The Notorious Benedict Arnold Novel Companion Guide for grades 6-12

Bring Benedict Arnold’s Complex Story to Life with This Complete Teaching Companion

The Notorious Benedict Arnold by Steve Sheinkin tells one of American history’s most fascinating stories—a brilliant military hero who became the nation’s most infamous traitor. This 24-page companion guide helps students in grades 6-12 deeply engage with Arnold’s transformation while connecting narrative history to real Revolutionary War events.

What’s Inside:

✓ Differentiated by Grade Level (6-8 and 9-12)

• Section A: Analysis worksheets for grades 6-8
• Section B: Advanced analysis for grades 9-12
• Section C: Comprehension worksheets for grades 6-8
• Section D: Advanced comprehension for grades 9-12

✓ Literary & Historical Analysis Activities

• Hero or traitor debate exercises
• Revolutionary War timeline connections
• Multiple perspectives analysis (Washington, British, Arnold)
• Themes: loyalty, honor, ambition, betrayal
• West Point strategic importance
• Character development tracking
• Tragic hero analysis
• John André and the “other side” exploration

✓ Comprehension Worksheets

• Early life and background
• Key battles (Ticonderoga, Quebec, Saratoga, West Point)
• Important historical figures
• Chronological sequencing
• Cause and effect analysis
• Historical vocabulary in context
• Conflict analysis (man vs. man, society, self)

✓ Complete Teacher Support

• Detailed answer key with expected responses
• Two assessment rubrics (analysis & comprehension)
• Implementation guide with flexible timelines
• Differentiation tips for struggling readers, advanced students, ESL learners
• Cross-curricular integration ideas (ELA, Social Studies, Ethics, Art)

✓ Two Culminating Project Options

Unlike simple comprehension questions, this guide challenges students to:

• Grapple with moral complexity and historical nuance
• Analyze how historians construct narratives
• Connect Revolutionary War events to broader themes
• Examine multiple perspectives and interpretations
• Consider questions of legacy, memory, and national identity

Perfect For:

• Homeschool families studying American Revolution
• Middle and high school history/ELA teachers
• Book clubs for teens
• Independent learners interested in American history
• Co-op classes exploring historical narrative nonfiction

Flexible Implementation:

• 2-week intensive unit
• 3-week standard unit with projects
• 4-week extended unit with research
• Independent study at student’s own pace
• Mix and match sections based on student needs

Standards Alignment: Supports critical thinking, textual analysis, historical interpretation, research skills, and evidence-based argumentation—all essential for college and career readiness.

File Details:

• 24-page PDF (digital download)
• Printer-friendly black and white interior
• Beautiful full-color cover
• Organized with clear section headers
• Answer key and rubrics included

Note: This is a companion guide only. The Notorious Benedict Arnold by Steve Sheinkin must be purchased separately.