Missing May

Critical Thinking Questions for Chapter 7

Knowledge

What is The Spiritualist Church of Glen Meadows?

Comprehension

How would you summarize Ob's feelings about seeing Reverend Miram B. Conklin?

Application

What questions would you ask in an interview with Reverend Miriam B. Conkin?

Analysis

What conclusions can you draw from Summer's feelings about the trip to see the Reverend Miriam B. Conklin?

Synthesis

Can you predict the outcome if Ob, Summer, and Cletus are able to connect with May?

Evaluation

Do you agree with Ob's decision to see Rev. Miriam B. Conklin?

Critical Thinking Questions Chapter 5 CCT

What two things did May do for Summer that she expected Ob to talk about in the garden?

How would you compare and contrast Summer and Cletus?

What approach would you use to comfort Summer and Ob in their grief?

What motive is there for Cletus to hang around with Summer and Ob?

How would you test the concept that someone can return as a spirit to comfort loved ones?

Can you assess the importance of May's garden in this story?

Summer: Wise Beyond her Years

When chapter three begins, Summer says that she "warned Ob to have nothing to do with him" (Cletus). This is when Cletus had been snooping around Ob's car. I think that this character Summer is so much older in years than the average child her age. The fact that she was looking out for Ob as if she were a parent is stunning. I think with everything that Summer has been through, along with the death of May, she feels as if she has to look out for Ob. She has now taken the role of May in so many ways.

Cletus- SBC

Chapter three introduces us to this kid by the name of Cletus. As I begin to read this chapter I start to wonder what kind of role he is going to play in this story. Summer sure doesn't seem all that interested in him or what he has got to say. Ob on the other hand seems to have nothing to lose when it comes to holding a discussion with Cletus. What role do you believe Cletus will end up playing in this book? Will he be the one who pushes Summer past her last nerve or will he be the one to help Ob heal his broken heart?  

May's Presence

I found it very interesting what Ob said after his vision of May (pg. 13). Summer asked what Ob felt like. She was asking for a physical feeling as in light or airy. Ob's response was that she felt like she did when she was going to Ohio. That part of her wanted to go to Ohio and part of her wanted to stay. This statement is so powerful! It means that part of May really wanted to stay and be with her family, but the other part of her wanted to be in her spiritual life. I think it is amazing that Ob could feel that feeling in May at that moment. Amazing!

Missing May (Prediction)-SBC

Before even beginning to read this children's novel I predict that it will be about a missing woman by the name of May. There is an illustratoin on the front cover of the book which includes an old man, a young boy, and a young female. I'm not sure yet who these characters are but connecting the title to the illustration I think that maybe the young girl is May. Although all three of these characters are looking up at the sky. This makes me think that perhaps May isn't the young girl after all. Maybe May isn't even alive!