Listening to Crickets
A Story about Rachel Carson by Candice F. Ransom
Be sure to label all your journal entries with the title of the book and the date of
your entry! Write your responses in complete sentences, using correct spelling,
punctuation and capitalization.
DATE ASSIGNED: ___________________
DATE DUE: _____________________
pages 7 - 14, Summer Nights
Read and Define: Write what you think it means, in the context of the story. Find
the word in the dictionary and write the dictionary meaning that matches how the word
is used in the story.
rambled, (page 8, paragraph 4)
hallowed, (page 10, paragraph 1)
 What is the setting, including time period, which the story begins? Give
evidence from the story that helps the reader identify the setting.
 What evidence in this chapter tells you that Rachel is interested in nature,
reading and writing. Give at least 4 examples.
 What is Rachel's "life" plan? What event occurs that helps her make this
decision?
DATE ASSIGNED: ___________________
DATE DUE: _____________________
pages 15 - 24, A Change of Course
Read and Define: Write what you think it means, in the context of the story. Find
the word in the dictionary and write the dictionary meaning that matches how the word
is used in the story.
keenly, (page 16, paragraph2)
reawakened, (page 16, paragraph2)
buoyant, (page 19, paragraph 5)
 Before reading, predict why this chapter is title: A Change of Course
 What does Mary Skinner mean when she tells Rachel that the road of a
female scientist could be rocky.
 What historical event occurs in this chapter that could have an effect on
Rachel completing her education? Explain your reasoning.
 What personal tragedy occurs that makes life more challenging for Rachel?
Explain how.
DATE ASSIGNED: ___________________
DATE DUE: _____________________
pages 25 - 36, The Life of the Sea
 Before reading, recall what has happened so far in the story. Describe Rachel
Carson's character. Give examples to support your reasoning.
 Read and Define: Write what you think it means, in the context of the story. Find
the word in the dictionary and write the dictionary meaning that matches how the
word is used in the story.
bureau, page 26, paragraph 2
 What historical event occurs in this chapter? How does Rachel's job change
because of this event?
 What happens to make Rachel Carson famous in this chapter? What is Rachel's
reaction?
DATE ASSIGNED: ___________________
DATE DUE: _____________________
pages 37 - 48, Life on the Shore
Read and Define: Write what you think it means, in the context of the story. Find
the word in the dictionary and write the dictionary meaning that matches how the word
is used in the story.
commissioned, (page 40, paragraph 2)
colleague, (page 46, paragraph 2)
 What happens in this chapter that leads to another professional change for
Rachel?
DATE ASSIGNED: ___________________
DATE DUE: _____________________
pages 49-58, Work that Has No End
Read and Define: Write what you think it means, in the context of the story. Find
the word in the dictionary and write the dictionary meaning that matches how the word
is used in the story.
pesticides, (page 49, paragraph 3)
controversial (page 50, paragraph2)
 According to the author, Rachel's book titled Silent Spring, was "anything but
silent." Explain what the author meant by this sentence.
 The author wrote that Rachel Carson had done her best to "preserve life." What
does the author mean when she writes this. Support your reasoning with events
from the story.
DATE ASSIGNED: ___________________
DATE DUE: _____________________
Afterward
Read and Define: Write what you think it means, in the context of the story. Find
the word in the dictionary and write the dictionary meaning that matches how the word
is used in the story.
posthumously, (page 60, paragraph 2)
conservationist (page 61, paragraph 3)

Create a time line of the important events (milestones) of Rachel Carson's life.
You must have at least 7 events on your timeline.