Nim’s Island
Table of Contents
Novel Study Title Page for Students...................................................................................................................3
Dictionary Detective! Chapters 1 – 3..................................................................................................................4
Vocabulary Study Chapters 1 – 3.........................................................................................................................5
Understanding the Story Chapters 1 – 3..........................................................................................................6
Chapter Summary Chapters 1 – 3........................................................................................................................7
Dictionary Detective! Chapters 4 – 6..................................................................................................................8
Vocabulary Study Chapters 4 – 6.........................................................................................................................9
Understanding the Story Chapters 4 – 6..........................................................................................................10
Chapter Summary Chapters 4 – 6........................................................................................................................11
Dictionary Detective! Chapters 7 – 9..................................................................................................................12
Vocabulary Study Chapters 7 – 9.........................................................................................................................13
Understanding the Story Chapters 7 – 9..........................................................................................................14
Chapter Summary Chapters 7 – 9........................................................................................................................15
Dictionary Detective! Chapters 10 – 12.............................................................................................................16
Vocabulary Study Chapters 10 – 12....................................................................................................................17
Understanding the Story Chapters 10 – 12.....................................................................................................18
Chapter Summary Chapters 10 – 12...................................................................................................................19
Dictionary Detective! Chapters 13 – 16.............................................................................................................20
Vocabulary Study Chapters 13 – 16....................................................................................................................21
Understanding the Story Chapters 13 – 16.....................................................................................................22
Chapter Summary Chapters 13 – 16...................................................................................................................23
Time for a Test!...........................................................................................................................................................24
Answer Key...................................................................................................................................................................26
Comprehension Worksheets.................................................................................................................................38
Reading Log.................................................................................................................................................................58
Common Core State Standards............................................................................................................................59
© The Book Umbrella
Nim’s Island
by Wendy Orr
A Novel Study by:
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:_______________________________________________
Dictionary Detective!
Chapters 1 - 3
Using a dictionary, find the definitions for the words below.
shrill
Definition:
prickly
Definition:
investigate
Definition:
scudding
Definition:
hoisted
Definition:
correspond
Definition:
Nim’s Island
4
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:____________________________________________
Vocabulary Study
Chapters 1 - 3
Match Up
Match the words in the left column to their definitions in the right column.
shrill •
• a feeling like being touched by sharp points
prickly •
• communicate by writing
investigate •
• lift or pull something up high
scudding •
• moving fast in a straight line
hoisted •
• high-pitched
correspond •
• to go looking for information
Fill in the Blank
Complete each sentence by filling in the blanks with the provided vocabulary.
shrill
prickly
investigate
scudding
hoisted
correspond
1. From the airplane I could see wild horses _______________________________ across the plain.
2. My pen pal and I used to _______________________________ with letters. Now we use email.
3. We all stopped when we heard the _______________________________ sound of Coach’s whistle.
4. The wind began to blow hard so the sailors _______________________________ up the boat’s sails.
5. Did you hear that crash? I’ll go _______________________________ to find out what it was.
6. When Grandpa kisses me, his _______________________________ beard scratches my face.
A Little
Extra!
Nim’s Island
A simile is a figure of speech that uses the words ‘like’ or ‘as’ to compare
two things. For example, “You are as bright as the sun”. In Chapter 3, the
narrator describes Jack’s condition with a simile. What is the simile?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
5
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:____________________________________________
Understanding the Story
Chapters 1 - 3
Multiple Choice
1. What is Jack’s job?
2. What is Alex’s full name?
(a) He is a nature photographer.
(a) Alexis.
(b) He is a scientist.
(b) Alexanna.
(c) He is a farmer.
(c) Alexander.
(d) He is a pilot.
(d) Alexandra.
Short Answer
3. Give three details about where Nim and Jack live.
Long Answer
4. What problem is Jack facing at the end of Chapter 3? How do you think he will solve
this problem?
A Little
Extra!
Nim’s Island
What are three ways that Nim’s way of life is different from your own?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
6
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:__________________________________________
Chapter Summary
Chapters 1 - 3
1. If you were to give a title to this section of the book, what would it be?
2. What happens in these chapters?
3. What is your favorite part of this section of the book?
4. What new words did you learn
in these chapters?
Nim’s Island
5. Draw a picture of something you think
represents these chapters.
7
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:_______________________________________________
Dictionary Detective!
Chapters 4 - 6
Using a dictionary, find the definitions for the words below.
devastated
Definition:
annihilated
Definition:
idyllic
Definition:
smug
Definition:
deserted
Definition:
kindling
Definition:
Nim’s Island
8
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:___________________________________________
Vocabulary Study
Chapters 4 - 6
Which Word?
On the provided lines, write the matching vocabulary word for each definition.
devastated
annihilated
idyllic
smug
1. Showing too much pride for one’s own success.
deserted
kindling
_____________________________
2. Abandoned by people._____________________________
3. To be completely destroyed; ruined.
_____________________________
4. Small pieces of wood used to start a fire.
_____________________________
5. To be feeling terrible grief.
_____________________________
6. A peaceful and beautiful place.
_____________________________
Making Sentences
Make a sentence for each word below.
