Each journal entry should be a MINIMUM of one page.

*Each journal is worth twenty points. As they are collected they will total 200 points!

Before Reading the Novel...

1. Who is your best friend? Tell the story of how you and your best friend met. Be detailed. Why is this person's friendship important to you?

2. Read through the Oath. Find as many clues as you can as to what happens in The Pigman. Write the clues in a bulleted list. Once you've completed your list (should have about 10 things) write a prediction below your list (in paragraph form) of what will happen in the novel.

After Reading Chapters 1 & 2...

3. Lorraine's mother is now your mother and she is saying the same negative things to you as she did to Lorraine in chapter two. She has just told you that you have put on too much weight and that you wear your clothes funny. Write a letter to her telling her how you feel when she says these things to you. Tell her how it makes you feel and give her advice on how to improve your relationship

After Reading Chapters 1-5

4. Your school is considering rescheduling students into same gender classrooms. This means that classes will be all male or all female. Make a t-chart with at least five reasons why this would be a good idea and five reasons why this would be a bad idea. Once you have at least FIVE on each side, decide which side you believe in and write a paragraph defending your opinion.

After Reading Chapter 6

5.Analyze why John and Lorraine become friends with the Pigman. What does he add to their lives? (*Find at least one quote from each character where they reflect on their feelings for the Pigman and include the quote and page number in your answer.)

After Reading Chapters 7 & 8

6. What type of narration does The Pigman have? Explain how you know. Why do you think Zindel chose to alternate the narration of the story? Was this a wise choice? Why or why not? Could he have chosen a better format? Explain.

After Reading Chapter 9 but BEFORE READING CHAPTER 10

7. See Mystery handout

After Reading Chapters 10 & 11

8. Who is the more reliable narrator, John or Lorraine? Justify your answer with examples and at least two quotes from the text. (Don't forget to include page numbers) Which narrator do you like better? Explain. Be sure to be detailed and give an example or two to support the reasons you like the person you choose.

After Reading 12 & 13

9. What makes a parent a good parent? What qualities or characteristics should a good parent have? Be realistic. How do you know when an adult has your best interests in mind? Explain the qualities and characteristics of good parents. Then rate each of the parents in the novel: John's mother and father and Lorraine's mother.

After Reading 14 & 15

10. Are John and Lorraine responsible for the Pigman's death? First, come up with a T chart with 4-5 reasons why they could be responsible and why they might not be responsible. Then write a WELL SUPPORTED answer, explaining with quotes from the book why they are or are not responsible for Mr. Pignati's death.