Sounder by William H. Armstrong

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Description:

A young African-American boy from a poor sharecropping family in the South looks for and finds his dog, which disappeared at the same time that the boy’s father was arrested. After his father is convicted of the crime and sentenced to hard labor, the boy searches for his father by traveling the roads and inspecting the lines of criminals. His search leads him to a teacher who helps the boy become a literate young man. The story deals with the search for what has been lost and considers love for family members and for pets. Themes include the need to have courage and hope for the future, the importance of family, and the importance of reading and education.

Activities:

Students examine the historical context of the novel and become familiar with sharecropping, discrimination, and courtroom/trial procedures and policies. They also analyze themes, conflicts, plot, characterization, and other literary elements. Lessons feature narrative, expository, and persuasive writing, role-playing, and research projects. 

Supplementary materials include vocabulary exercises with answer keys, quizzes with answer keys, journal responses and discussion questions, and a test with answer key.

Ethical Values:

Courage
Faith
Family Commitment
Loyalty
Responsibility