1. Devastated: __________________________________________________________________________________
2. Annihilated: __________________________________________________________________________________
3. Idyllic: _______________________________________________________________________________________
4. Smug: _______________________________________________________________________________________
5. Deserted: ____________________________________________________________________________________
6. Kindling: _____________________________________________________________________________________
Who says, “I feel like a queen bee, lazing while you buzz!” and why?
_______________________________________________________________________________
e
l
t
t
i
L
A
_______________________________________________________________________________
!
a
r
t
x
E
_______________________________________________________________________________
Nim’s Island
9
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:____________________________________________
Understanding the Story
Chapters 4 - 6
Multiple Choice
1. What kind of animal is Chica?
2. What is Chica’s favorite game?
(a) A sea turtle.
(a) Go Fish.
(b) A sea lion.
(b) Water polo.
(c) A frigate bird.
(c) Coconut soccer.
(d) An iguana.
(d) Beach volleyball.
Short Answer
3. At the end of Chapter 6, Alex writes, “Will you be my island eyes and tell me what you see?
Because I haven’t been there, Nim, and I’m not hero enough to ever go”. What does this tells us
about Alex?
Long Answer
4. Nim is a very independent girl and is able to look after herself while her father is away. What are
some of her duties while he is gone?
A Little
Extra!
Nim’s Island
Nim doesn’t go to school like most children do. She learns about nature
and science firsthand. Do you think this is a better way of learning? Why or
why not?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
10
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:__________________________________________
Chapter Summary
Chapters 4 - 6
1. If you were to give a title to this section of the book, what would it be?
2. What happens in these chapters?
3. What is your favorite part of this section of the book?
4. What new words did you learn
in these chapters?
Nim’s Island
5. Draw a picture of something you think
represents these chapters.
11
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:___________________________________________
Dictionary Detective!
Chapters 7 - 9
Using a dictionary, find the definitions for the words below.
gravelly
Definition:
bleak
Definition:
reproachfully
Definition:
thrashing
Definition:
putrid
Definition:
coax
Definition:
Nim’s Island
12
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:___________________________________________
Vocabulary Study
Chapters 7 - 9
Match Up
A synonym is a word that means the same as another word. For example, happy and joyful are synonyms.
Match the vocabulary words with their synonyms!
gravelly •
• disapprovingly
bleak •
• shouted
reproachfully •
• bare
bellowed •
• persuade
putrid •
• rocky
coax •
• rotten
Best Word
Circle the word which works best in each sentence.
1. After a long talk, I was able to ( bellowed / coax ) Sara into joining the soccer team.
2. The big house was ( bleak / gravelly ) and scary to be in at night.
3. We walked along the ( reproachfully / gravelly ) path until we reached the beach.
4. “I know you copied my test, Greg,” Lee said ( reproachfully / putrid ).
5. Blake’s friends ( coax / bellowed ) at him from across the schoolyard.
6. The ( putrid / bleak ) smell came from an old bag of potatoes.
A Little
Extra!
Alex is described as a dreamer and not a doer in Chapter 9. She “wished
that she could be a person who did things instead of writing them”. What
simile is used to describe this part of Alex in Chapter 9?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Nim’s Island
13
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:____________________________________________
Understanding the Story
Chapters 7 - 9
Multiple Choice
1. What happens while
Nim is on Fire Mountain?
2. Why does Nim think
the pearl she finds is lucky?
(a) The volcano erupts.
(b) Fred becomes ill.
(c) Nim breaks her compass.
(d) Nim stubs her big toe.
(a) Because she finds it on her birthday.
(b) Because it is so rare.
(c) Because it is the same color as her eyes.
(d) Because it is bigger than other pearls.
Short Answer
3. How does Jack plan to fix the rudder in Chapter 7?
Long Answer
4. Why does Nim want to stop the Troppo Tourists boat from coming to her island? How does
she stop the boat from coming?
A Little
Extra!
Nim’s Island
Nim has never left the island. If she were to leave the island, she might be
surprised by what a typical kid’s life is like. Imagine Nim is staying with you
for vacation. How would you entertain her? What games, books or movies
might you show her? What foods might you offer her to try? What places
would you visit? Think about Nim’s character and decide what she might
like to see or do while visiting you and write your ideas on the other side
of this sheet.
14
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:__________________________________________
Chapter Summary
Chapters 7 - 9
1. If you were to give a title to this section of the book, what would it be?
2. What happens in these chapters?
3. What is your favorite part of this section of the book?
4. What new words did you learn
in these chapters?
Nim’s Island
5. Draw a picture of something you think
represents these chapters.
15
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:_______________________________________________
Dictionary Detective!
Chapters 10 - 12
Using a dictionary, find the definitions for the words below.
jostled
Definition:
lolloped
Definition:
detour
Definition:
treacherous
Definition:
agile
Definition:
trample
Definition:
Nim’s Island
16
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:____________________________________________
Vocabulary Study
Chapters 10 - 12
Match Up
Match the words in the left column to their definitions in the right column.
jostled •
• full of spirit
lolloped •
• able to move quickly and easily
treacherous •
• to ruin something by walking all over it
agile •
• bumped and pushed
fiery •
• full of hidden dangers
trample •
• moved in a clumsy way
Fill in the Blank
Complete each sentence by filling in the blanks with the provided vocabulary.
jostled
lolloped
treacherous
agile
fiery
trample
1. Driving during the snowy winter can be _______________________________.
2. Mom told us not to let the dog _______________________________ on her flower beds.
3. I was _______________________________ around as I walked through the crowded hallway.
4. The chimpanzee _______________________________ around the room, knocking things over
as it went.
