Eighth grade reading students need encouragement to keep them reading at a time when they are becoming very socially involved and tend to give it up. Their Terra Nova scores still show that their comprehension is not what it should be. This unit provides a good classroom read of an exciting novel with good discussion potential. In reading together, they will hopefully narrow this comprehension gap. The unit addresses TN Curriculum Standard for 6-8th grade reading that states: "The student will develop the reading skills necessary for word recognition, comprehension, interpretation, analysis, evaluation, and appreciation of the written text." Pre-Survey item #22 (My students use Internet in my classroom to research topics) is addressed because students will be doing several enrichment activities using Internet.