GROUP 3

 Tinesh
 Vishnu
 Yogan
 yuvan

Chapter Chapter
5 6
 CHAPTER 5
CHARACTERS
 Mrs Hansen : Pavithra

 Richard : Yogan
 Abner : Darshan
 Harry : Tinesh
 Blanche : Suweataa
 Peggy : Shahvani
 Mr. Higby : Yuvan
 Pa : Yuvan
Three weeks later, it is the end of the school year. On the last day, Mrs Hansen asks Richard to read
one of his poems after informing the class that Richard has been writing to the famous poet, Joyce
Kilmer.
 Feeling very nervous, Richard reads the poem that he and Mrs Hansen have chosen to send to Mr
Kilmer. Next, Richard shares the latest letter that he has received from Mr Kilmer. Then Richard reads
another poem he has written about a train ferrying a troop of soldiers.
It is a sad poem and some of the students could feel the sorrow as they have family and friends in the
army.
As Richard goes
back to his seat,
Abner and Harry
sneer at him but
Blanche, Peggy
and some of the
other students
had a lot of
respect for him.
Richard is not so bothered about the other boys’ attitude towards him. He is just relieved that he need
not keep his poetry-writing a secret any longer.
During History, Mr Higby tells the class about the war that is happening in Europe. He mentions that
American troops have just arrived in France to fight in the war.
Mr Higby also asks the students not to refer to the Germans as Huns. This is because the Huns were
actually a nomadic tribe in Mongolia and they have nothing to do with the Germans.
That night, Richard writes a letter to Mr Kilmer wishing him safety.
 During summer, Richard works hard on the farm. He hopes to be a famous poet but he wants to be a
good farmer, too.

Richard likes working with his father on the farm but feels that there has always been a barrier between
them. Richard’s father is not willing to share about his past with his children.
Richard receives another letter from Mr Kilmer two weeks later. Mr Kilmer writes that he hopes this war
would end all wars so that people would not suffer anymore.
CHARACTERS & CHARACTERISTICS

Richard Mr Higby Joyce Kilmer

Ambitious Knowledgable Courageous
Caring Loves encouraging Selfless
Hardworking Confident Positive Minded

THEMES
 The Challenges of Growing Up

1) Richard has little chance of communicating with Pa.

2) Hannah’s stiff relationship with her classmates.

 Humanity and Friendship Gives Us Hope

1) Joyce Kilmer replied to Richard’s letters.

2) Kilmer’s encouragement helped improve Richard’s poems.

 Life Full of Surprises and Ironies

1) Richard discovers a fellow poet with the same love for nature and living things.
MORAL VALUES
 Compassion and Understanding

1) Joyce Kilmer understands Richard’s challenges and gives him a lot of encouragement and support.

 Patriotism

1) Joyce Kilmer is a poet with a family, yet he signed up as a soldier.

 Rationality and Moderation

1) Abner and Harry are irrational and extremist when they sneered at Richard after he read the poem.

LESSON LEARNT
 We must have the courage to serve our country

1) Joyce Kilmer volunteers to serve in World War 1.

 We must believe in ourselves

1) Some of his classmates consider poets to be sissies but in the end, Joyce Kilmer noticed his talent.

 We must accept our fate in life

1) Joyce Kilmer accepted the fact that his daughter, Rose died and went to heaven.
 CHAPTER 6
CHARACTERS
 Mrs Hansen : Pavithra

 Richard : Yogan
 Abner : Darshan
 Harry : Tinesh
 Mr. Higby : Yuvan
 Hannah : Shahvani
 Gus : Darshan
 Mr Kilmer : Tinesh
Mr Kilmer and Richard continue to write to each other during the summer. In every letter, Richard
includes a poem. Mr Kilmer arrives in France and the soldiers are ready to fight although they are
frightened.
 When school re-opens, Mrs Hansen announces that the class would be putting up a patriotic
programme to help sell Liberty Bonds to raise funds for the war. Mrs Hansen asks the class to write an
essay entitled “How We Can Help The War Effect Right Here in Turtle Lake”.
The best essay by a girl will earn her role of Lady Liberty and the best essay written by a boy will make
him the Doughboy, an informal term referring to a member of the US Army.
Richard writes an essay on how the students in his school could exchange letters with the soldiers so
that they would not feel lonely and homesick.
 During recess, the students discuss on who would be chosen
as Lady Liberty and Doughboy.

Richard is shocked to find out that many students do

not want Hannah to be chosen as Lady Liberty
because of her German background. He assumes
they have accepted her since they no longer bully
her.
 A few days later, Mrs
Hansen announces the
winners of the essay-
writing competition.
Richard’s essay is chosen
as the best essay among
the boys. Richard is asked
to read his essay to the
class.

Most of the students clap politely while Abner and Harry only
stare at him fiercely.
Next, Mrs Hansen asks Hannah
to read her essay since she is
the winner for the girls. Hannah
reads a moving essay on
fighting prejudice and hatred.
She also talks about living in
peace, despite people’s
differences.

Although she has written an excellent

essay, Richard is the only student to clap
for her in the class
 Gus warns Richard that none of the students should know that Richard likes poetry. This is because
most of the school are already angry with Richard for supporting the Schermers and might tease him
for this. Gus tells Richard that nobody likes an oddball and that he should just try to blend in with the
other students.
The next day, Richard shows the letter to Mrs Hansen. Mrs Hansen’s response is very encouraging. She
asks him to read some parts of Mr Kilmer’s letters as well as his own poems in class.
 As Richard leaves the school, he finds Hannah waiting outside for him. Hannah apologises for being
angry with him yesterday and praises his courage for being for being the only one to sign the card.
Hannah further explains that some of her neighbours had painted the tavern with fresh paint and
expressed their regret over the incident. Hannah also tells Richard that her brother, Otto, has joined the
war to fight against the Germans.
On his way home, Richard climbs the oak tree to watch the train passing by. This time, the train carries
soldiers in khaki uniforms. The soldiers are laughing and smiling. Richard feels sad for the soldiers. He
is worried for Otto, and Mr Kilmer, his new friend and fellow poet.
CHARACTERS & CHARACTERISTICS

Richard Hannah Schermer Joyce Kilmer

Outspoken Generous Kind
Helpful Gentle Suppportive
Hardworking

THEMES
 Patriotism

1) Soldiers that are willing to risk their lives in war for the betterment of their nation.

 Effects of War

1) Feeling of worry surrounds everyone.

 Prejudice and Discrimination

1) Hannah goes through severe discrimination among her classmates.

MORAL VALUES

 Determination

1) Richard is determined to achieve his dream of becoming a poet despite strong objection from his family.

 Patriotism

1) Joyce Kilmer is a poet with a family, yet he signed up as a soldier.

 Bravery

1) Richard stands his ground by supporting the Schermers despite strong backlash from other people.
THANK YOU