5. You must be _______________________________ if you want to be a good gymnast.
6. The _______________________________ crowd at the football stadium chanted and cheered
for the entire game.
In Chapter 12, the author writes a simile about the captain: “his eyes were sharp
and cold as a shark’s”. Write a simile about another character in the story.
A Little ____________________________________________________________________________
Extra! ____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Nim’s Island
17
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:____________________________________________
Understanding the Story
Chapters 10 - 12
Multiple Choice
1. What does Nim think is the strangest thing
about her phone call with Alex in Chapter 12?
2. What kind of animal does Alex tell
the Troppo Tourists are on Nim’s island?
(a) Alex did not say “goodbye”.
(a) Hippos.
(b) It was very short.
(b) Lions.
(c) It hadn’t felt strange talking to Alex.
(c) Dragons.
(d) She could hardly hear Alex.
(d) Unicorns.
Short Answer
3. What does Alex tell Nim to do to help her knee feel better?
Long Answer
4. How does Alex stop the Troppo Tourists from exploring Nim’s island?
A Little
Extra!
Nim’s Island
Alex writes adventure stories, but people mistake her for a real adventurer.
Do you think the life of a writer or the life of an adventurer is more
interesting and why?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
18
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:__________________________________________
Chapter Summary
Chapters 10 - 12
1. If you were to give a title to this section of the book, what would it be?
2. What happens in these chapters?
3. What is your favorite part of this section of the book?
4. What new words did you learn
in these chapters?
Nim’s Island
5. Draw a picture of something you think
represents these chapters.
19
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:_______________________________________________
Dictionary Detective!
Chapters 13 - 16
Using a dictionary, find the definitions for the words below.
billowed
Definition:
monstrous
Definition:
frantically
Definition:
gale
Definition:
treading
Definition:
civilization
Definition:
Nim’s Island
20
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:___________________________________________
Vocabulary Study
Chapters 13 - 16
Which Word?
On the provided lines, write the matching vocabulary word for each definition.
billowed
monstrous
frantically
gale
savior
civilization
1. In a hurried, panicked way_____________________________
2. A person who rescues a person or people from danger.
_____________________________
3. Filled with air._____________________________
4. Where people live modern lives; towns and cities
_____________________________
5. A very strong wind._____________________________
6. Extremely large._____________________________
Making Sentences
Make a sentence for each word below.
1. Billowed: ____________________________________________________________________________________
2. Monstrous: __________________________________________________________________________________
3. Frantically: ___________________________________________________________________________________
4. Gale: _________________________________________________________________________________________
5. Savior: _______________________________________________________________________________________
6. Civilization: __________________________________________________________________________________
What simile does Alex use to describe Jack when he finally returns to the
island in Chapter 16?
A Little _______________________________________________________________________________
Extra! _______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Nim’s Island
21
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:____________________________________________
Understanding the Story
Chapters 13 - 16
Multiple Choice
1. Where does Nim go for shelter when
the storm is coming in Chapter 13?
2. Where does Alex decide
to live at the end of the story?
(a) The hut.
(a) In a big city.
(b) To a cave.
(b) On a boat.
(c) A neighbor’s house.
(c) On a farm.
(d) The inside of a large, hollowed tree.
(d) On Nim’s island.
Short Answer
3. How do the coconut rafts that Nim had made help the characters after the storm?
Long Answer
4. How does Nim’s Island end?
Who is your favorite character in this story any why?
A Little
Extra!
Nim’s Island
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
22
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:__________________________________________
Chapter Summary
Chapters 13 - 16
1. If you were to give a title to this section of the book, what would it be?
2. What happens in these chapters?
3. What is your favorite part of this section of the book?
4. What new words did you learn
in these chapters?
Nim’s Island
5. Draw a picture of something you think
represents these chapters.
23
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:___________________________________________
Time for a Test!
Nim’s Island
Part A – Multiple Choice
1. What is the title of Alex’s
book that Nim reads?
2. Why does Jack go
sailing in Chapter 1?
3. What kind of
animal is Galileo?
(a) River Rage.
(b) Mountain Madness.
(c) Sea Sadness.
(d) Valley Vengeance.
(a) To collect plankton.
(b) To buy new supplies.
(c) To catch a prize-winning fish.
(d) Sailing is his favorite hobby.
(a) A sea lion.
(b) A bird.
(c) A turtle.
(d) A iguana.
4. How does Jack get
word to Nim after his boat
is damaged in a storm?
5. How does Nim hurt
her knee in Chapter 7?
6. What does Galileo
take from the Troppo
Tourists in Chapter 8?
(a) He sets off flares.
(b) He writes an email.
(c) He tucks a letter into
Galileo’s leg band.
(d) He phones Nim.
