WHILE YOU READ OR LISTEN
Gregory’s friends do several things to prepare him to visit Sandra. Write each of these things down as they happen. Why did they do each one?
THINK AND WRITE
The story begins by telling us that “Gregory Pitts’s friends love him so much that they told him the truth. And the truth was, he smelled dead. Like, rotten.” What are some of the ways Gregory’s friends help him by being honest? Do you think that there are times when it’s important to be honest with somebody, even if it hurts their feelings? Why or why not?
This story features a lot of smells. Can you name a few? Could you identify these smells with your eyes closed? Why not try and see! Grab a friend or family member, and have them blindfold you and hold something up to your nose. Take a sniff and see if you can tell what it is!! Could it be toothpaste? Mustard? A candle? Take turns wearing the blindfold and making guesses!
Now grab your pencil and get ready to write! While Gregory doesn’t actually become a grease fire, by the end of the story he definitely feels greasy–and his lips are burning! Write a story or poem about a person who turns into something unexpected. This could be a real transformation, or it could be a more symbolic transformation like Gregory’s. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- How a girl can become a Christmas tree…
- How a boy can become a volcano…
- How a dog can become a supervillian….
THINK DEEPER
Is there ever a time when you think it might be ok to not be completely honest? When is the truth necessary? Have you ever lied and then wished you hadn’t?
WRITE. RIGHT. RITE.
Gregory has a crush on Sandra and wants to tell her how he feels. He’s nervous and his friends try to help him be successful. There are lots of types of caring and love we can feel for different people, from our family to friends. Listen to Jason Reynolds, then write about how you might explain love to a magical pet!
TALK
How do you think Sandra responds to Gregory after she smiles? Explain your answer!
