Get a glimpse into the early life of John Steinbeck with this coming-of-age story of loss. A variety of activities are divided into pre and post-reading, with extra writing tasks that offer great options for work. Get to know the characters with multiple choice questions. Explain why Jody found it significant that his father and Billy Buck both wore flat-heeled shoes to breakfast. Predict what will happen to Gabilan's illness. Explore the concept of a 'refuge', and whether it is important to have. Imagine how Doubletree Mutt got his name. Answer true or false questions about the horses Gitano and Easter. Find examples from the novel that deal with sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell, and list them in an Observation Chart. Aligned to your State Standards and written to Bloom's Taxonomy, additional crossword, word search, comprehension quiz and answer key are also included. About the Novel: John Steinbeck, Nobel Prize-winning author, recalls four loosely connected episodes from his own childhood, weaving them together into an unforgettable classic. Growing up on a remote ranch in California, ten-year-old Jody Tiflin's life is forever changed when his father gives him a beautiful red pony. With the help of his father's hired hand-Billy Buck-Jody commits himself whole-heartedly to the raising of this wonderful colt. When the colt grows ill and dies, Jody's world is shattered, as is his faith in Billy Buck, who had assured the boy that the pony would recover. Jody's father promises him a colt that will soon be born to their mare, but dies at the birth. The stories weave together in effortless fashion, chronicling the coming-of-age-story of young Jody Tiflin.
