Writer's Choice Grade 6

Unit 1: Personal Writing

Web Quest

Introduction
A person may write about day-to-day happenings in a journal (also called a diary). A journal is usually meant to be private. As time passes, however, a journal may become a public record of historical interest. Ten-year-old Carrie Berry lived in Atlanta during the Civil War. Her diary provides a firsthand account of what happened when the Union army came to her town.

Destination Title: Carrie Berry's Diary

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Directions
Start at the beginning of the diary. Read at least these passages:

The first four entries (through Aug. 3)
Tues., Nov. 8
Sat., Nov. 12, through Thurs., Nov. 17
Thurs., Dec. 22, through Sun., Dec. 25, 1864

Note: Use the scroll bar on the right side of your screen to find the dates.

After you have read the passages, answer the following questions:


1.		Carrie said that “times were too hard” for her to have a birthday cake. Explain what she meant.



2.		Many accounts of the Civil War are about politics and battles. Carrie’s diary is about her family life. Give an example of how the war affected her family.



3.		Why might historians be interested in reading Carrie’s diary?