Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Old Shep, My Pal”

In this activity, students will add modern elements to a story they have read to make it more appealing to audiences.

Wallace dislikes the plot of Old Shep, My Pal so much that he is willing to risk his position on the football team rather than say he likes it. Driven by his dislike of the novel, Wallace attempts to change the play based on the novel to make it more enjoyable. Select a novel you have read and adapt it using the strategies Wallace uses in the book. Use the points below to develop your strategy.

• Describe aspects of the novel you dislike and would like to change.
• How might you change the language of the book to make it more enjoyable?
• What plot points would you adjust for your audience?
• How might you add modern elements to the novel?
• What adjustments can you make to the characters?
• What other considerations would you use to adapt the novel?

Share your novel with peers, describing the aspects of the novel you liked and disliked. Then explain the changes you would make to the plot and any other alterations to the novel.