Healer of the Water Monster

Throughout the novel, Nathan struggles to find a hero before realizing that he is the hero that he, Pond, and Uncle Jet need. How does Nathan learn to look within himself and become a hero? Consider the following points before you respond to the question.

• At the start of the novel, how does Nathan show that he lacks the confidence to confront his problems and looks to other people to be heroes instead?
• When Darkness tests Nathan’s heart, what heroic qualities does the Holy Being find within him?
• What events and details from the middle of the novel show that Nathan is gaining confidence, demonstrating the heroic qualities Darkness saw in him, and overcoming obstacles?
• By the end of the novel, how do Nathan’s actions and accomplishments prove he is a hero?

Teaching Suggestion: This prompt asks students to trace Nathan’s character development over the course of the novel. If your students are ready for different types of plot structure, you might introduce them to the Hero’s Journey and ask them to include the relevant stages in their discussion of the protagonist’s growth. This article and this 4.5-minute TED-Ed video on the Hero’s Journey may prove beneficial to students in their analysis of the novel’s plot. More advanced students might also be encouraged to make a connection between Finding the Hero Within and another of the novel’s main themes, The Importance of Respecting Nature and Family as a Source of Both Love and Pain.

Differentiation Suggestion: English language learners and students with attentional issues, executive function challenges, or difficulties with written expression may benefit from time to discuss the questions and look for evidence in the text with a partner or small group before attempting to write answers. Another differentiation strategy for these students would be to allow them to respond to the prompt in a series of separate short answers.