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The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime

Christopher Boone sets out to investigate the suspicious death of his neighbor’s dog but discovers more about his own family mysteries. Along the way, readers learn about the complex beauty of autistic thinkers.

Below are some reading passages that we have hand picked to supplement this book. Be sure to read the passage summaries and our suggestions for instructional use.

8th Grade Psychology 1130L
Coping Mechanisms
CommonLit Staff 2016
Passage Summary:

In “Coping Mechanisms,” the author explains the difference between adaptive and maladaptive coping mechanisms.

When and How to Pair: Pair chapters 5 and 11 of “Curious Incident” to introduce students scientifically to the concept of coping with distress, present in these chapters and throughout the novel. How does Christopher cope with unpleasant things in these two chapters? Ask students to consider how Christopher, his father, and other characters cope with the disorder of life throughout the rest of the novel.
10th Grade Short Story 1180L
A Dead Woman's Secret
Guy de Maupassant 1880
Passage Summary:

Guy de Maupassant was a popular French writer during the 19th century and considered one of the fathers of the modern short story. In this story, a brother and sister mourn the passing of their saintly mother and uncover a shocking secret.

When and How to Pair: Pair chapter 157 of “Curious Incident” with “A Dead Woman’s Secret” so students can discuss their similar plot devices of discovering family secrets and infidelity through letters. Ask students to discuss how the plots of the story and this chapter are similar, and how Christopher handles the news of his mother’s infidelity in comparison to the Reverend in the story. Why might authors use letters as a means of revealing a secret?
11th Grade Skill Lesson 820L
Of Revenge
Sir Francis Bacon 1625
Passage Summary:

In this passage, Bacon discusses the notion of revenge, why some seek it, and the consequences of this fixation.

When and How to Pair: Pair chapter 167 of “Curious Incident” with “Of Revenge” to help students understand why Christopher’s father killed Wellington. Ask students to evaluate Father’s justification for killing Wellington based on Bacon’s theory of revenge. Is Christopher’s father justified in his revenge? What does Christopher’s reaction to his father’s act of vengeance reveal about Christopher’s perspective on the matter?
10th Grade Speech 1110L
Fear Is Simple and Profound
Julia Butterfly Hill 1999
Passage Summary:

In this speech, Julia Butterfly Hill explains how fear and addiction keep people from achieving their goals.

When and How to Pair: Pair chapter 179 of “Curious Incident” with “Fear is Simple and Profound” to focus on the theme of overcoming fear. How does fear motivate Christopher in this chapter, and what fears does he overcome? Can students think of other characters motivated or manipulated by fear? Ask students to keep this text in mind as Christopher travels to London in chapters 191, 197, 211, and 227.
7th Grade Poem
what love isn't
Yrsa Daley-Ward 2014
Passage Summary:

In Yrsa Daley-Ward’s poem “what love isn’t,” Ward explores attributes of love not often discussed.

When and How to Pair: Have students read "what love isn't" after completing the novel in order to focus on the themes of love and forgiveness. Ask students to use the definition of love in the context of the poem to discuss how Christopher's love towards his father develops throughout the story. How do Christopher’s conclusions about love and family align with/differ from the speaker in the poem’s conclusions? How does forgiveness impact Christopher’s love for his father? His mother?