Make sure you've read the book before attempting to answer the questions. Print a copy of this assignment when you are finished.
Here's an excerpt to help with your review of the story.
The Twenty-One Balloons
DuBois, William Peve
Readability: 8 and 9
Setting: A make-believe city on the island of Krakatoa
Main character: Professor William Waterman Sherman - over 60
"We spent 17 hours over the volcano. By this time the shaft of hot air had lost its strength and the balloons had lost altitude. We were only 100 feet above the mountain tops and about 1500 feet above the ocean. Finally a wind carried us away from the dreadful place. We flew until we were over Java. I had no desire to return to that fearful desolate island even if the diamond mines still existed."
Professor Sherman built a balloon that would keep him in the air for a year. His home, attached to the ball was a basketweaver's masterpiece. Disposing of the garbage was his biggest problem, the one which finally caused the destruction of the balloon.
When the balloon was punctured by a seagull, the professor managed to land on Krakatoa. He became an honored guest of the inhabitants. Their method of supporting the island was a large diamond mine. The island exploded, and the families escaped.
However, Professor Sherman, after his harrowing experience, still intends to spend a year in a balloon.
Questions:
1. What is the story about?
2. Who mainly managed the flight of the families large air-born platform?
3. Describe Professor Sherman's air-born home.
4. What was used as ballast?
5. If you were the professor, would you or would you not plan another balloon trip? Why?
