marvels of Science is starting," Brody stammered. He was convinced he had experienced enough nature to last him for decades.

19 "Can't leave you behind," Uncle Stephen told him, and Brody nodded his head, seeing no way out.

20 After a long and bumpy ride, Uncle Stephen parked the car near a sparkling lake. Brody helped him haul their tackle box and poles down to the shore, and Uncle Stephen swiftly sent his fishing line flying into the water.

21 With little enthusiasm Brody also cast his line, swatting at pesky insects that swarmed all around him. Quietly they fished, but Brody felt an impatience simmering inside of him.

22 "Don't you ever get bored?" Brody finally blurted out.

23 "Sure . . . sometimes." Uncle Stephen answered with a half-smile. "But I like giving my mind a chance to rest. Some of my best ideas for my landscaping business come when I'm taking a break. You should spend some time daydreaming too —it's important."

24 Brody cast his line again and thought about his uncle's response. He had found the idea for his poem during their hike, but fishing was so monotonous. While he sat he thought about what he'd be doing back home: playing basketball, watching TV, playing video games, doing schoolwork. And then he realized that Uncle Stephen was right about one thing —Brody seldom spent any time daydreaming; his schedule was always packed.
1

What words are new or unfamiliar to you?

1

Underline words, phrases, and sentences that portray the fishing trip as a negative experience.

1

Underline words, phrases, and sentences that portray the fishing trip as a positive experience.

Paragraphs 25-26

25 Suddenly a fish leaped in the distance. With a splash it broke through the surface and darted through the crystal-clear water. Brody admired the gracefulness of the fish swimming underwater. Then, Brody was struck with inspiration—maybe his robotics team could build an underwater fish robot. That would be a great project.

26 As Brody thought more about the design for his team's robot, he cast his line again. He had to swat away another bug, but he no longer felt annoyed. Instead, the silence enveloped him like a welcoming friend, inviting his imagination to wander.
1

How does Brody's view of staying with Uncle Stephen change?

1

What lesson did Brody learn?