A young boy is growing up and his family is poor and hungry. His father and their dog, Sounder, hunt each night, but the food is scarce. When his father resorts to stealing food for his family, he is caught and sent to jail. The boy relies on his faith to bring his father home, and his desire to learn gives him hope for a better life. Set in the 19th-century South, Newbery Medal winner Sounder is a classic story about family, survival, and hope.
Student Activities for Sounder
Essential Questions for Sounder
- Why do none of the characters except for Sounder have a name?
- How does the boy feel about his parents?
- What are some of the challenges that the boy and his family face?
- What is the main theme of the story?
Sounder Summary
A Black sharecropper and his dog, Sounder, go hunting each night so that the family can be fed. When hunting no longer brings in enough food, the sharecropper steals ham and is caught. When the sheriff arrives to take him away, Sounder chases them, gets shot, and runs away. The boy goes after Sounder, but only finds a trail of blood and part of Sounder’s ear.
With their father in jail, the family must survive on the money that mother makes shelling walnuts. The boy continues searching for Sounder, but he must also take care of his younger siblings. His dreams of learning to read and going to school are set aside, as he is now the man of the house. When mother makes a cake for father at Christmas, the boy brings it to the jail and visits his father. His father suggests that Sounder is most likely still alive and tells his son this must be his last visit.
The next day, Sounder returns, but he is in very poor shape. He can only use three of his legs, and half of his face has been mangled from being shot. The family takes care of the dog, and he becomes stronger each day. Meanwhile, they learn that their father has been convicted and forced into hard labor. While looking for his father one day, a guard whacks the boy’s fingers with a piece of iron. Hurt and bleeding, the boy goes to a nearby schoolhouse to tend to his wounds. There, he meets a kind teacher. The teacher tends to his injuries, and the boy tells him of his family’s situation. The teacher offers to help by teaching him and allowing the boy to live with him. Mother agrees and the boy stays with the teacher for part of the year, while working in the fields during the summer.
One day, while at home helping his mother, the boy sees his father walking down the long road to the cabin. He is thin, battered, and was terribly injured in a dynamite blast, but he is home. As dog and master reunite and heal, they go hunting together one last time. When Sounder returns without his master, the boy discovers that his father has died. His body was tired. Shortly after father’s death, Sounder dies as well. The boy is happy that they have both found peace and are in a better place. The boy continues to learn to read and write, and has hope for a future.
Sounder is a story about loyalty, struggle, and family. It is a classic story that is loved by both children and adults, and is a wonderful addition to any classroom library.
How Tos about Sounder by William H. Armstrong
Engage students with a creative character analysis activity for Sounder
Invite students to choose a character (such as the boy, the father, or Sounder) and create a visual or written profile. Encourage them to include traits, motivations, challenges, and relationships. This helps students deepen their understanding of character development while practicing textual evidence skills.
Guide students to cite evidence from the text to support their ideas
Ask students to find quotes or passages that reveal important traits or decisions by their chosen character. Model how to pair each claim with supporting evidence. This builds critical reading and analytical skills essential for literary study.
Encourage students to make personal connections to the story
Prompt students to reflect on moments in Sounder that remind them of their own experiences or feelings. Facilitate a discussion or journaling activity where students share their thoughts. This fosters empathy and deeper engagement with the text.
Integrate art by having students illustrate an important scene
Invite students to draw or digitally create a key moment from Sounder that highlights a character’s challenge or growth. Display their work in the classroom to celebrate creativity and comprehension.
Wrap up with a group discussion analyzing character changes
Lead a conversation about how the characters develop throughout the story. Encourage students to use their profiles, evidence, and artwork to support their ideas. This reinforces understanding and builds classroom community.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sounder by William H. Armstrong
What is the main theme of Sounder?
The main theme of Sounder is family, survival, and hope. It explores how perseverance and loyalty help a young boy and his family face poverty and adversity in the 19th-century South.
How can teachers use Sounder in the classroom?
Teachers can use Sounder to spark discussions about resilience, social justice, and empathy. Lesson plans might include analyzing character development, exploring historical context, and creative writing activities.
Why do only the dog Sounder have a name in the book?
Only the dog Sounder is named to emphasize the family's anonymity and universal struggles. This choice allows readers to relate to the characters and reflect on themes of identity and dignity.
What challenges does the boy face in Sounder?
The boy faces challenges such as poverty, hunger, loss, and limited access to education. He must care for his family, search for his father and dog, and overcome personal hardships.
Is Sounder appropriate for elementary or middle school students?
Sounder is suitable for upper elementary and middle school students. Its themes and content prompt age-appropriate conversations about family, morality, and hope.
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