VOC A B U L A R Y / CON T E X T / D E F I N I T I ON
squally
“And it looks squally…gray an' gusty.”
(characterized by violent winds
and rain)
peckish
“It's chilly out here and Mr. Oliver's
peckish.” (irritable)
intent
“But he was intent on the bay and gray
clouds.” (concentrating)
tense
“Pa would be tense.” (stressed, edgy)
Question/Predict/Evaluate
1. Describe Thad's world. How would living on water compare/contrast to living in a land house? What would
you enjoy the most and what would you miss the most if you lived on the Neptune like Thad and Abigail?
2. What does Thad mean when he says that Pa has so many rules because “having rules means being sure of
things”? Why do adults need to be sure of things? How could this be a result of their Ma dying?
3. How does Pa feel about schooling? What does he want for his son? Does Thad agree with these dreams for
him? What are his dreams for Abigail?
4. Why does the Captain keep Thad and Abigail home from school? Do you think this is wise?
5. What does the whistle blast of the Mermaid mean to the crew of the Neptune?
6. How could a squall affect their day?
7. What questions do you have at the end of this chapter?
The Newspaper Connection
1. There are many vocabulary words in this chapter that pertain to boating such as porthole, hatchway, galley,
etc. Keep a list of these words and their meanings.
2. Find an article in the news that contains special vocabulary used only for the subject of that article.
Underline those words. Does the writer supply any definitions, or context clues that show the meaning of
these words? Highlight them.
3. Have the dreams that parents hold for their children changed since 1884? Find examples in the news that
illustrate what families hope for their children's future in the 21st century.
Thad's World
CHA P T E R 1
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