The Pearl by John Steinbeck
Read the intro before page 1. 
Is the story we are about to read true? 
What does Steinbeck say we are supposed to learn from his story? 
What is different about the world of a parable or an old story compared with the real world?
Here is the actual text (in case you forgot your book.)
Here is the vocabulary for the novel.
Here are the Quizzes and Reading Checks.
Here are the prompts for the last essay.
Two Examples of Parables of Jesus.
 1.Name at least one story or novel by John Steinbeck.    2.What country is LaPaz in?   
3.What does la paz mean?   4.Where do pearls come from?