Before Reading

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1. What is the name of the publishing company?

2. Where was the book primarily published?

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3. What is the copyright date? 

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4. Explain the dedication.

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5. Summarize pages 1 -5.  Explain why the author included these two different parts. 

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6. Think about the title.  Explain what it means.

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Read through Chapter 10 (pages1-40) and answer the following questions.

1. Gary Barnett from the Coast Guard helicopter threw a pump-can down to the girl. The pump-can held food, blankets, and first aid.  Gary claimed that  "most people run toward the can." The girl "ran away from it." Explain why she ran from the can. 

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2. Explain what Mila compares a promise to on page 28.  Why does she feel this way?

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3. Explain why Mila believes Dr. Beck thinks she is a "stupid fish." page 29

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4. Explain why Mila believes there are whales in her tiny room (page 31)

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5. Explain how Mila feels about Sandy going away to take care of her sick father. Include Mila's understanding of the idea of "family."  ( 33--35)

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