COMMON CORE-ALIGNED TEACHER GUIDE

LOUISA MAY The Revelation of

M i c h a e l a M a c C o l l

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ABOUT THE BOOK Louisa May Alcott can hardly believe her ears—her mother is leaving for the summer to earn money for the family and her father won’t do anything to stop her. How is Louisa to find the time to write her stories if she has to add taking care of her father and sister to her list of chores? And why can’t she escape the boredom of her small town to have an adventure of her own?

Little does Louisa know just how interesting her small world is about to become. Before long she is juggling her stubborn father, a fugitive slave who is seeking safety in the Alcotts’ home along the Underground Railroad, and possibly even love where she least expects it. Add the mysterious murder of a slave catcher to the mix, and Louisa has her hands full.

Michaela MacColl has once again intertwined the facts of a beloved author’s real life with a suspenseful fictional tale that will not only have readers on the edges of their seats but also, like Louisa, debating right versus wrong, family versus independence, and duty versus love.

978-1-4521-3357-7 • $16.99 HC978-1-4521-3801-5 • $12.99 EBAges 12 and up • F&P Text Level Gradient: Z ABOUT THIS GUIDE This teacher’s guide contains discussion questions and activities aligned with the Common Core State Standards. See inside for reference to the Reading and Writing strands and grade-specific standards.

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PRE-READING ACTIVITIES Write about a time in which you were given unexpected responsibility. Why were you given this role? How did you feel about assuming this obligation? What did you gain from this experience? Share your experiences in small groups.

Correlates with Common Core Writing Standards: Production and Distribution of Writing, 6-9.4

Conduct an Internet search for one of the following: Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson, or Henry David Thoreau. Using reliable sources, write the three most intriguing facts you learn about this historical figure. Print out an image related to your research topic. Share your findings in small groups.

Correlates with Common Core Writing Standards: Research to Build and Present Knowledge, 6-9.7

WHILE READING: TEXT-BASED QUESTIONS AND ACTIVITIES

Characterize Bronson Alcott, Louisa’s father. Is he a responsible father and husband? Why or why not? Describe his relationship with his daughters and his ideas about their education. What character traits does he most want to instill in them? Does he change as the story progresses, or does his character remain static? Give examples from the story to support your response.

In contrast, examine Abigail Alcott (“Marmee”), Louisa’s mother. Is she a responsible mother and wife? Why or why not? Describe her relationship with her daughters and her ideas about their education. What character traits does she want to instill in them? Given the author’s note at the end of the book, which character traits did Louisa May Alcott inherit or learn from her parents? Correlates with Common Core Reading Standards for Literature: Key Ideas and Details, 6-9.1, 6-9.2

Compare three dominant female characters in the novel: Edith Whittaker, Lidian Emerson, and Louisa May Alcott herself. Create a comparison chart in which you note significant actions and statements made by each character in the novel. Look up and discuss the literary term foil. Use your charts to explain how Edith and Lidian serve as foils for Louisa May.

Correlates with Common Core Reading Standards for Literature: Key Ideas and Details, 6-9.1, 6-9.2

Document how Louisa’s relationship with Fred develops throughout the novel. Identify two key events that effect a change in their relationship. Do you think they would have been a good match if Fred hadn’t acted the way he did?

Correlates with Common Core Reading Standards for Literature: Key Ideas and Details, 6-9.3

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Discuss the following statement: “‘I would have stood by you if the killing was all there was. Even the robbery. But what you tried to do to George was cowardly and unforgivable. I thought better of you’” (235). What does this tell you about Louisa’s character?

Correlates with Common Core Reading Standards for Literature: Craft and Structure, 6-9.4

This novel centers on the theme of responsibility. When does Louisa act responsibly in the novel? Is she ever irresponsible? Use specific examples to support your response.

Correlates with Common Core Reading Standards for Literature: Key Ideas and Details, 6-9.2, 6-9.3

In conversation with Fred, Louisa quotes Thoreau’s reasons for choosing to live in the woods and discusses the impact that Thoreau’s writing has on her own beliefs about life (120-1). In The Revelation of Louisa May, does Louisa live by this philosophy? Discuss.

Correlates with Common Core Reading Standards for Literature: Key Ideas and Details, 6-9.2, Craft and Structure, 6-9.5

WRITING AND RESEARCH CONNECTIONS: LONG TERM PROJECTS TO CONSIDER FOR YOUR STUDENTS

life and times research project

Partner your students up. Have them complete a full research project on the life of Louisa May Alcott, Henry David Thoreau, or Ralph Waldo Emwerson. They may also choose to research the Underground Railroad and slavecatchers like Russell Finch. Have each pair prepare a joint five-minute class presentation that employs technology.

Correlates with Common Core Writing Standards: Research to Build and Present Knowledge, 6-9.7, 6-9.8; Common Core Speaking & Listening Standards: Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas, 6-9.5

character journals

Have each student assume the identity of a character in the novel. After reading each chapter, ask them to write a brief journal entry commenting on the chapter’s events from the point-of-view of their chosen character. Challenge students to adapt the voice of their character! In class, have students partner up to exchange and read each other’s journal entries as a daily review.