(a) She trips down the stairs.
(b) She twists it when
she falls on the beach.
(c) She runs into a
sharp piece of wood.
(d) She falls down
Fire Mountain.
(a) Binoculars.
(b) A compass.
(c) Hats.
(d) Seaweed.
7. Why does Nim call Alex
in a panic in Chapter 12?
8. What does Alex use to
get to Nim’s island from
the Troppo Tourists boat?
9. Which of the following
is not one of the places
on Nim’s island?
(a) She has run out of food.
(b) Jack is missing.
(c) She has a very high fever.
(d) To tell her not to bring the
Troppo Tourists to the island.
(a) A piece of driftwood.
(b) A canoe.
(c) A fishing boat.
(d) A sailboat.
(a) Turtle Beach.
(b) Iguana Bay.
(c) The Hissing Stones.
(d) Sea Lion Point.
Nim’s Island
24
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:__________________________________________
Time for a Test!
Nim’s Island
Part B – Short Answer
1. The setting is where and when a story takes place. Describe the setting of the story Nim’s Island.
2. What is the Troppo Tourists’ role in this story?
3. Why is Alex’s trip to Nim’s island such a big step for her?
Part C – Long Answer
1. How is Nim’s life different than a typical kid’s? How do you think her upbringing shapes
who Nim is?
2. The climax is the most emotional or interesting part of a story. What part of this story do you
think is the climax and why?
Nim’s Island
25
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:____________________________________________
Vocabulary Study - Answer Key
Chapters 1 - 3
Match Up
Match the words in the left column to their definitions in the right column.
shrill •
• a feeling like being touched by sharp points
prickly •
• communicate by writing
investigate •
• lift or pull something up high
scudding •
• moving fast in a straight line
hoisted •
• high-pitched
correspond •
• to go looking for information
Fill in the Blank
Complete each sentence by filling in the blanks with the provided vocabulary.
shrill
prickly
investigate
scudding
hoisted
correspond
1. From the airplane I could see wild horses scudding across the plain.
2. My pen pal and I used to correspond with letters. Now we use email.
3. We all stopped when we heard the shrill sound of Coach’s whistle.
4. The wind began to blow hard so the sailors hoisted up the boat’s sails.
5. Did you hear that crash? I’ll go investigate to find out what it was.
6. When Grandpa kisses me, his prickly beard scratches my face.
A Little
Extra!
Nim’s Island
A simile is a figure of speech that uses the words ‘like’ or ‘as’ to
compare two things. For example, “You are as bright as the sun”. In
Chapter 3, the narrator describes Jack’s condition with a simile. What is
the simile?
“On its deck, a man lay sprawled like a boxer who’d lost a fight.”
26
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:____________________________________________
Understanding the Story - Answer Key
Chapters 1 - 3
Multiple Choice
1. What is Jack’s job?
2. What is Alex’s full name?
(a) He is a nature photographer.
(a) Alexis.
(b) He is a scientist.
(b) Alexanna.
(c) He is a farmer.
(c) Alexander.
(d) He is a pilot.
(d) Alexandra.
Short Answer
3. Give three details about where Nim and Jack live.
Answers will vary.
Long Answer
4. What problem is Jack facing at the end of Chapter 3? How do you think he will solve
this problem?
Example - Jack’s boat has been damaged in a storm. His rudder is broken, which means
he is unable to steer his boat. He has also lost his satellite dish, so he cannot contact Nim.
A Little
Extra!
Nim’s Island
What are three ways that Nim’s way of life is different from your own?
Answers will vary.
27
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:___________________________________________
Vocabulary Study - Answer Key
Chapters 4 - 6
Which Word?
On the provided lines, write the matching vocabulary word for each definition.
devastated
annihilated
idyllic
smug
1. Showing too much pride for one’s own success.
deserted
kindling
smug
2. Abandoned by people.deserted
3. To be completely destroyed; ruined.
annihilated
4. Small pieces of wood used to start a fire.
kindling
5. To be feeling terrible grief.
devastated
6. A peaceful and beautiful place.
idyllic
Making Sentences
Make a sentence for each word below. - Answers will vary.
1. Devastated: __________________________________________________________________________________
2. Annihilated: __________________________________________________________________________________
3. Idyllic: _______________________________________________________________________________________
4. Smug: _______________________________________________________________________________________
5. Deserted: ____________________________________________________________________________________
6. Kindling: _____________________________________________________________________________________
A Little
Extra!
Nim’s Island
Who says, “I feel like a queen bee, lazing while you buzz!” and why?
Example - Alex says it to Nim because Nim has been testing coconuts for
Alex and thinking of ways Alex’s hero could build a raft, all while Alex sits
at her desk. She compares herself to a queen bee because in the animal
world, the queen bee doesn’t do the work, the other bees do.
28
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:____________________________________________
Understanding the Story - Answer Key
Chapters 4 - 6
Multiple Choice
1. What kind of animal is Chica?
2. What is Chica’s favorite game?
(a) A sea turtle.
(a) Go Fish.
(b) A sea lion.
(b) Water polo.
(c) A frigate bird.
(c) Coconut soccer.
(d) An iguana.
