WHEN YOU TAKE A JOURNEY THROUGH A BOOK, DON’T FORGET TO STOP AT ANY NOTICE & NOTE SIGNPOSTS!
Contrasts and Contradictions
Definition: The character acts in a way that is contradictory
or unexpected given how he or she usually acts.
Text Clue: Author shows feelings or actions the reader hasn’t seen before or doesn’t expect.
Question: Why would the character act this way?
Aha Moment
Definition: The character realizes or starts to realize something
that changes his or her actions or thinking.
Text clue: Characters say “I realized” or “I suddenly knew” or “Now I know why . . .”
Question: What might the character do now?
Tough Questions
Definition: Character asks a tough question that reveals
his or her concerns [inner conflict].
Text Clue: Character asks self or another a difficult question.
Question: What does this question make me wonder about?
What does it tell me about the character?
Words of the Wiser
Definition: An older character (mentor, advisor, parent, etc.)
gives advice or an insight to the main character.
Text Clue: A wiser, often older, character offers a life lesson, usually in a quiet moment.
Question: What is important about that message?
Again and Again
Definition: The author keeps bringing up the same image, phrase, or reference.
Text clue: A repeated image, phrase, or reference
Question: Why do you think the author brings this idea up again and again?
Memory Moment—Flashback
Definition: The author interrupts the flow of the story
by letting the character remember something.
Text clue: “I suddenly remembered . . .”; “I remember . . .”; or “Thinking back . . .”
Question: Why might this memory be important?