Correlates with Common Core Writing Standards: Text Types and Purposes, 6-9.3

“As exhilarating as a stroll across the windswept moor . . .”

—Laurie Halse Andersen, New York Times bestselling author & recipient of the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction

$16.99 U.S./£10.99 U.K.

a n ov e l o f i n t r i g u e a n d r o m a n c e b y

M i c h a e l a M a c C o l l

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Two girls on the brink of womanhood, torn between family duty and self, between love and art . . .

Emily and Charlotte Brontë are about as opposite as two sisters can be. Charlotte is practical and cautious. Emily is curious and headstrong. But they have one thing in common: a love of writing. And when two strangers appear on the desolate English moors that surround their home, they must combine the imagination and wit usually reserved for their pens to unravel a string

of mysteries.

Is there a connection between a series of local burglaries and rumors that a neighbor’s death may not have been accidental? Can the handsome young man Emily met on one of her solitary walks be trusted? Or is the equally handsome local landowner that keeps appearing on Charlotte’s doorstep the one they should confide in? And what about the seemingly mad woman that Charlotte encountered at a crossroads on the outskirts of the village — is she the key? There are a lot of knots to untangle, and they had better do it quickly — before someone else is killed.

Michaela MacColl has drawn upon her own love of writing and reading to craft a suspenseful tale inspired by the real-life Emily and Charlotte, young writers who would grow up to author several of the most enduring English novels of all time.

Michaela MacCollstudied multidisciplinary history at Vassar College and Yale University, which turns out to be the perfect degree for writing historical fiction. This is her fourth novel. To learn more about Michaela and her work, please visit www.michaelamaccoll.com.

Also by Michaela MacColl

Nobody’s Secret

H “A well-crafted page-turner. . . . MacColl once again brings a strong female protagonist to life.”

— School Library Journal, starred review

H “Intriguing. . . . MacColl skillfully draws from Dickinson’s life to create a vision of the young

poet as sharp-thinking, nature-obsessed, and determinedly curious.”

— Publishers Weekly, starred review

H “Suspenseful, often humorous.”— Shelf Awareness for Readers, starred review

“A story you won’t forget.”— Patricia Reilly Giff,

two-time Newbery Honor winner

Prisoners in the Palace

A Junior Libr ary Guild selectionA Kids’ Indie Next List selection

H “A great read.” —School Library Journal, starred review

“A whip-smart, spunky protagonist and a worthy heroine to root for.”

—Publishers Weekly

“I enjoyed it immensely and recommend it highly.”

—Karen Cushman, Newbery Medal winner

Jacket photo © 2013 by Brooke Shaden.Jacket design by Kate Cunningham.

Manufactured in China.www.chroniclebooks.com/teen

Emily heard the sound of footsteps, distant enough, but still coming toward her. A thud and a muffled curse told Emily her pursuer was suffering from the whims of the moor, just as she was.

She got to her feet and mustered all her strength for the final hill. At the crest, she looked down to see the parsonage ahead, beckoning her to safety. Behind her, the stranger was just starting to race up the hill. He wasn’t far behind.

Emily flung herself down the hill until she reached the parsonage gate. Her fingers fumbled as she undid the gate’s latch, but at last it was open and she practically fell into the garden. She only had to shout and Father would rescue her. She peered through the gate, but saw no sign of her pursuer. Emily sucked air into her lungs and let her thudding heart realize she was safe.

A man’s hand grabbed her shoulder. Emily screamed.

AlwaysEmily_JKT_093013.indd 1 10/9/13 1:01 PM

also by Michaela MacColl

about the author

always emily978-1-4521-1174-2 • $16.99 HC978-1-4521-3746-9 • $12.99 EB978-1-4521-4130-5 • $9.99 PBAges 12 and up

F&P Text Level Gradient: Z

www.chroniclebooks.com/teen

$9.99 U.S./£5.99 U.K.

� “A well-crafted page-turner.”

-School Library Journal, starred review

$9.99 U.S./£5.99 U.K.

A handsome stranger, a deadly A handsome stranger, a deadly A handsome stranger, a deadly A handsome stranger, a deadly family secret, and a young poet’s family secret, and a young poet’s family secret, and a young poet’s

A handsome stranger, a deadly family secret, and a young poet’s

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A handsome stranger, a deadly family secret, and a young poet’s family secret, and a young poet’s

A handsome stranger, a deadly family secret, and a young poet’s

A handsome stranger, a deadly quest for the truth. quest for the truth. quest for the truth. family secret, and a young poet’s quest for the truth. family secret, and a young poet’s family secret, and a young poet’s quest for the truth. family secret, and a young poet’s family secret, and a young poet’s quest for the truth. family secret, and a young poet’s

AMHERST, 1846. For fifteen-year-old Emily Dickinson, every day follows the same pattern: chores, chores, and

every day follows the same pattern: chores, chores, andmore chores. So when she meets a mysterious, handsome

more chores. So when she meets a mysterious, handsomeyoung man, she”s intrigued. Surprisingly, he doesn”t

young man, she”s intrigued. Surprisingly, he doesn”tseem to know who she or her family is. And even more

seem to know who she or her family is. And even moresurprisingly, he playfully refuses to divulge his name.

