Crossword Puzzle Pack for Use with The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

The Yearling crossword puzzles check vocabulary and story details from The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, 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: The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
• 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

Challenge your students to think deeper with this no-prep crossword puzzle pack for The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. Each puzzle pushes readers to recall characters, analyze plot events, and apply vocabulary in context — not just recognize words, but prove they truly understand this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.

If you’re looking for a way to add real rigor without adding more grading, this pack does the heavy lifting for you. The clues are crafted to build the exact analytical skills your Grades 6–9 students need for ELA success, and every puzzle is ready to print the moment you need it.

What’s Included:

• 12 crossword puzzles — 10 chapter-unit puzzles covering all 33 chapters of the novel, plus 2 cumulative whole-book review puzzles
• 15–20 clues per puzzle with a balanced mix of definition-based, fill-in-the-blank, and contextual clues that require inference, recall, and critical thinking
• Easy, medium, and challenging clues in every puzzle — natural differentiation that supports struggling readers while stretching your advanced learners
• Clues targeting character motivation, thematic symbolism, setting significance, and vocabulary in context — true literary analysis woven into every activity
• Complete answer keys for all puzzles — assessment is quick and accurate
• Well-illustrated with thematic artwork that evokes the Florida scrublands without distracting from the thinking work
• Both full-color and ink-saving black & white versions — print what fits your classroom best
• 48 pages in a single, print-and-go PDF

These crosswords slide right into chapter review, reading comprehension checks, test prep, paired or small-group work, sub plans, homework assignments, or end-of-unit assessments. Use them as independent challenges or turn them into collaborative thinking routines — the format works either way beautifully.

While students wrestle with each clue, they’re practicing citing textual evidence, determining word meaning from context, and acquiring grade-appropriate academic vocabulary. This resource directly supports CCSS 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, targeting the close reading and language standards that matter most.

Get this resource on Teachers Pay Teachers today and give your students a vocabulary challenge they’ll actually enjoy!

Disclaimer:

This product is an independent supplemental resource designed for use with The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. 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 The Yearling resources

All The Yearling 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 The Yearling?

Yes. This is an independent supplemental resource and does not include the text of The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, 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.