The Wanderer Reading Comprehension Workbook

NOTE: These sample pages may be from another book, but all of our workbooks are the same. They contain several vocabulary and comprehension questions per chapter, or section.

This intimate narrative, akin to Creech’s “Walk Two Moons” and “Chasing Redbird,” gracefully weaves together self-discovery and the transformative journey. Thirteen-year-old Sophie eagerly learns of her three uncles’ and two male cousins’ plans to sail across the Atlantic to visit their father, Bompie, in England. Sophie ardently pleads to join, despite initial objections from her mother and reservations from the men. She quickly establishes herself as a valued member of the diverse crew aboard the 45-foot vessel, The Wanderer, showcasing her mettle as a skilled sailor.

The story primarily unfolds through travel logs, predominantly penned by Sophie, occasionally laced with whimsical musings from her playful cousin, Cody. These detailed entries meticulously chronicle each leg of the eventful voyage and feature captivating woodblock-like prints by Diaz, renowned for his work in “Smoky Night.” Through the discerning eyes of the young adventurers, the narrative exposes the vulnerabilities of both the boat and its six passengers, each grappling with their unique fears and regrets.

Among the ensemble, Sophie emerges as the most intricate and enigmatic character, her complex relationship with the sea mirroring her internal conflicts. Her heartfelt stories about Bompie and the narrative’s clever nuances, like the unique names of the brothers—Ulysses, Jonah, and Moses, add moments of levity, adeptly balancing the story’s deeper undercurrents. In her signature style, Creech adeptly captures the tumultuous emotional journey of a vulnerable teenager, seamlessly blending adventure and introspection.