Wrap-Up (Q5)

Pick any character in the novel and write his/her 6-word memoir.  Be sure to identify the character you are writing about.

OR

Give me a brief description of how you think Colton's life will have turned out 8 years after the novel. Colton will be 20 years old by that time.

Eat & Drink (Q4)

If you had been riding a horse for 12 hours on the Pony Express, what would be the first thing you would want to eat and drink when you arrived at your final station?

Dangerous Job (Q3)

Riding for the Pony Express was one of the most dangerous jobs of the time, especially for someone your age. What do you think is the most dangerous job today (regardless of age)? Why?

Worst Thing? (Q2)

In your opinion, what is the worst thing that happens to Colton in the first several chapters of the novel? Explain.

Hazards (Q1)

Using examples FROM THE NOVEL, describe some of the hazards or difficulties faced by Colton and the other families in his wagon train as they traveled to California via the Oregon Trail.

Introduction to Black Storm Comin'

By Diane Lee Wilson

"There’s a rumor that a Civil War may be erupting in the United States and that slavery may end soon, but twelve-year-old Colton Westcott is dealing with prejudice on a much more personal level. After his father abandons the family, Colton takes a job with the Pony Express to take care of his sick mother and two sisters. The son of a white father and a black mother, Colton will have to “pass” for white or risk deadly consequences. And the stakes are high -- he must deliver the freedom papers for his aunt, a runaway slave living in California."

How To Post To The Blog

Instructions for Posting to the Blog

I am excited to see how this project turns out. Each student will make at least one comment for each question/topic posted. You are welcome to post as many comments as you would like. My hope is to create an online conversation about this novel. Commenting on the blog is easy. Follow these easy steps:
• To leave a comment about a question, please click on the comment link at the bottom of the blog entry.
• You can type your comment in the text box in the middle of the screen.
• After typing your comment, please select "Name/URL" for an identity. You need to only fill out the "Name" portion, just leave the "URL" portion blank.
• Special note on what to type for your name: DO NOT USE YOUR FULL NAME! Any entries with a full name will not be published on the blog. Please use only your first name and last initial. Example: Abraham Lincoln would just be "Abraham L."
• Click “Post Comment.”
• Next, please type in the word verification key as it appears (if asked to). This is to ensure that a person is responding to the blog entry and not a computer program creating SPAM.
• Click “Post Comment” again.
• Your comment will not appear immediately. It will be sent to the moderator of the blog (Mr. Carr) and once your comment is approved it will be posted.