Patricia McKissackand

Fredrick McKissack, Jr.

About the outher Patricia had been a junior high English teacher and then a

children's book editor. While working as an editor she decided to be a writer. “ I write because there’s a need to have books for,by, and about the African Americans experience and how we helped to develop this country. Patricia McKissack gave an advice for would-be writers, particularly African Americans:

" We need different points of view."

A family of writersWife-and-husband writing team Patricia and Fredrick McKissack, and Fredrick McKissack,Jr.

What does the title mean?In Major League Baseball, a shutout refers to

the act by which a single pitcher pitches a complete game and does not allow the opposing team to score a run.

Objectives Students will respond to a variety of texts Recognize various literary elements and

termsRecognize the different purposes of writingStudents will be able to collaborate

effectively with peersContribute in class discussions Engage in class and group activities Listen and respect others

Author’s purpose Why The Shutout was written?“The Shutout,” authors Patricia C. and

Frederick McKissack describe an unfair situation that African American ballplayers faced in the early days of major league baseball.

“The history of the Negro Leagues is a patchwork of human drama and comedy, filled with legendary heroes, infamous owners, triple-headers, low pay, and long bus rides home – not unlike the majors.” (McKissack)

Literary Analysis

Informative/ Expository Text: An essay is a short nonfictional work about a particular subject. A historical essay gives facts, explanation, and interpretation of historical events. For example, in “The Shutout,” the authors provide facts about a variety of stick-and-ball games from different cultures.

Vocabulary anecdote: short entertaining tales.

I love the anecdotes of old people.

evolved: developed, grew gradually Many modern stories have evolved from ancient myths and legends.

diverse : various with differing characteristics Mammals are a diverse group of animals.

• irrational : unreasonable His fear od spiders is irrational.

More vocabulary to know segregation : a social system that provides

separate facilities for minority groups

negro: a person with dark skin who comes from Africa

league :attach oneself to a group

legendary: so celebrated as having taken on the nature of a legend

Answer these questions What is the main idea or subject of the

article?What kinds of details are provided in

the article? List at least 2 examplesHow are the details presented? ( Lists,

stories / examples, steps, images, etc.)What is the author’s purpose? (To

inform, to entertain, to persuade, or to express ideas and feelings)

MCQWhat kinds of details support the information

you find in "The Shutout"?

A. factual details B. exciting details C. descriptive details D. persuasive details

In what order are the details in "The Shutout" presented?

A. most important to least important B. in the order that they happened(Correct Answer) C. in reverse order, from the future to the past(Your Answer) D. in random order, as the authors thought of them

According to the authors of "The Shutout", why did slave owners prefer individual sports to team sports?

A. Slave owners did not want to build baseball fields. B. They thought that individual sports like archery were more exciting than team sports. C. They liked to see individual slaves compete against each other, and they would bet on the outcome. D. They were too poor to pay the salaries of players on teams.

How does "The Shutout" describe baseball teams in eastern cities and small midwestern towns before the American Civil War?

A. The teams were integrated. B. There were no integrated teams. C. Only women played on baseball teams. D. There were no teams in the East or Midwest.

What is the general purpose of the expository essay, "The Shutout"?

A. to change the reader's mind about a subject B. to explain how to make or do something C. to provide information D. to reflect on an experience

According to the information in "The Shutout", why were the Negro Leagues organized?

A. Talented African American athletes wanted to play baseball despite the racism of the time. B. African American players knew they would get better press coverage in the Negro Leagues. C. African American players didn't want to play on teams with white players. D. There was a lot of money to be made playing for the Negro Leagues.

Which words most accurately describe the essay, "The Shutout"?

A. It is a series of inspiring stories. B. It is a humorous story. C. It is a historical account. D. It is suspenseful fiction.

Which of the following is a historical fact in "The Shutout" that can be proved true?

A. The history of the old Negro Leagues and the players who barnstormed on black diamonds is one of baseball's most interesting chapters. B. It is believed that some of the emancipated slaves and runaways who served in the Union Army learned how to play baseball from northern blacks and whites. C. Fifteen hundred people paid fifty cents to see the first "all-star" games between Brooklyn and New York. D. One war journalist noted that black players were "sought after as teammates because of their skill as