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Wintering Well
Wintering Well
Lea Wait, Margaret K. McElderry Books, NY 2004
Grade Level: 6-8
Cost & ISBN : 0689856466 $16.95 (Hardback)
Reading Level : 4.9/6 pts for accelerated reader
Author Information:
Wait is the author of 2 other children’s novels. In 2001 her book was named a Smithsonian Notable Book and was named on of the best children’s book of the year by Bank Street College of education.
Synopsis:
The door to his cherished plans have been closed forever. What now lies ahead for Will? After an awful accident fifteen-year-old Will must decide what to do with his life. As he discovers his talent, his sister Cassie also learns there are more opportunities a young woman can pursue.
General Review:
A realistic relationship between siblings, a dramatic accident, rich historic background, and a young adult finding a new dream make for riveting reading in this book set in 1820 Maine. Diary entries from the sister enhance the third person narration.
Themes: Family life, brothers and sisters, people with disabilities
Discussion Questions:
- Why did Will’s father tell him he could never be a farmer?
- What skill did Will acquire to help pass time?
- What kinds of opportunities were offered to Will in the city?
- Who did Will carve at the end of the story?
- How is life different in this book, set in the 1820’s, than today?
- How do you think you would cope with such a disappointment as Will has in this book?
- How would the story be different if Will’s accident occurred in modern times?
- What does it mean to “winter well”? How does this expression apply to Cassie and Will’s story?
Suggested Activities:
1. (Since Will enjoyed whittling animals) Make your favorite animal out of molding clay. (Standard 5, Benchmark 3)
2. (Make Dr. Theobold’s wife’s favorite flower!) Roses (Standard 5, Benchmark 3) http://members.aol.com/linnyandmo/rose.html
3. Serve cider and molasses cakes after reading a description of such from the book.
Several topics for research are available in the Historical Notes:
Wiscasset , Maine, early medical procedures, Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, Thanksgiving or in the book: New England farming techniques, ship figureheads, apothecaries. (Standard 1, Benchmark 5)
4. Design/sketch a figurehead you’d like to see on a ship. (Standard 5,
Benchmark 3
