“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/one-crazy-summer-by-rita-williams-garcia/characters
Lesson Plan Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Student Rubric
Lesson Plan Overview
Lesson Plan Overview
As students read, a storyboard can serve as a helpful character reference log. This log (also called a character map) allows students to recall relevant information about important characters. When reading a novel, small attributes and details frequently become important as the plot progresses. With character mapping, students will record this information, helping them follow along and catch the subtleties which make reading more enjoyable!
In this activity, students will create a character map of the characters in One Crazy Summer. They will pay close attention to the physical attributes and the traits of both major and minor characters. Students can also provide detailed information regarding the challenges the character faces, the challenges the character imposes, and the importance of the character to the plot of the story.
Template and Class Instructions
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a character map for the major characters in One Crazy Summer.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Identify the characters in One Crazy Summer and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a Storyboard That character to represent each of the book characters. Note: be sure to select colors and a pose appropriate to story and character traits.
- Fill in Textables for "Physical/Character Traits", "How does this character change throughout the novel?", and "What challenges does this character face?"
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Character Map Template
Create a character map of the characters in the story. Put the character's name in the title boxes and choose a character and scene to represent each one. As you read, take notes on the characters by answering the questions.
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Character Picture & Scene | The characters and scenes are both appropriate for the book's characters. | Many of the characters and scenes match the book's characters. | More than half of the characters and scenes do not match the characters in the book. |
| Accuracy of Notes | Most of the information of the notes is correct. | Many of the notes have correct information, but some are incorrect or missing. | Less than half of the information of the notes is correct and relevant. |
| Effort | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. | Most of the sections of the character map were at least attempted and work is presentable. | Character map is unfinished and/or disorganized. |
Lesson Plan Overview
As students read, a storyboard can serve as a helpful character reference log. This log (also called a character map) allows students to recall relevant information about important characters. When reading a novel, small attributes and details frequently become important as the plot progresses. With character mapping, students will record this information, helping them follow along and catch the subtleties which make reading more enjoyable!
In this activity, students will create a character map of the characters in One Crazy Summer. They will pay close attention to the physical attributes and the traits of both major and minor characters. Students can also provide detailed information regarding the challenges the character faces, the challenges the character imposes, and the importance of the character to the plot of the story.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a character map for the major characters in One Crazy Summer.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Identify the characters in One Crazy Summer and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a Storyboard That character to represent each of the book characters. Note: be sure to select colors and a pose appropriate to story and character traits.
- Fill in Textables for "Physical/Character Traits", "How does this character change throughout the novel?", and "What challenges does this character face?"
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Character Map Template
Create a character map of the characters in the story. Put the character's name in the title boxes and choose a character and scene to represent each one. As you read, take notes on the characters by answering the questions.
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Character Picture & Scene | The characters and scenes are both appropriate for the book's characters. | Many of the characters and scenes match the book's characters. | More than half of the characters and scenes do not match the characters in the book. |
| Accuracy of Notes | Most of the information of the notes is correct. | Many of the notes have correct information, but some are incorrect or missing. | Less than half of the information of the notes is correct and relevant. |
| Effort | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. | Most of the sections of the character map were at least attempted and work is presentable. | Character map is unfinished and/or disorganized. |
How Tos about Characters in One Crazy Summer
1
Try character mapping as a collaborative group activity
Boost engagement by having students work in small groups to create character maps. Collaboration encourages discussion, deeper analysis, and peer support as students explore character traits and development together.
2
Assign specific characters to each group
Give each group a different character from One Crazy Summer to focus on. This ensures all characters are covered and allows students to become 'experts' on their assigned character, which can lead to richer class discussions later.
3
Guide groups to use evidence from the text
Encourage students to find direct quotes or passages that support their character’s traits, challenges, or changes. This strengthens reading comprehension and textual analysis skills.
4
Facilitate group presentations of character maps
Have each group present their completed character map to the class. This gives students a sense of ownership and allows them to learn about other characters from their peers.
5
Display all character maps as a classroom reference
Post completed character maps on a bulletin board or create a digital gallery. This provides an ongoing resource students can consult throughout the novel study.
Frequently Asked Questions about Characters in One Crazy Summer
What is a character map for One Crazy Summer?
A character map for One Crazy Summer is a visual or written tool that helps students track the traits, development, and challenges of major and minor characters throughout the novel. It makes it easier to understand and remember how characters contribute to the story.
How do you create a character map for One Crazy Summer?
To create a character map for One Crazy Summer, list the main characters, select a visual or icon to represent each, and fill in details about their physical traits, personality, challenges faced, and how they change during the story. Using a storyboard tool can make this process interactive and engaging.
Why is character mapping helpful when reading novels like One Crazy Summer?
Character mapping helps students follow plot developments, remember key details, and notice subtle changes in characters. This technique supports deeper understanding and enhances engagement with novels such as One Crazy Summer.
What are some key traits to include in a character map for One Crazy Summer?
Include physical traits, personality characteristics, challenges faced, how the character changes, and their role in the plot. These details help students analyze and compare characters effectively.
What is the best way for middle school students to use a character map for literature studies?
The best way is to update the character map while reading, adding new insights as characters evolve. Using visual elements like storyboards makes it interactive and helps students retain information about the story and its characters.
More Storyboard That Activities
One Crazy Summer
Testimonials
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/one-crazy-summer-by-rita-williams-garcia/characters
© 2026 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
© 2026 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
