Racing to a Rescue
VOC A B U L A R Y / CON T E X T / D E F I N I T I ON
cautiously
“Thad watched his Pa guide the
Neptune cautiously through the
waves…” (carefully)
heaved
“The swelling waves heaved.” (lifted)
gauge
“Trying to gauge the diminishing
distance between the Neptune and
the Columbine, Thad leaned toward the
speaking tube.” (determine, measure)
Question/Predict/Evaluate
1. Review the series of events that leaves Thad behind the steering wheel piloting the Neptune. Where is the
Captain during this time?
2. What are the challenges Thad faces as he attempts to steer the Neptune and the Columbine? Do you think
he can steer it? Does he think he can?
3. What is Abigail's job? Can she do it?
4. How does the author create tension in his story? What words does he use that create this mood?
5. When the chapter ends, even though the towrope is tight, they aren't moving. What do you think is
the problem?
6. What obstacles would you expect Thad to face in the next chapter?
The Newspaper Connection
1. Why do newspapers attach photographs to a story? Choose a newspaper story which is accompanied by a
photo. Explain why the photo is important to the story.
2. Do the illustrations for this story help you understand what is happening? Explain and give an example to
support your ideas.
3. Choose a news story that does not have a photo but you would have liked the reporter to have included one.
Explain why.
CHA P T E R 4
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