Crossword Puzzle Pack for Use with Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry | Grades 6-9

These Gathering Blue crossword puzzles check vocabulary and story details from Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry, written for Grades 6-9. It is a no-prep 48-page printable PDF with answer keys, sold on Teachers Pay Teachers.

At a glance

• Book: Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry
• Grades: 6th–9th
• Resource type: Crossword puzzles
• Format: 48-page printable PDF
• Answer key: Included
• Teaching duration: 1 Week
• Standards: L.6.4, L.6.6, L.7.4, L.7.6, L.8.4, L.8.6, L.9-10.4, L.9-10.6 and more
• Price: $3.00

Help your students go beyond simple word recognition and truly engage with Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry through this no-prep crossword puzzle pack. Each puzzle challenges readers to recall characters, plot events, settings, and vocabulary — building deeper comprehension with every clue.

Save time while pushing student thinking to the next level. These crosswords require meaningful interaction with the text, not just quick recall, making them a powerful tool for grades 6–9. The mix of clue types ensures every learner — from your striving readers to your advanced analysts — finds both support and challenge.

What’s Included:

• 12 complete crossword puzzles — 10 chapter-unit crosswords covering all 23 chapters (grouped as Units 1–10) plus 2 whole-book review crosswords with 20 clues each, providing a thorough novel review
• A deliberate blend of literal recall, inference, and vocabulary-in-context clues — students must draw on character knowledge, plot sequencing, thematic analysis, and academic vocabulary to succeed
• Answer keys included for every puzzle — grading or self-checking is effortless
• Well-illustrated design with thematic artwork that reflects the dystopian world of the novel
• Available in both full-color and black & white versions — ink-saving printing made simple

These crosswords adapt seamlessly to your instructional flow. Use them as chapter checks, comprehension quizzes, test review, collaborative pair work, or independent study. They’re also perfect for sub plans or days when you need an engaging, print-and-go activity that still demands real thinking.

While students work through each puzzle, they’re strengthening close reading, textual evidence skills, and academic vocabulary — all while learning to love the process. Aligned to CCSS ELA standards RL.6.1, RL.6.4, L.6.4, L.6.6, RL.7.1, RL.7.4, L.7.4, L.7.6, RL.8.1, RL.8.4, L.8.4, and L.8.6, this resource supports both literature analysis and language development across the middle grades.

Get this resource on Teachers Pay Teachers today and watch your students dive into Gathering Blue with confidence — one clue at a time!

Disclaimer:

This product is an independent supplemental resource designed for use with Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry. 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.

Fonts Used:
Roboto by Christian Robertson | Open Sans by Steve Matteson | Playfair Display by Claus Eggers Sørensen | Lexend by Dr. Bonnie Shaver-Troup & Thomas Jockin | Poppins by Jonny Pinhorn | Montserrat by Julieta Ulanovsky
(All fonts are available via Google Fonts and licensed for commercial use under the SIL Open Font License.)

More Gathering Blue resources

All Gathering Blue activities & puzzles

Frequently asked questions

What grade level is this for?

It is written for Grades 6-9 (TpT lists 6th-9th).

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 Gathering Blue?

Yes. This is an independent supplemental resource and does not include the text of Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry, 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.