Paired Texts > The Save

by Joseph Bruchac 2019

We've identified these texts as great options for text pairings based on similar themes, literary devices, topic, or writing style. Supplement your lesson with one or more of these options and challenge students to compare and contrast the texts. To assign a paired text, click on the text to go to its page and click the "Assign Text" button there.

Casey at the Bat
Casey at the Bat
Ernest Lawrence Thayer

Ernest Lawrence Thayer (1863-1940) was an American writer and poet, best known for this poem. It is considered a classic in sports-related literature and perhaps the most famous baseball poem ever written. In it, an arrogant player steps up to the plate with the weight of the game on his shoulders.

Pair “Casey at the Bat” with “The Save” and ask students to compare Casey and Oren’s character traits. How do their character traits ultimately contribute to the outcomes of the games?

7th Grade Poem
Between the Lines
Between the Lines
Cynthia Leitich Smith

In "Between the Lines," Native American teenagers Mel and Ray deal with awkwardness and misunderstandings at a community event.

Pair “The Save” with “Between the Lines” and ask students to discuss examples of how grandparents and other Elders help the younger characters in both stories. What role do Elders play in Native American life and culture? How do you think the younger characters in each story feel about the Elders around them? How can you tell? Are Elders in your own culture or family viewed the same way? Why, or why not?

7th Grade Short Story 790L
Rez Road
Rez Road
Joseph Bruchac

In "Rez Road," a speaker is reminded by their grandfather that, even amid the grim realities of modern life on their reservation, some connections are too strong to be broken.

Pair “The Save” with “Rez Road” and ask students to discuss the common themes and elements in each text. How does the speaker’s relationship with Grandpa Bigtree compare to Oren’s relationship with his grandfather. How do the speaker and Oren view the grandfathers in their lives?

8th Grade Poem
Four-Leaf Clover
Four-Leaf Clover
Ella Higginson

In "Four-Leaf Clover," the speaker explains where and how to find a four-leaf clover, and therefore, how to bring luck into one's life.

Pair “The Save” with “Four-Leaf Clover” and have students compare how luck is viewed in each piece. How does Oren from “The Save” feel about his lucky save during the lacrosse game? Why does his view change? How does the speaker of the poem “Four-Leaf Clover” view luck? How can believing in luck hurt and help people?

6th Grade Poem