Paperboy
by Vince Vawter
2013, Delacorte Press
2013, Delacorte Press
An 11 year old boy in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1959, is known all around town for throwing the fastest fastball. But he can barely say a word without stuttering. When he has to take of the paper route for a friend for a month during the summer, he knows he'll have to somehow communicate with the costumers on the route. In this coming of age novel see as the main character, deals with his speech difficulties, gets a glimpse of the struggles and shortcomings of society, and keeps his loved ones out of danger. And at the end of the novel, find out who this boy really is.
Unforgettable Authentic Coming-of-Age Heartfelt
“[Vawter’s] characterization of Little Man feels deeply authentic, with . . .
his fierce desire to be ‘somebody instead of just a kid who couldn’t talk
right.’”
--The Washington Post
his fierce desire to be ‘somebody instead of just a kid who couldn’t talk
right.’”
--The Washington Post
Awards & Honors:
- Newbery Honor Award Winner
- ALA-ALSC Notable Children’s Book
- IRA Children’s and Young Adults’ Choice
Helpful Information:
Grade Level- 4-6
Age Range- 10+
Reading Level- Fountas and Pinnell- V
Lexile- 940L
Suggested Delivery- Independent Read
Genre- Childrens Literature, Memoir
Age Range- 10+
Reading Level- Fountas and Pinnell- V
Lexile- 940L
Suggested Delivery- Independent Read
Genre- Childrens Literature, Memoir
Key Vocabulary:
Stutter- to have a speech problem that causes you to repeat the
beginning sound of some words
Aroma- a noticeable and usually pleasant smell
Aura- a special quality or feeling that seems to come from a
person, place, or thing
Pittance- a very small amount of money
Unrelenting- not slowing down, stopping, or growing weaker
Copacetic- in excellent order
beginning sound of some words
Aroma- a noticeable and usually pleasant smell
Aura- a special quality or feeling that seems to come from a
person, place, or thing
Pittance- a very small amount of money
Unrelenting- not slowing down, stopping, or growing weaker
Copacetic- in excellent order
Comprehension Strategies:
Before Reading Activity-
Make Predictions
Predictions encourage active reading and keep students engaged in the text. Have students view the novel's cover and chapter titles. Have them write down any predictions they have while looking at these things. While reading the novel have students continue to make predictions so that they stay engaged in the text. At the end have students discuss if any of their prediction were correct.
Predictions encourage active reading and keep students engaged in the text. Have students view the novel's cover and chapter titles. Have them write down any predictions they have while looking at these things. While reading the novel have students continue to make predictions so that they stay engaged in the text. At the end have students discuss if any of their prediction were correct.
During Reading Activity-
Character Analysis
Have students analyze the different characters in the story and what they add to the story line. Encourage students to make inferences about the different characters. Analyzing the characters in the story will help to improve students' critical reading skills because they will have to look closely at the text. You can have students focus on things like the characters thoughts, traits, actions, appearance, or goals.
Have students analyze the different characters in the story and what they add to the story line. Encourage students to make inferences about the different characters. Analyzing the characters in the story will help to improve students' critical reading skills because they will have to look closely at the text. You can have students focus on things like the characters thoughts, traits, actions, appearance, or goals.
- A multitude of character analysis worksheets can be found here!
After Reading Activity-
Focusing on the main character, the boy, have students discuss how he changed throughout the book.
- What events affected him?
- Did any character interactions affect him?
- How did the events in the novel affect him?
- Did any of his character traits change by the end of the novel?
- What characters had the biggest influence on him?
- How did they affect him?
- How did being the paper boy affect him?
- Do you think any of this would have happened if he did not take the job?
Encourage students to look back at the text to support their responses but also make inferences from the text.
Writing Activity:
After reading Paperboy have students review the different aspects of a memoir. Using the knowledge of memoirs that they gained from reading Paperboy and from the discussion have students write their own memoir about a moment in their life.
Resources:
- Vince Vawter's site has many resources for students to learn more stuttering.
- Bookrags guide for Paperboy includes information on the plot, characters, setting, symbols, and the point of view of the novel.
- 11 Question with Paperboy Author Vince Vawter allows students to read an interview with Vince Vawter on his novel Paperboy.