This essay is due on Monday, January 4. Please choose one of the four questions below. You will use the notes you took in class to complete the essay and it will be graded using our standard rubric.
The Watsons go to Birmingham
Choice #1: Byron, the juvenile delinquent?
Kenny's older brother Byron is definitely one of the toughest kids at school, and he cant' seem to stop getting in trouble at home, either. Kenny describes his brother as a "delinquent," and Mrs. Waton threatens to send him to juvenile hall before she and Mr. Watson make the decision to take him to stay with Mrs. Watson's mother in Alabama. But does Byron have a good side?
Using at least 4 direct quotes from the book, write an essay at least 4 paragraphs long answering the questions: is Bryon a good brother or a bad brother to Kenny and Joetta? does he have a good side or is he just a delinquent?
Choice #2: Are the Watsons good or bad parents?
The Watsons have a handful when it comes to dealing with their kids, especially Byron. Using at least 4 direct quotes from the book, write an essay at least 4 paragraphs long answering the questions: Do you think they are good or bad parents? would you want to live with them?
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
Though the scenes of "night riders" might be the most dramatic in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, one of the book's themes are ways in which people can be oppressed without the use of violence. Using at least 6 direct quotes from the book, write an essay at least 4 paragraphs long answering the questions: how are the characters in the book oppressed by means other than violence? How do they react? do they challenge the oppression or accept it? what happens when they challenge it?
Make sure you have a focused thesis statement.
ELA holiday break essay
