The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls
By the time we reach tenth grade, all of us have different stories and different obstacles
that we have overcome or perhaps, continue to face in our own personal “hero’s journey.”
This year in English, we will begin with learning how to share our stories through the art of
memoirs.
An excellent example of a memoir is Jeanette Walls’ The Glass Castle. In this captivating
memoir, Walls shares her own experiences of overcoming unthinkable obstacles to become
successful. As you read her story, begin thinking of your own stories and how your
experiences have shaped you. Take time with this project and put forth your best effort.
Your completed project will be due Oct 22nd.
The Three-Part Assignment:
Part 1. Annotations (The Active Reading Component)
First, read and annotate the novel. Annotating a text means to “mark it up” by underlining
major ideas, taking notes in the margins, etc. Here are some guidelines for annotating:
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Mark the main plot points of the novel
Mark key terms and unfamiliar words
Underline important ideas and memorable images
Write questions and comments in the margins
Write any personal connections you see between Walls’ experiences and your own
Mark confusing sections or passages that you want to revise
 IF you have your OWN COPY of the novel in which you can write in the text, feel free to highlight
and write in margins in response to the above guidelines.
 IF you do NOT have your own copy to write on the pages, complete your observations on paper
in the form of a chart, with the left side devoted to page number references and quotations or
portions of text---please copy entire quotation or use (…) ellipsis if longer than three lines*--and the right side devoted to your observations.
Quotations of Passage from Text
Annotations/Observations/Reflections
 IF you do NOT have your own copy, another alternative for annotating is to use numbered sticky
notes, with page number citations throughout the text. Must print clearly (and small enough to
get in relevant information!) and include the page number as well your name or initials .
 YOUR total number of annotations will vary according to how in-depth and how analytical you
can be when you read.
o If you are writing in your book, you should aim for at least two comments per chapter or
maybe one for every 20 pages or so.
o If you are not writing in the book, you should have at least SIX annotations written out
along with the accompanying passage or lines from the text.
Part 2. Scrapbook (The VISUAL Component)
Prepare a scrapbook showcasing important events in the life of Jeanette Walls. You may
choose to do a paper scrapbook or an electronic scrapbook with a program such as
powerpoint. Your scrapbook should meet the following requirements:
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10 pages showcasing a different event in each page
Each page should include at least TWO pictures or artifacts from that event
Each page should include at least one direct quote (line from the text) showing Walls’
feelings about that incident
A cover representing the overall experiences and themes of the book
The scrapbook should be professional, colorful, and creative and should show a
detailed reading of the book (translation—this should not be attempted the night
before it is due!)
Part 3. Written Reader Response (The Writing/Reflection Component)
Respond to each of the following questions with detailed, thoughtful responses that show a
thorough knowledge of the text. Each response should be typed or written neatly on lined
looseleaf paper and between ½ page to 1 page in length and should thoroughly answer the
question.
1. Though The Glass Castle is brimming with unforgettable stories, which scenes were the most
memorable for you? Which were the most shocking, the most inspiring, and the funniest?
Please explain the reasons you chose the specific scenes.
2. Discuss the metaphor of a glass castle and what it signifies to Jeannette and her father. Why is
it important that, just before leaving for New York, Jeannette tells her father that she doesn’t
believe he’ll ever build it? (p. 238)
3. Jeannette’s mother insists that, no matter what, “life with your father was never boring” (p.
288). What kind of man was Rex Walls? What were his strengths and weaknesses, his flaws,
and contradictions?
4. What character traits—both good and bad—do you think that Jeannette inherited from her
parents? And how do you think those traits shaped Jeannette’s life?
5. What was Jeannette’s relationship to her siblings? Were you surprised to learn that, as adults,
Jeannette and her siblings remained close to their parents? Why do you think this is? What do
parents owe children and what do children owe parents?