surprisingly, he playfully refuses to divulge his name. Emily enjoys her secret flirtation with ‘Mr. Nobody’

Emily enjoys her secret flirtation with ‘Mr. Nobody’ until he turns up dead in her family”s pond.

until he turns up dead in her family”s pond. Stricken with guilt, Emily sets out to discover who this enigmatic

with guilt, Emily sets out to discover who this enigmaticstranger was before he”s condemned to be buried in an

stranger was before he”s condemned to be buried in an anonymous grave. Her investigation takes her deep into town secrets, blossoming romance, and deadly danger.

town secrets, blossoming romance, and deadly danger.�� “A well-crafted page-turner.” —School Library Journal, starred review

� “Intriguing.” —Publishers Weekly, starred reviewPublishers Weekly, starred reviewPublishers Weekly

� “Suspenseful, often humorous.” —Shelf Awareness, starred review“This imaginative take on the young poet . . . “This imaginative take on the young poet . . . will fi nd a wide audience.” —will fi nd a wide audience.” —BooklistBooklist“Fun, interesting reading.”—VOYA: Voice of Youth Advocates

VOYA: Voice of Youth Advocates“A story you won’t forget.”—Patricia Reilly Gill, two-time Newbery Honor winner

Newbery Honor winner

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a n ov e l o f i n t r i g u e a n d r o m a n c e b y

M i c h a e l a M a c C o l l

NOBODYSECRET_PB_CVR_Mechs.indd 1 8/19/13 10:02 AM

A NOVEL OF INTRIGUE AND ROMANCE BY

M ich a e l a M ac C ol lRoyal secrets, a handsome suitor, and future of England’s throne

London, 1836. Miss Elizabeth Hastings is living a Victorian girl’s dream. Young, rich, and beautiful, Liza and her family have just moved to London to commence her debut in society. But when her parents are killed in a tragic accident, Liza must cope with her grief and face the fact that her indulgent parents have left her almost penniless. Forced to choose between begging and servitude, she accepts the position of lady’s maid to the young Princess Victoria. It’s a bewildering new world, full of gossipy servants’ intrigue downstairs and cunning aristocratic treachery upstairs. Between removing the frills from her too-ladylike clothes, flirting with a secret suitor, and tutoring the prin-cess, Liza has her hands full. But on top of all that, she’s entrusted with the responsibil-ity of clearing Victoria’s path to the throne from the threat of treason. Can Liza find a way to protect her queen, find true love, and determine her own fate, or is she destined to remain a servant forever?

A Junior Library Guild Selection

“A great read.” —School Library Journal, starred review

“A whip-smart, spunky protagonist and a worthy heroine to root for.” —Publishers Weekly

“Themes of friendship and romance give the story teen appeal.” —Booklist

“I loved getting to know Victoria before she was Queen, but she’s only one of the rich characters. I enjoyed it immensely and recommend it highly.” —Karen Cushman, Newbery

Medal winner for The Midwife’s Apprentice and honoree for Catherine, Called Birdy

$9.99 U.S./£5.99 U.K.

Chronicle Books—We see things differently. Become part

of our publishing community at www.chroniclebooks.com/teen.

www. chroniclebooks.com/teen

Also by Michaela MacColl:

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“A story you won’t forget.” —Patricia Reilly Giff,

two-time Newbery Honor winner

nobody’s secret978-1-4521-0860-5 • $16.99 HC978-1-4521-2438-4 • $11.99 EB978-1-4521-2854-2 • $9.99 PBAges 12 and upGuided Reading Level: ZH– School Library Journal, starred reviewH– Shelf Awareness, starred reviewH– Publishers Weekly, starred review

prisoners in the palace978-0-8118-7300-0 • $16.99 HC978-1-4521-1127-8 • $7.99 EB978-1-4521-1958-8 • $9.99 PBAges 12 and upGuided Reading Level: ZA Junior Library Guild Selection

promise the night 978-0-8118-7625-4 • $16.99 HC978-1-4521-1147-6 • $12.99 EBAges 9 to 12Guided Reading Level: XH– School Library Journal, starred reviewH– Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Emily and Charlotte Brontë are about as opposite as two sisters can be. Charlotte is practical and cautious; Emily is headstrong and imaginative. But they do have one thing in common: a love of writing. This shared passion will lead them to be two of the first published female novelists and authors of several enduring works of classic literature. But they’re not there yet. First, they have to figure out if there is a connection between a string of local burglaries, rumors that a neighbor’s death may not have been accidental, and the appearance on the moors of a myste-rious and handsome stranger. The girls have a lot of knots to

untangle— before someone else gets killed.

H–School Library Journal, starred review

Michaela MacColl studied multidisciplinary history at Vassar College and Yale University, which turns out to be the perfect degree for writing historical fiction. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Connecticut.

Curriculum guide written by Pam B. Cole, Ph.D., Associate Dean and Professor of English Education and Literacy, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA.FOR MORE INFORMATION OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS TEACHER GUIDE, CONTACT JAIME WONG AT JAIME_WONG@CHRONICLEBOOKS.COM.

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