Theme of this section: Reading Comprehension - Using Graphic Organizer to Aid Comprehension.

What the Book is About
Throughout the hunt for the 39 Clues, Amy and Dan have encountered some of the darkest aspects of history . . . and had to deal with the role their family played. But are they ready for the truth?

In this thrilling ninth installment, Amy and Dan hit the high seas as they follow the trail of some infamous ancestors to track down a long lost treasure. However, the real prize isn't hidden in a chest. It's the discovery of the Madrigals' most dangerous secret and, even more shockingly, the true identity of the mysterious man in black.

About the Author

Linda Sue Park is the Newbery Medal-winning author of A Single Shard. She started writing children's books in the mid-90's, first retelling Korean folktales and later working on her novels.  Her other books include  See-saw Girl, The Kite Fighters, When My Name Was Keoko, and Project Mulberry, as well as three picture books, Bee-Bim Bop!, The Firekeeper's Son, and What Does Bunny See?  Ms. Park lives with her family in upstate New York.

Using Graphic Organizers to Aid Reading Comprehension

Dan and Amy read maps and clues to help them decode a complicated problem.  This lesson uses graphic organizers to help students improve their comprehension and metacognitive strategies to reflect upon what they are reading.  Students will use their investigation journals to create their own graphic organizers.  By creating their own organizers, it will allow them to think and create freely as they improve their comprehension.

Island Map - Dan and Amy find themselves on the clue hunt in the Bahamas and Jamaica in the ninth installment of the series.  It's been a daunting journey so far and it's not over yet!  Help your students assess prior knowledge from the previous books by using a circle map.  In this lesson, instead of a circle, have the students draw an island shaped map to represent Dan and Amy's latest setting.  Next, add a circle to the middle of the island.  The inner circle will be used to define the character, idea, or concept you wish your students to better understand.  For instance, in book nine, Dan and Amy learn that Nellie is more than just another au pair but was hired by Grace Cahill prior to her death to help them on the hunt for the 39 Clues.  Place the word Nellie in the center of the map then brainstorm with the class about the many special talents and qualifications Nellie possesses that prepared her for this adventure.

Character Cave - The characters in Storm Warning are beginning to feel the tide churn inside them as they reflect upon whom they are and what the hunt is doing to their personal character.  For instance, Natalie Kabra's emotions are conflicted as she explores her feelings about her mother and how she is handling the clue hunt.  In this exercise, have students draw a cave in their investigation journal.  The inside of the cave will represent the character's inner feelings that are emerging but can't be seen yet by others.  The outside of the cave will represent how the other characters still see them.  Student will develop their vocabulary skills as they use adjectives to describe the qualities of that character. 

Cahill Family Tree - Like it or not, all of the Cahill branches are related to one another even if they think they are different.  Use this graphic organizer to show students how to compare and contrast.  First, have students draw a wide tree trunk with five main branches extending from it.  In the trunk, have students describe qualities that all of the Cahill branches seem to possess.  Next, have them label each of the branches with the five family names:  Ekat, Janus, Tomas, Lucian and Madrigal.  Finally, have students draw leaves with adjectives or terms to describe each branch.  

Pirate Map - Students will need to think like Calico Jack and Anne Bonny as they practice their sequence of events skills while they create an authentic looking pirate map! Start by cutting or tearing a brown paper grocery bag so that it lies flat.  Next, have students use permanent marker to draw islands on the map for each major event in Storm Warning.  Dashes should be used to connect the islands to show the route of the story.  Decorate the map with a picture of a pirate ship, ocean waves, dolphins (or sharks!) and tropical palm trees.  A giant, red X can mark the spot of Into the Gauntlet where the treasure of the 39 Clues will be revealed!  Finally, age the map by crumbling it up, getting it wet and then smoothing it out to allow it to dry.