(d) Beach volleyball.
Short Answer
3. At the end of Chapter 6, Alex writes, “Will you be my island eyes and tell me what you see?
Because I haven’t been there, Nim, and I’m not hero enough to ever go”. What does this tells us
about Alex?
Example - This tells us that Alex is not the explorer and hero that the media and her fans
thinks she is. She doesn’t see herself as a hero, something that she wants to make clear to
Nim. She seems to be a little afraid to seek out adventure.
Long Answer
4. Nim is a very independent girl and is able to look after herself while her father is away. What are
some of her duties while he is gone?
Answers will vary, but may include: tending to the garden, keeping track of the weather,
cleaning, answering emails.
A Little
Extra!
Nim’s Island
Nim doesn’t go to school like most children do. She learns about nature
and science firsthand. Do you think this is a better way of learning?
Why or why not?
Answers will vary.
29
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:___________________________________________
Vocabulary Study - Answer Key
Chapters 7 - 9
Match Up
A synonym is a word that means the same as another word. For example, happy and joyful are synonyms.
Match the vocabulary words with their synonyms!
gravelly •
• disapprovingly
bleak •
• shouted
reproachfully •
• bare
bellowed •
• persuade
putrid •
• rocky
coax •
• rotten
Best Word
Circle the word which works best in each sentence.
1. After a long talk, I was able to ( bellowed / coax ) Sara into joining the soccer team.
2. The big house was ( bleak / gravelly ) and scary to be in at night.
3. We walked along the ( reproachfully / gravelly ) path until we reached the beach.
4. “I know you copied my test, Greg,” Lee said ( reproachfully / putrid ).
5. Blake’s friends ( coax / bellowed ) at him from across the schoolyard.
6. The ( putrid / bleak ) smell came from an old bag of potatoes.
A Little
Extra!
Nim’s Island
Alex is described as a dreamer and not a doer in Chapter 9. She “wished
that she could be a person who did things instead of writing them”. What
simile is used to describe this part of Alex in Chapter 9?
“She was stuck in place like a train on a track, as much a part of the
city as the post office steps”.
30
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:____________________________________________
Understanding the Story - Answer Key
Chapters 7 - 9
Multiple Choice
1. What happens while
Nim is on Fire Mountain?
2. Why does Nim think
the pearl she finds is lucky?
(a) The volcano erupts.
(b) Fred becomes ill.
(c) Nim breaks her compass.
(d) Nim stubs her big toe.
(a) Because she finds it on her birthday.
(b) Because it is so rare.
(c) Because it is the same color as her eyes.
(d) Because it is bigger than other pearls.
Short Answer
3. How does Jack plan to fix the rudder in Chapter 7?
Example - He has drilled a hole through the rudder (which is underwater). When the water
is clear of sharks, he will go under and pass a rope through the hole and steer the rudder
with the rope.
Long Answer
4. Why does Nim want to stop the Troppo Tourists boat from coming to her island? How does
she stop the boat from coming?
Example - Nim doesn’t want the Troppo Tourists boat to come to the island because they
would fill the island with tourists and noise. Jack and Nim also dislike Troppo Tourists
because of their role in Nim’s mother’s death. To keep them away, Nim asks her animal
friends to help – for example, the sea lions rock the boat and lead it away from the island.
Nim also gathers some smelly things like a dead shark and seaweed and places them on the
hissing stones, causing a strong stench which scares off the boat for good.
A Little
Extra!
Nim’s Island
Nim has never left the island. If she were to leave the island, she might be
surprised by what a typical kid’s life is like. Imagine Nim is staying with you
for vacation. How would you entertain her? What games, books or movies
might you show her? What foods might you offer her to try? What places
would you visit? Think about Nim’s character and decide what she might
like to see or do while visiting you and write your ideas on the other side
of this sheet.
Answers will vary.
31
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:____________________________________________
Vocabulary Study - Answer Key
Chapters 10 - 12
Match Up
Match the words in the left column to their definitions in the right column.
jostled •
• full of spirit
lolloped •
• able to move quickly and easily
treacherous •
• to ruin something by walking all over it
agile •
• bumped and pushed
fiery •
• full of hidden dangers
trample •
• moved in a clumsy way
Fill in the Blank
Complete each sentence by filling in the blanks with the provided vocabulary.
jostled
lolloped
treacherous
agile
fiery
trample
1. Driving during the snowy winter can be treacherous.
2. Mom told us not to let the dog trample on her flower beds.
3. I was jostled around as I walked through the crowded hallway.
4. The chimpanzee lolloped around the room, knocking things over as it went.
5. You must be agile if you want to be a good gymnast.
6. The fiery crowd at the football stadium chanted and cheered for the entire game.
A Little
Extra!
Nim’s Island
In Chapter 12, the author writes a simile about the captain: “his eyes were sharp
and cold as a shark’s”. Write a simile about another character in the story.
Answers will vary.
32
© The Book Umbrella
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Date:____________________________________________
Understanding the Story - Answer Key
Chapters 10 - 12
Multiple Choice
1. What does Nim think is the strangest thing
about her phone call with Alex in Chapter 12?
2. What kind of animal does Alex tell
the Troppo Tourists are on Nim’s island?
