Crossword Puzzle Pack for Use with Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz

These Splendors and Glooms crossword puzzles check vocabulary and story details from Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz, written for Grades 4-7. It is a no-prep 48-page printable PDF with answer keys, sold on Teachers Pay Teachers.

At a glance

• Book: Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz
• Grades: 4th–7th
• Resource type: Crossword puzzles
• Format: 48-page printable PDF
• Answer key: Included
• Teaching duration: 1 Week
• Standards: L.4.4, L.4.6, L.5.4, L.5.6, L.6.4, L.6.6, L.7.4, L.7.6 and more
• Price: $3.00

Deepen reading comprehension and critical thinking with this no-prep crossword puzzle pack designed for Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz. Each clue requires students to recall key details, interpret vocabulary in context, and analyze themes from this Newbery Honor–winning Victorian Gothic novel.

If you’ve been looking for a way to turn passive chapter reviews into active, retrieval-based practice, these crosswords do exactly that. The mix of clue types challenges students to move beyond simple recognition—they’ll need to recall character motives, define tricky vocabulary, and make inferences about the story’s layered symbolism. And the best part? Every puzzle is print-and-go, with full answer keys that make planning effortless.

What’s Included:

• 12 crossword puzzles — 10 chapter-group crosswords that follow the novel from Prologue through Epilogue, plus 2 whole-book review crosswords to tie everything together
• 200 clue-and-answer pairs — covering character analysis, plot-event recall, Victorian-era vocabulary, literary devices, and thematic ideas
• Carefully differentiated clues — easier literal-recall clues build confidence, medium vocabulary and plot clues reinforce comprehension, and harder inference and theme-based prompts stretch critical thinking; clue formats include definition-based, fill-in-the-blank, and contextual cues
• Complete answer keys for every puzzle — check work in seconds, with zero extra prep
• Well-illustrated designs with atmospheric artwork that reflects the novel’s Gothic, puppetry-rich world
• Both full-color and black & white versions — ink-saving without losing visual appeal
  Total 48 ready-to-use pages

Teachers reach for this pack for chapter comprehension checks, Socratic seminar prep, literature circle discussions, guided reading, homework, sub plans, and end-of-novel assessment review. The engaging, puzzle-based format keeps students in grades 4–7 thinking hard while they work.

These crosswords go beyond simple vocabulary—they reinforce close reading, textual evidence, and word analysis at a deep level. Aligned to CCSS standards for Reading: Literature (RL.4.1, RL.5.1, RL.6.1, RL.7.1; RL.4.4, RL.5.4, RL.6.4, RL.7.4) and Language (L.4.4, L.5.4, L.6.4, L.7.4; L.4.6, L.5.6, L.6.6, L.7.6), this pack supports rigorous novel study with minimal prep.

Get this resource on Teachers Pay Teachers today and watch your students connect more deeply with every chapter—no stress, no prep, just meaningful literary engagement!

Disclaimer:
This product is an independent supplemental resource designed for use with Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the author or publisher. All references to characters, settings, and events are used for educational purposes only to support reading comprehension and classroom instruction. This resource does not include the original text. Students must have their own copy of the book to complete the activities. All content in this resource is original and created by the seller.

More Splendors and Glooms resources

All Splendors and Glooms activities & puzzles

Frequently asked questions

What grade level is this for?

It is written for Grades 4-7 (TpT lists 4th-7th).

How long is it?

It is a 48-page printable PDF. Suggested teaching time: 1 Week.

Are answer keys included?

Yes. Answer keys are included.

Do students need their own copy of Splendors and Glooms?

Yes. This is an independent supplemental resource and does not include the text of Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz, so students need their own copy.

How do I get this resource?

It is sold on Teachers Pay Teachers ($3.00) as a PDF download. Use the Buy on TpT button on this page.