Things Not Seen

Things Not Seen By: Andrew Clements

The summary: For fifteen-year-old Bobby Phillips, "being ignored" takes on a whole new meaning when he wakes up one morning and discovers he's become invisible! After convincing his parents he still exists, Bobby is forced to remain at home and keep his "condition" a secret. When his parents are in a car accident that leaves them hospitalized, however, Bobby journeys outside and winds up in the library. There he meets Alicia Van Dorn, a blind girl, with whom he eventually confides his secret. 

Choose 2 of the following prompts. Remember that each answer needs to be at least two, well written paragraphs

1.      How do Bobby’s parents react to his situation?  What do their reactions say about their character? How would you react in Bobby’s situation? What does that say about your character?

2.      Why do you think Bobby likes to escape the “real world” by reading books? What are the benefits of reading books? (think about physically, socially and emotionally.)

3.      What is Bobby’s “good deed” and how does it turn bad? Give examples from the book. Have you ever had a ‘good deed’ go bad? Tell me about it.

4.      Explain the two sides of the argument Bobby has with his dad.  Be sure to take into consideration the point of view of each side.

5.      Figurative Language: Explain the simile: “right as rain” on page 48.

Find another simile in this chapter and explain.  What does it mean to “stick your foot in your mouth”?  How does Bobby do this? (Chapter 10)

Remember that you may either type this assignment in Word and email it to me, or type it and hand it in when school starts. Your paper should be double spaced (even if it is hand written) and  have a heading that includes: Name, Book Title, Questions that you are answering and grade.

Student Name________

Title XXXXXXX

Question #2 and #4

Grade 8

Due no later than August 30th. Late work will not be accepted.