(a) Alex did not say “goodbye”.
(a) Hippos.
(b) It was very short.
(b) Lions.
(c) It hadn’t felt strange talking to Alex.
(c) Dragons.
(d) She could hardly hear Alex.
(d) Unicorns.
Short Answer
3. What does Alex tell Nim to do to help her knee feel better?
Example - Alex tells Nim to soak her knee in the sea, clean it with coconut juice and
bandage it. She also tells her to rest in the shade and drink lots of water.
Long Answer
4. How does Alex stop the Troppo Tourists from exploring Nim’s island?
Example - She tells the Troppo Tourists a story of the island and makes it sound like a very
scary place. She also tells a story of her heroes who lost their wife/mother because of a boat
who was very loud. Some of the crew cry because of the story and all, including the captain,
are scared of the island. They decide to stay away.
A Little
Extra!
Nim’s Island
Alex writes adventure stories, but people mistake her for a real adventurer.
Do you think the life of a writer or the life of an adventurer is more
interesting and why?
Answers will vary.
33
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:___________________________________________
Vocabulary Study - Answer Key
Chapters 13 - 16
Which Word?
On the provided lines, write the matching vocabulary word for each definition.
billowed
monstrous
frantically
gale
savior
civilization
1. In a hurried, panicked wayfrantically
2. A person who rescues a person or people from danger.
savior
3. Filled with air.billowed
4. Where people live modern lives; towns and cities
civilization
5. A very strong wind.gale
6. Extremely large.monstrous
Making Sentences
Make a sentence for each word below. - Answers will vary.
1. Billowed: ____________________________________________________________________________________
2. Monstrous: __________________________________________________________________________________
3. Frantically: ___________________________________________________________________________________
4. Gale: _________________________________________________________________________________________
5. Savior: _______________________________________________________________________________________
6. Civilization: __________________________________________________________________________________
A Little
Extra!
Nim’s Island
What simile does Alex use to describe Jack when he finally returns to the
island in Chapter 16?
“...as beaten as a Jack Russell who’d picked a fight with a Rottweiler.”
34
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:____________________________________________
Understanding the Story - Answer Key
Chapters 13 - 16
Multiple Choice
1. Where does Nim go for shelter when
the storm is coming in Chapter 13?
2. Where does Alex decide
to live at the end of the story?
(a) The hut.
(a) In a big city.
(b) To a cave.
(b) On a boat.
(c) A neighbor’s house.
(c) On a farm.
(d) The inside of a large, hollowed tree.
(d) On Nim’s island.
Short Answer
3. How do the coconut rafts that Nim had made help the characters after the storm?
Example - One raft is pulled towards Nim and Alex by Chica. Alex climbs on it and paddles
towards shore. The other raft is used by Jack after he is thrown overboard.
Long Answer
4. How does Nim’s Island end?
Example - Jack thinks about returning to a normal life after the big storm, but he and
Nim choose to remain when Alex decides she would like to live on Nim’s island and write
her next book.
A Little
Extra!
Nim’s Island
Who is your favorite character in this story any why?
Answers will vary.
35
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:___________________________________________
Time for a Test! - Answer Key
Nim’s Island
Part A – Multiple Choice
1. What is the title of Alex’s
book that Nim reads?
2. Why does Jack go
sailing in Chapter 1?
3. What kind of
animal is Galileo?
(a) River Rage.
(b) Mountain Madness.
(c) Sea Sadness.
(d) Valley Vengeance.
(a) To collect plankton.
(b) To buy new supplies.
(c) To catch a prize-winning fish.
(d) Sailing is his favorite hobby.
(a) A sea lion.
(b) A bird.
(c) A turtle.
(d) A iguana.
4. How does Jack get word
to Nim after his boat is
damaged in a storm?
5. How does Nim hurt
her knee in Chapter 7?
6. What does Galileo
take from the Troppo
Tourists in Chapter 8?
(a) He sets off flares.
(b) He writes an email.
(c) He tucks a letter into
Galileo’s leg band.
(d) He phones Nim.
(a) She trips down the stairs.
(b) She twists it when
she falls on the beach.
(c) She runs into a sharp
piece of wood.
(d) She falls down
Fire Mountain.
(a) Binoculars.
(b) A compass.
(c) Hats.
(d) Seaweed.
7. Why does Nim call Alex
in a panic in Chapter 12?
8. What does Alex use to
get to Nim’s island from
the Troppo Tourists boat?
9. Which of the following
is not one of the places
on Nim’s island?
(a) She has run out of food.
(b) Jack is missing.
(c) She has a very high fever.
(d) To tell her not to bring the
Troppo Tourists to the island.
(a) A piece of driftwood.
(b) A canoe.
(c) A fishing boat.
(d) A sailboat.
(a) Turtle Beach.
(b) Iguana Bay.
(c) The Hissing Stones.
(d) Sea Lion Point.
Nim’s Island
36
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:__________________________________________
Time for a Test! - Answer Key
Nim’s Island
Part B – Short Answer
1. The setting is where and when a story takes place. Describe the setting of the story Nim’s Island.
Example - Nim’s island is a secluded island in the South Pacific. On the island is a beach,
a cave, a mountain and more. Nim and her father live in a hut that they built.
