Paired Texts > Trail into Darkness

by Brad Robie 2017

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.

Of Feathers, Fat, and Freezing
Of Feathers, Fat, and Freezing
Donna DeVoe DiFolco

In the informational text, "Of Feathers, Fat, and Freezing," Donna DeVoe DiFolco discusses how chickadees are able to survive freezing temperatures.

Pair “Of Feathers, Fat, and Freezing” with “Trail into Darkness” to provide students with information about how harsh winter conditions can be. Ask students to discuss why Luke would have been in trouble if he hadn’t found his family? Do students think Luke could have survived in the cold as well as a chickadee? Why or why not?

6th Grade Informational Text 1150L
Black Blizzard
Black Blizzard
Maurine V. Eleder

In Maurine V. Eleder's short story "Black Blizzard," a girl braves a dust storm to help bring her horse to safety.

Pair “Trail into Darkness” with “Black Blizzard” and ask students to discuss how nature can be dangerous. How is getting lost in the snow dangerous for the speaker in “Trail into Darkness”? How does this compare to the dangers of getting caught in a dust storm in “Black Blizzard”? How do the characters in the two texts manage their fears?

5th Grade Historical Fiction 610L
Excerpt from "Inuit"
Excerpt from "Inuit"
Carol White

In this excerpt from "Inuit," Carol White discusses a group of people who have survived in the Arctic for thousands of years.   

Pair “Trail into Darkness” with “Excerpt from Inuit” and ask students to discuss how freezing weather can be dangerous. Why is it dangerous when Luke gets lost while snowshoeing? What dangers do the Inuit face because of their cold environment? How do they stay warm? What do students think the Inuit would have told Luke to do in order to stay alive?

5th Grade Informational Text 940L
The Very, Very, Very Long Hike
The Very, Very, Very Long Hike
Debbie Urbanski

In "The Very, Very, Very Long Hike," a young girl goes on a hike with her family. 

Pair “A Trail Into Darkness” with “The Very, Very, Very, Long Hike” and ask students to discuss how Edun and Luke’s feelings change as they experience adventures with their family. What causes the characters' feelings to change throughout each story?

3rd Grade Short Story 630L
The Chicken That Crossed the Road
The Chicken That Crossed the Road
Gary Soto

A young boy learns a lesson about courage after finding a chicken. 

Pair “Trail Into Darkness” with “The Chicken That Crossed the Road” and ask students to compare the main characters’ acts of courage. Although both characters are brave, how does their bravery differ? How is it the same? If Luke from “Trail Into Darkness” met Miguel from “The Chicken that Crossed the Road” what advice might they give each other?

5th Grade Short Story 720L
Left Behind
Left Behind
Susan Hall

In "Left Behind," a boy learns to use his senses to protect his village.

Pair “Trail Into Darkness” with “Left Behind” and have students discuss how characters find their way back to their home and family. What is similar about Luke and Erik’s journeys? What is different?

4th Grade Short Story 760L
The Tides of Change
The Tides of Change
Victoria Marie Lees

In the story "The Tides of Change," two sisters learn the importance of helping others.

Pair “Trail Into Darkness” with “The Tides of Change” and have students compare and contrast Luke from “Trail Into Darkness” with Marie. How do both characters respond to battling against nature? How do they get back to safety?

4th Grade Short Story 630L
Snow Pony
Snow Pony
Krista Curran

In "Snow Pony," a boy becomes frustrated while playing with his family in the snow.

Pair “Trail into Darkness” with “Snow Pony” and ask students to discuss how the snow affects the families in both stories. Do you think Asher from “Snow Pony” and Luke from “Trail into Darkness” feel the same or different about playing in the snow? Why or why not?

3rd Grade Fiction - General 510L
Ice Island
Ice Island
Sherry Shahan

In "Ice Island," a young girl encounters danger while visiting her aunt in Alaska.

Pair “Trail Into Darkness” with “Ice Island” and have students compare how the settings are dangerous. How is the setting dangerous in “Trail Into Darkness”? What problems does this cause for Luke? How is the setting dangerous in “Ice Island”? What problems does this cause for Jodi?

4th Grade Fiction - General 590L
Smooth Sailing
Smooth Sailing
Bonnie Katz

In "Smooth Sailing," a boy must think quickly to save his father when sailing.

Pair “Trail into Darkness” with “Smooth Sailing” and have students think about how people react when they are afraid. How does Luke respond to getting lost in “Trail into Darkness”? How does Sean respond to having to steer the boat and get his dad back to safety in “Smooth Sailing”? What do their reactions show about what people do when they are afraid?

4th Grade Fiction - General 830L
Coconuts
Coconuts
Dagmar Kost

In "Cocounts," a young boy must help his family prepare for a hurricane.

Pair “Trail Into Darkness” with “Coconuts” and have students think about why it is important to follow directions during an emergency. Why does Uncle Don tell the group to stay together in “Trail Into Darkness”? What happens when the family becomes separated? Why do Jason’s parents tell him to collect coconuts in “Coconuts”? What might have happened if he did not listen? Why is it important to follow directions in an emergency in both texts?

4th Grade Fiction - General 630L
The Spooky Science of Fear
The Spooky Science of Fear
Tracy Vonder Brink

In "The Spooky Science of Fear," the author explains the effects of fear on our brains and bodies.

Pair “Trail Into Darkness” with “The Spooky Science of Fear” and ask students to discuss how both texts discuss fear. What scares Luke in “Trail Into Darkness”? What does Luke think, feel, and do when he gets scared? How does “The Spooky Science of Fear” help explain what happens to Luke in “Trail Into Darkness”? Are there any tips you could give Luke from the text “The Spooky Science of Fear”?

4th Grade Psychology 880L