ACTIVITIES to use with UNWIND by Neal Shusterman
1. Some children in the story were “storked”. Compare that to our folk legend of the stork.
2. See what information you can find about the movie, “Playing for time”. How does this compare to Risa‟s experience?
3. The Akron AWOL and Humphrey Dunfee are urban legends. Define “urban legend”. Then tell about a modern urban legend you know.
4. The Admiral has posted his Ten Demandments. How do they compare to other lists you know i.e. The Ten Commandments, the Seven Commandments in Animal Farm ?
5. Lev is a tithe. Research that word to see if it is still in use today. Write a paragraph presenting your conclusion.
6. “Connor shrugs. „It was the last chapter in our history textbook, but we had state testing, so never got to it.‟ The same thing may be occurring in Nebraska schools today. Write a persuasive essay for or against the practice.
7. Look up chop shop. How is today‟s definition the same as it is used in the book? How is it different?
8. “The Heartland War was pro-life vs. pro-choice and both sides lost.” Explain how this is possible.
9. The situations in Unwind are futuristic yet they are realistic and identifiable with events or issues from our past and present. Choose one of the following OR add one of your own to research. Then explain how it relates to Shusterman‟s story.
Abortion
Adoption
Suicide bombers
Genocide
Refugee camps
Underground Railroad
Hiding from the enemy (i.e. the Jews in World War II)
Organ donation
Teen cliques
Pro-life
Pro-choice
Teen runaways
Evangelists
Red Cross blood drives
War profiteers
Racism
Homophobia
Teen angst
Orphans and orphanages
10. Parents in the book can sign an “Unwind Order” if they are having trouble controlling their teens. Check with Health and Human Services or local law enforcement to see what options might be available to parents in your city and state.