2. What is the Troppo Tourists’ role in this story?
Example - The Troppo Tourists are responsible for the death of Nim’s mother, so Nim and
Jack have a strong dislike for them. The Troppo Tourists want to find the island but when
Alex is a passenger on their boat to get to Nim’s island, she tricks them into staying away
from the island.
3. Why is Alex’s trip to Nim’s island such a big step for her?
Example - It is a big step for Alex because up until that point she has been afraid to be
adventurous. She is compelled to go on the adventure when she fears that Nim might be
in trouble.
Part C – Long Answer
1. How is Nim’s life different than a typical kid’s? How do you think her upbringing shapes
who Nim is?
Answers will vary.
2. The climax is the most emotional or interesting part of a story. What part of this story do you
think is the climax and why?
Example - The climax of the story is the scene when a storm is raging. It is suspenseful and
emotional. Nim must race to the cave for shelter. During the storm she is very worried
because both Alex and Jack are in the water. Both Nim and the reader wonders if they will
be ok. The scene continues as Nim heroically swims out to sea to help Alex. Jack then arrives,
exhausted but ok overall, and it is a joyous reunion between father and daughter.
Nim’s Island
37
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:_________________________________________
Before Reading
Title of Book:
Author of Book:
Have you read anything by this author before? If so, what was it?
Look at the front cover. What hints do you think it gives about the story?
Read the back cover. What do you learn about the story from the back cover?
Based on the front and back covers, do you want to read this book? Why or why not?
Nim’s Island
38
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:____________________________________________
Who is Wendy Orr?
Use the internet and other resources to research the author of Nim’s Island, Wendy Orr.
Before Researching
1. What do you already know about Wendy Orr?
2. What do you want to find out about Wendy Orr?
After Researching
3. What have you learned from your research?
4. Where did you get your information?
Nim’s Island
39
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:_____________________________________
My Character Chart
Draw a picture and record important information about each important character as you read the text.
Nim’s Island
40
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:_____________________________________________
My Character Chart (Cont’d)
Nim’s Island
41
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:_____________________________________
Making Predictions
Can you predict the future? What do you think will happen next in the story? Write down two
predictions inside the crystal balls. Revisit this page later to answer the last question.
Why do you think this will happen?
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
Why do you think this will happen?
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
Did any of your predictions come true?
What ended up happening in the story?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Nim’s Island
42
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:_____________________________________
Plot Mountain
A story’s plot is made up of five parts: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and
conclusion. After you’ve finished reading Nim’s Island, fill in the spaces below.
3. Climax
The most exciting and emotional part of the story.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
2. Rising Action
4. Falling Action
The things that happen to push
the story forward as we head
toward the climax.
The events that happened
during the climax are dealt with.
_______________________________
_______________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
___________________________
___________________________
__________________________
__________________________
________________________
________________________
5. Conclusion
1. Exposition
The story comes to an end.
We learn background information about the
story’s characters, setting, and basic plot.
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
Nim’s Island
43
© The Book Umbrella
Date:_____________________________________
Name:____________________________________________
Story Timeline
Fill in the plot timeline by deciding on the most important plot points of Nim’s Island
and recording them in the order they happen.
Beginning
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
End
Nim’s Island
44
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:_____________________________________
What is Conflict?
Conflict refers to the problems and challenges that make stories interesting and
move plots along. Conflict is an important part of any story. Below are some of the
different conflict types you may encounter as you read.
Man Versus Nature
Man Versus Man
Two or more characters
struggle against each other.
A character struggles against
a force of nature such as the
weather or an animal.
Man Versus Society
Man Versus Self
A character struggles against
a part of society such as a
company, religion, school, etc.
A character struggles
to overcome his or her
own weaknesses.
Look for some examples of conflict in Nim’s Island
and add them to the chart below.
Example of Conflict
Type of Conflict
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Nim’s Island
45
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:_____________________________________
Story Setting
The setting is the time and/or place in which a story happens.
1. Describe the setting of Nim’s Island. When and where does it take place?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Draw a picture of a setting described in the story.
3. Explain what you have drawn above.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Nim’s Island
46
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:_____________________________________
What is a Theme?
The theme a central topic or idea of a story. A story can have one or more themes.
Some examples of themes are acceptance, cooperation, bravery and determination.
What do you think one theme of Nim’s Island is?
One theme of Nim’s Island is...
Find three examples from the book that supports this as one of the themes.
1._____________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
2._____________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
3._____________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Nim’s Island
47
© The Book Umbrella
Date:_____________________________________
Name:____________________________________________
Problem Solving
An important part of any story is the problem which the main character faces.
Write down the main problem faced in Nim’s Island below, then brainstorm some
possible solutions to the problem.
Solution Idea 1
Solution Idea 2
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
The Main Problem of the Story
Solution Idea 3
Solution Idea 4
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Nim’s Island
48
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:_____________________________________
Cause and Effect
An action or development in a story is the ‘cause’. The result of the action or development is
the ‘effect’. Find some examples of cause and effect in Nim’s Island and record them below.
