Woods Runner

My mom and I read a book titled Woods Runner, by Gary Paulsen.  I had the assignment to write a "paper bag"report about the book.  On the front of the bag, I was to draw a picture of the main character in the setting of the book.  On the back of the bag, I was to write five character traits about the main character with examples from the book that support the traits.  On one side of the bag, I was to write about the point of view, setting, plot, and theme of the book.  On the other side, I was to write about one character trait for each of the two supporting characters in the book.  Then, I was to put five items in the bag that symbolize the main character and the story.  Here is my report:

This is Samuel.  He is thirteen years-old, lives on the frontier of America, and spends most of his time in the woods hunting.  

Samuel is gentle because he took care of Annie, even though she would slow him down.

Samuel is brave because he went back and helped with the war even though he could have died.

Samuel is kind because he went back to his village, found it burned down, and stayed to make graves for the people who had died.

Samuel is calm because he was composed in the woods when the rescue of his parents went off-plan.

Samuel is active because he is always outside, really doesn't sleep that much, and walks 15-30 miles a day.

Annie is brave because she saw her parents shot-down and bayoneted, and still lived on with Samuel.

Abner is kind because he helped Samuel and Annie when the Redcoats were coming.  He also helped Samuel rescue his parents.

Woods Runner is written in a third person limited point of view.  The setting of the story is on the frontier of colonial America in 1776.  The plot is that thirteen year-old Samuel goes on an exciting journey and meets many new friends along the way.  He and his friends are trying to rescue Samuel's captive parents back from the British.  Will they do it?  Read to the book to find out.  The themes of the book are that the American Revolutionary War came with a high cost of life, and that small decisions can change your life.

The first item I put in the bag is a tomahawk (or an axe).  This symbolizes the time Samuel was hit in the head with a tomahawk by an Indian.  Throughout the book, Samuel put himself in great danger to help those in need.  He also benefited from the kindness of strangers, who put themselves in great danger to help him.  

The second item I put in the bag is a 1776 musket.  Samuel relied on his musket to defend and feed himself.  If he hadn't had a weapon, he probably would have died.

The third item I put in the bag is a lightbulb.  This symbolizes Samuel's intelligence and know-how.  He had to think through complex problems quickly.

The fourth item I put in the bag is a big heart.  This symbolizes that Samuel was driven by his feelings for others.  He felt it was his duty to help those he loved and those who showed him kindness.  He also felt a love for his country which caused him to join the Revolutionary War.

The fifth item I put in the bag is a pine branch.  This symbolizes the woods of frontier America where much of Woods Runner takes place.  It is Samuel's knowledge of the woods that allows him to outsmart his enemies.  

On a scale of 1-10, I rate this book a 9.  I think the book helps you feel what it was like during the Revolutionary War.  I learned many facts about the war from reading this book.  One thing I learned is that many people died during the war, and most of them died in prisons while being held captive.  

Have a good weekend!

Ollie and Mom