The first part of this lesson involves Chapters 3 - 5 and the second, Chapters 6 and 7.

The next few chapters are about the Jacob's situation immediately after the funeral.

Regarding the Author's writing style. 

Look on page 18.  The Author inserts Jacob's thoughts right into the paragraphs.  This is because they are the same as the paragraph's topic.  If they were a different topic, they would be dropped down into a paragraph all alone. 

Also note that these memories are contained within quotation marks.  This is because they are something someone said -- word for word.

The use of the ellipses ... are for indicating an unfinished thought or sentence.  Look at this example that shows that there is more to a thought than what the sentence reads: "Not even waiting to hear from my father ..."

Most kinds of writing bring the reader in a full circle.  A story starts, and a problem is presented, the characters then go through a series of situations that bring them to a place where the problem is resolved.   Good writers put circles inside of circles to make the "plot thicken" -- or become more complex.  Good authors do not put situations or events in their books that leave you hanging, scratching your head wondering what that was all about!

Remember how Jacob first found out about his mother's accident, and what he was doing right then?  As he left the apartment to rush to the hospital, he heard a beep.  If the Author had left it at that, you would be left wondering why he had added that last sentence to the paragraph. (pg. 6)  But he brings the problem full circle by providing the solution to it on page 19.  This problem also provides the Author with the ability to bring his character's grief about his mother's death full circle as well -- was it not the discovery of the lasagna in the microwave that finally brought his grief to the surface?  Circles within circles ...

Page 23 has a letter from Jacob's father on it.  The letter is written in a "friendly letter format" some times called informal.   Notice these features in this kind of letter:

• Date (and if you need to, your address just above the date) top right of page
• Who you are writing to with a comma after it
• Drop one paragraph and start the letter.   Remember to start your letter with an introduction topic, and have a concluding paragraph as well.  Read the first and last paragraphs of "Dad's" letter for an example.
• End the letter with a closing phrase: best wishes, all my love, sincerely, love you...
• and sign it

Part Two

Just like Jacob researched Kenya, look around your library and find as many books about Kenya as you can.   Along with the books you find, visit this Kenya Fact page and make sure you watch some of the videos.  Make yourself familiar with the information provided.  You will need to know as much as possible as you "accompany" Jacob on his trip to Kenya.  As well, he needs to know what health hazards he will find when he gets there.  Go to this East Africa Travel Advisory site and do some research.

Look at the difference in the letter format on page 27 and 28, from the one you worked on in the section above.  This letter is written in a business format. 

Notice that it starts with a much more formal greeting. 

It has a colon at the end of the greeting, rather than a comma.

It states the topic of the letter in the first paragraph, and in the body often a request for information, or provides information.  And often concludes with an expression of gratitude for assistance...

Finally, it has a closing statement like, "sincerely," and below that the person's signature and below that, the person's typed full name.

If you read the next paragraph after the letter, you will see that Jacob printed the letter on "institute stationery."  This means that the paper had the return address on it already, this is why he did not type it himself.

Now that you have familiarised yourself with the travel advisories and health considerations, Jacob has moved along and discovered he had $1800.00 US. But after he pawns his mother's jewelry, he is able to add a bit more.  He was also given $60.00 from Sam.

He goes to a travel agent to find out how much it costs to travel to Kenya.  Here is an internet site where you can do some comparison shopping on flight costs.

Type in the name of the city nearest you that has an International airport.

And then type in the destination name Nairobi.  No other information need be added.

Drop down the form leaving the flight only clicked as well as the 'one adult.' Click on the " Search Now" button.  You will be presented with a series of flight schedules (itinerary).

Choose the one you want -- watch the costs!!! Click the 'choose and continue' text link. Each one-way trip will have a total kilometers/miles listed at the bottom of that section on the page.

The total price for the return trip will be listed at the top of the page. Divideing this in half will give you a good idea of a one way trip as well..

Back up to the first results and try choosing a different flight. Is there a difference in time or distance? Why?

Print these price quote pages. 

The prices quoted here are in Canadian dollars.  If you are in a different country then the Canada, you will need to convert the $CDN to your country's currency.  And also convert the flight costs as well.  Here is an international currency converter. 

a.  You will need to type in the amount of money you have, 

b.  then select from the list, the country the money comes from,

c.   and finally, select from the list, the countries you want the money converted to. 

d.  Then click on the "click here to perform currency conversion" button

e.  Your results will be found in the yellow shaded area.

What does Kenya look like from space?   Take a look with the Earth Viewer site.  Its like you are floating in space a few kilometres above Nairobi.   Remember that this image is taken when you go to the site, so there might not be daylight in Kenya at that time.  If you see it at night, the spot right in the middle of the image is Nairobi, the spots elsewhere are probably bush fires.  You can move in closer or move further away as well.