Cause
Effect
Cause
Effect
Cause
Effect
Nim’s Island
49
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:_____________________________________
Character Types
In fictional stories, there are many different types of characters that play different roles.
Read about different character types below, and decide which character from Nim’s Island fits each
character type. (Some characters may fit more than one character type).
Major Characters
Minor Characters
Major characters play a big part in the story.
They influence the plot and take part in solving
the main problem of the story.
Minor characters pop up to help (or hurt)
the story’s major characters.
Example(s) from the book:
Example(s) from the book:
The Protagonist
The Antagonist
The protagonist is the main character of
the story. Stories are often told from their
point of view.
The antagonist is the character
(or characters) who causes problems
for the protagonist.
Example(s) from the book:
Example(s) from the book:
Dynamic Characters
Static Characters
Dynamic characters change through the story,
usually because they overcome a challenge
which makes them grow as a person.
Static characters do not change. Their
personalities and attitudes are the same at the
end of the story as they were at the beginning.
Example(s) from the book:
Example(s) from the book:
Round Characters
Flat Characters
Round characters have complicated
personalities and more than one character trait.
Flat characters don’t have complicated
personalities. Readers know them by only
one character trait.
Example(s) from the book:
Example(s) from the book:
Nim’s Island
50
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:_____________________________________
Character Map
Write a different character name in each bubble below. Then, draw different styles
of lines in different colors (as shown in the Relationship Key) to show the relationships
between each character.
Relationship Key
Friends
Classmates/Co-workers
Family
Teacher/Boss
Enemies
Other
Nim’s Island
51
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:_____________________________________
Facts and Opinions
A fact is something that is proven to be true.
An example of a fact is, “The month after July is August”.
An opinion is a feeling or belief about something.
An example of an opinion is, “July is the best month of the year!”
In the spaces below, record four facts and four opinions about Nim’s Island.
1._________________________________________________________________________
F
A
C
T
S
__________________________________________________________________________
2._________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
3._________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
4. ________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
O
P
I
N
I
O
N
S
Nim’s Island
1._________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
2._________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
3._________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
4. ________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
52
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:_____________________________________
Persuasive Writing
To be persuasive is to be good at convincing people to think a certain way.
Write a persuasive passage in which you try to convince your readers that they should either read
or not read Nim’s Island. Make sure to include reasons for why you think the story is good or bad
using examples from the text. For example, if you tell your readers that the story is funny, tell them
about something funny that happens in the book.
With this passage, what do you hope to persuade your readers to do?
Read this book!
Don’t read this book!
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Nim’s Island
53
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:_____________________________________
Quotation Quest
Skim the novel and write down three favorite quotations, or quotations you think are important to the story.
Quotation:_______________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________ From
page #___________
Why I chose this quotation: _____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Quotation:_______________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________ From
page #___________
Why I chose this quotation: _____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Quotation:_______________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________ From
page #____________
Why I chose this quotation: _____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Nim’s Island
54
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:_____________________________________
Character Comparison
Choose two characters from Nim’s Island and compare them to each other.
What are their similarities and what are their differences?
Character 1
Character 2
The similarities these characters share
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
The differences between these characters
Character 1
Character 2
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
Nim’s Island
55
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:_____________________________________
Story Comparison
Compare Nim’s Island to another story you have read.
What are their similarities and what are their differences?
_________________________
Nim’s Island
_________________________
The similarities these stories share
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
The differences between these stories
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
Nim’s Island
56
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Date:_____________________________________
My Life - Making Connections
In the spaces below, make comparisons between your life and the life of a character of
your choosing from Nim’s Island.
Character Name: ___________________________________________________
Similarities
Differences
Nim’s Island
57
© The Book Umbrella
Name:____________________________________________
Reading Log
Record information about the books you read on this chart.
© The Book Umbrella
Common Core State Standards
This novel study is aligned to the Common Core State Standards (U.S.)
Grade 3
RL3.1 Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as
the basis for the answers.
RL3.3 Describe characters in a story (e.g., their traits, motivations, or feelings) and explain how their actions
contribute to the sequence of events.
RL3.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, distinguishing literal from
nonliteral language.
RL3.5 Refer to parts of stories, dramas, and poems when writing or speaking about a text, using terms such as
chapter, scene, and stanza; describe how each successive part builds on earlier sections.
RL3.6 Distinguish their own point of view from that of the narrator or those of the characters.
L3.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing
or speaking.
L3.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning word and phrases based on grade 3
reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.
L3.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships and nuances in word meanings.
Grade 4
RL4.1 Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing
inferences from the text.
RL4.2 Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text; summarize the text.
RL4.3 Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the
text (e.g., a character’s thoughts, words, or actions).
RL4.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including those that allude to
significant characters found in mythology (e.g., Herculean).
L4.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade
4 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.
L4.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
Grade 5
RL5.1 Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing
inferences from the text.
RL5.2 Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text, including how characters in a
story or drama respond to challenges or how the speaker in a poem reflects upon a topic; summarize the text.
RL5.3 Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., how characters interact).
RL5.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language
such as metaphors and similes.
L5.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade
5 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.
L5.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
Novel Study
Nim’s Island
by Wendy Orr
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