The Barren Grounds

Fiction | Graphic Novel/Book | Middle Grade | Published in 2020

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Introduction

Before Reading

During Reading

After Reading

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

PART 1

Reading Check

1. How many foster homes has Morgan been in?

2. What does Mrs. Edwards tell Morgan about her poem?

3. What happens when Morgan hangs up Eli’s picture in the attic?

4. When she wakes up in the middle of the night, where does Morgan realize Eli has gone?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How does Morgan react at breakfast and what can be inferred from her reaction?

2. How does Eli show that the drawing pad is very important to him? When the drawing pad gets ruined, how does Eli react and why?

3. What does Morgan ask Emily to help her get, and what does this reveal about Morgan?

4. How do Katie and Morgan become closer?

Paired Resource

“What Is White Savior Complex and Why Is It Harmful?”

Health’s article comments on some history of “white saviorism,” harmful effects, and how to prevent it. (Teacher-appropriate; not student-facing due to complexity and maturity.)
This discussion connects with the novel’s theme of Consequences of the White Savior Complex.