2.2.7

​TSWS Content: Ch. 7 & 8
Lesson 2.2.7

By Lauren Rullo

​Historical Fiction

Historical fiction is when a fictional plot takes place in the setting of specific, real events.
Historical context involves understanding the specific details about the era in which the story is set.
In The Sky We Shared, Nellie and Tamiko are fictional characters, but other elements, such as some of the events in Chapters 7 and 8, are true.

Due to growing prejudice after the Pearl Harbor attack, the U.S. government forced more than 120,000 Japanese Americans to relocate to internment camps.

These camps were harsh and isolated, and included difficult living conditions.

This period is now seen as a significant violation of American civil liberties.

​

​Japanese Internment Camps

Characterization Review

when a reader needs to determine a character's traits based on clues that the autor or narrator provides

indirect

when a character's traits are stated directly to the reader

​direct

• supporting characters

• unique traits

• most likely static

​Ruby, Suki, Joey, Irene, and Kyo

• main characters

• round-memorable, original

• dynamic-change throughout the novel

​Nellie and Tamiko

Character Types

Multiple Choice

Which statement best suggests how other characters view Nellie?

"All eyes point to me now, like I am the north and they are compass needles. Some of the eyes smile like little victory signs. Others radiate pity, for I am the girl who has crossed Bly's very own wicked witch."

• Some think she is brave while others think she is foolish.

• Everyone thinks she is strange for standing up to Irene.

• Everyone feels sorry for her because they know Irene will want revenge.

Another time, he sprinkled his letter with his airman words—gremlins and dodos, gubbins and penguins—until it felt like he was right here in the room with us. But she hasn’t brought us a letter in a long time. Poor Mrs. Flynn (40).

• gremlin: an imaginary creature blamed for mechanical problems and accidents to aircraft during WWII

• dodos: an air force cadet before he starts flying

• gubbins: used to describe almost any part of a plane; gadget

• penguins: an air force service member who does not fly

Vocabulary
Nellie's teacher would read letters from her husband, who was away in the war. Review the definitions of some of the words Nellie mentions.

​Conflict

One of the issues for civilians during the war is rations and gathering materials for the war.

The first passage shows some of the materials that people donate: tin, rubber, and steel.
In the second passage, you learn that people also donate nylon.

These passages highlight two important points:

• Everyday items seem to be very important. The soldiers must be struggling with equipment and supplies if they need these kinds of everyday items.

• Mrs. Flynn donated her stockings but still continued to draw a fake seam on the back of her leg to mimic the stocking. People rely on small acts like this to help keep things feeling normal in a time of hardship.

​Key Takeaways

Both Nellie and Tamiko are dealing with food rations. Throughout Nellie's chapters, you have learned that they do without flour, milk, pre-sliced bread, and limited sugar.

Tamiko, on the other hand, eats mostly rice and must trade for fish or beans.

Even though Nellie and her family are limited in their food, there is still enough for a full lunch. Keep this in mind when you read Tamiko's chapter and consider how food plays a role in her decisions.

Multiple Choice

Re-read the excerpts from Chapter 7.

What is the purpose of the air-raid drills?

• to remember to say the Pledge of Allegiance each day

• to practice getting out of the building in case of a fire

• to know what to do in case there is a bombing attack

Multiple Choice

Which passage best describes Tamiko's loyalty to her country?

• 
  All I wanted was to be near the paper balloons. And now I will be. Suki and I and the other girls (52).

• My classmates and I will leave shortly for Kure to begin building. We don’t know what we’ll be making exactly, but surely it will be useful to the army. It’s the right thing to do (50).

• Rising Action-Tamiko has been looking for a way to support her brother and country during the war, and now she has it.

  Even though she is not sure what she will be doing, she is excited about the opportunity to help.

• Foreshadowing-Tamiko's aunt does not share her enthusiasm about going away to Kure City. Tamiko is still an innocent child; she may not have experienced the same things her aunt has in the past. Her aunt may realize that this journey will not be exactly what Tamiko is expecting.

​

Predict...

In yesterday's reading, Nellie confronts Irene. During lunch, Irene storms over to Nellie and a group of her classmates to tell them that someone burned down their shed. Irene starts by blaming the Japanese returning from internment camps. Irene hears Ruby make a remark under her breath, and Irene then turns the blame on her. Nellie stands up to Irene, which no one ever does. Later, Nellie and Ruby read to the younger kids in the school. While they are reading, there is an air raid drill.

Tamiko is given the news at school that the girls in her class will go to Kure City to help with the war efforts. They are told they will be building something. Her aunt is not as hopeful or excited as Tamiko is, however. Tamiko also receives a letter from Kyo, telling them that he is doing well and is done with his training. Tamiko writes back to tell him her good news.

Open Ended

Chapter 8 ends with Tamiko excited about making balloons.

Why do you think this is part of the war effort? Make a prediction about what you think will happen next.

I predict that______.

​Tomorrow:

• In the next lesson, you will read Chapters 9 and 10.

• Looking ahead...You will have a mini quiz next week-Wednesday, Nov. 26th (Chapters 7-12)

• Don't forget to use the Unit 2 Padlet to review the chapters we have already read.