The Littles — Chapter 5

About This Passage

This passage is worth copying because of how John Peterson uses three short sentences to establish a physical arrangement that has major consequences for the story. Notice how the first sentence gives the location (in the wall, near the ceiling), the second gives the connection (a hole between the two rooms), and the third gives the size (about a quarter). By the end of the three sentences, the reader can picture exactly how the Littles can hear what the Newcombs are reading. The prose is efficient because each sentence adds one thing and does not waste any words.

Narration Prompt

Retell the chapter, paying attention to how the Littles' feelings about the Newcombs change when Mrs. Newcomb starts reading her story aloud.

Discussion Questions

1. RETRIEVAL: In Chapter 4 the Littles were tired and grumpy. In Chapter 5 they are rushing through dinner to listen to a stranger's story. What has shifted in the family's emotional life — and is the shift believable?
2. John Peterson devotes this chapter to the Littles listening to Mrs. Newcomb read her own writing. Why does the author choose to make the Newcomb a writer specifically? What does this detail accomplish that a different occupation (teacher, lawyer, banker) would not?

+ 3 more questions in the complete study guide