On a fresh page in your writer’s notebook, write today’s date and the following title:

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

Jeannette Walls Born April 21, 1960 in Phoenix, Arizona to Rex and Rose Mary

Walls. She is the third of four siblings. Her family moved around all her life. They lived in Arizona,

California, Nevada, West Virginia, and sometimes were homeless. Her parents never had steady jobs because they didn’t want to

be “tied down” to an area. After she graduated high school at 17, Walls moved to New York

City to work and attend college. She graduated from Columbia University's Barnard College with

honors. She became a reporter for New York magazine, Esquire, USA

Today and MSNBC.com, where she currently works.

Jeannette Walls, The Glass Castle

Before Reading: Based on the brief life history you have

learned about Jeannette Walls, what life experiences do you feel might play a role in defining who she is as a person?

Jeannette Walls, The Glass Castle

During Reading: Annotations

1. Underline all the examples of imagery (appeals to the senses: sight, sound,

taste, touch, smell)2. Circle the most descriptive words you

encounter. (words that you really like that help to paint a living picture for you)

Jeannette Walls, The Glass Castle

After Reading: Respond to the following questions-

1. What is the most interesting/vivid description you encountered while reading?

2. What is the significance of the last line of the story? How is it ironic?

3. How do you think Jeanette Walls’s emotions and experiences have affected her actions and helped define who she is?