The Stories in the Dust - Making Connections in Literary Texts (Grade 8)

What is Reagan's initial reason for wanting to get rid of the guitar?

• Because it has a deep scratch near the bridge.

• Because her brother Elias gave it to her as a gift.

• Because she thinks it is old, dusty, and taking up space.

• Because her dad told her to throw it away.

Answer explanation

The passage states, 'This one is just taking up space.' Reagan also refers to it as 'old junk' and notes that it is 'covered in dust,' showing her initial perspective was based on its physical condition and usefulness.

How does Elias's dialogue help Reagan connect with the guitar's past?

• He tells her how much the guitar is worth.

• He shares personal stories and memories associated with it.

• He gets angry and demands that she put it back.

• He explains how to fix the crack in its neck.

Answer explanation

Elias's dialogue about their dad saving up for the guitar, writing songs for their mom, and the scratch he made as a child helps Reagan see the guitar's emotional value, connecting her to its history.

According to Elias, how did the guitar get the deep scratch near the bridge?

• Their dad dropped it while performing.

• Reagan accidentally damaged it when she was younger.

• Elias tried to 'help' tune it with a screwdriver as a child.

• It was already there when their dad bought it.

Answer explanation

This is a direct recall question. The passage states, 'I did this. I was five and I tried to ‘help’ him tune it with a screwdriver.'

Which statement best explains the meaning of Elias's final words, 'sometimes you have to look for the stories, not just the stuff'?

• You should always keep old things because they might be valuable.

• The best way to clean a garage is to organize things by story.

• Objects are not as important as the people who own them.

• The true value of an object can come from the memories and history connected to it.

Answer explanation

This phrase summarizes the story's theme. Elias is explaining that the guitar's worth isn't in its physical condition ('the stuff') but in the family history it represents ('the stories'). This connects the physical object to a deeper, emotional meaning.

What did Reagan see when she looked at the guitar after hearing Elias's stories?

• A sixteen-year-old boy’s dream and her parents' love story.

• A broken instrument that needed to be repaired.

• An opportunity to learn how to play music.

• A valuable antique that they could sell for a lot of money.

Answer explanation

The passage explicitly states, 'She saw a sixteen-year-old boy’s dream. She saw a clumsy five-year-old brother. She saw the beginning of her parents’ love story.' This question checks for recall of her change in perspective.

Categorize the following phrases and ideas based on whether they represent Reagan's initial perspective or the new perspective she gains.

Groups:

(a) Reagan's Initial Perspective

,

(b) Reagan's New Perspective

• Taking up space

• The beginning of a love story

• A sixteen-year-old boy's dream

• A layer of time over memories

• Just an old guitar

• Old junk

Answer explanation

This task requires analyzing the shift in Reagan's viewpoint. The first category includes phrases that show she sees the guitar as a useless physical object. The second category includes phrases that show her new understanding of the guitar's emotional and historical value.

Match the character's dialogue to the primary feeling or motivation it reveals.

• Regret and a change in perspective

• “What are you doing? That’s not junk!”

• Alarm and protectiveness

• “I didn’t know. I just saw… old wood.”

• Practicality and dismissal

• “This one is just taking up space.”

• Sharing history to show value

• “He saved up for a whole year...to buy this.”

Answer explanation

Elias's first line shows his alarm. Reagan's line shows her practical, dismissive view. Elias's story about their dad is meant to show the guitar's sentimental value. Reagan's final line reveals her regret and that her perspective has completely shifted.

Think about a time you disagreed with a family member or friend about something you thought was unimportant, but they felt was very special. Based on how Elias helped Reagan see his perspective, what is one communication strategy from the story you could use to better understand someone else's point of view in a similar situation? Explain your answer using details from the passage.

Answer explanation