Danitra Brown Leaves Town By: Nikki Grimes

1. Danitra Brown Leaves TownBy: Nikki Grimes

2. Vocabulary • Surrender • Particular • Sparkling • Dodging • Stroll • Sipped

3. Day 1 • The students came in that morning wearing raincoats and carrying umbrellas. The hallway was slippery with the water dripping from their squeaky boots. Martha’s hair was wet and she pulled it back into a ponytail and wrung it out like a dishrag. Amy’s glasses were all steamed up and she bumped into Martha’s open locker door. “Ouch,” Amy said, and continued sloshing down the hall.

4. Day 1 Teamwork Partner Reading: pages 86-89 aloud with partners Team Talk: • What does the narrator of “Noticing Nina” mean when she says they wear “a hole in the bricks” playing handball? • How can you tell that the narrator is nervous about opening Danitra’s letter?

5. Day 1Adventures in Writing • Think of a time you were angry with a friend. Tell what happened, and describe how you felt using at least two details. Are you still friends? Why or why not? Scoring Guide You answer the question 25 points Your answer explains or describes 25 points with at least two details. Your answer makes sense and has 20 points part of the question in it. Your answer is written in complete, 20 points Correct sentences. Your writing has correct capitalization 10 points and punctuation.

6. Day 2Teamwork Partner Reading: pages 90-91 aloud with partners Team Talk: • What does Danitra mean when she writes that the sky is like a “thick overcoat buttoned up with stars”? • Contrast the settings of “First Night” and “Block Party.”

7. Day 2Adventures in Writing Think of the country setting in “First Night” and the city setting in “Block Party.” Which setting do you prefer? Describe why you like the setting, using at least three details. Where would you rater live when you grow up?

8. Day 3Teamwork Partner Reading: pages 92-94 aloud with partners Team Talk: • Why do the kids tell Danitra to jump from the tree in “The Dare”? • Describe Zuri in “Zuri at Bat.”

9. Day 3Adventures in Writing Think of a time you were scared by an insect. Describe the insect, using at least two details. How did it scare you? Are you still scared of bugs? Why or why not?

10. Day 4Test Day Read pages 95-98 of Danitra Brown Leaves Town and answer the questions in complete sentences.