Crows and Cards
on Goodreads (251)
What’s inside...
Three warnings for readers who hate surprises: 1. Beware of slivers, 2. and gamblers, 3. and aces. Zebulon Crabtree found all that out the hard way back in 1849 when his mother and father shipped him off to St. Louis to apprentice with a tanner. Too bad he had serious allergies to fur and advice from his parents. Hearing the beat of a different drummer, Zeb takes up with a riverboat gambler who has some special plans for him, crosses paths with a slave who turns out to be a better friend than cook, and learns that some Indian medicine men can see even though blind. And then there's the Brotherhood—the one that Zeb can't seem to get out of . . . Lucky for us, the price of living in turbulent times is often a good story, and Zeb spins an unforgettable one.
Age
9-12
Length
352 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Zebulon Crabtree
Chilly Larpenteur
Mistress Reckoning
Preacher Mull
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Zeb to leave home and join the traveling medicine show?
How do you feel about the choices Zeb makes throughout his adventures? Would you have done anything differently?
What lessons do you think Zeb learns about trust and friendship by the end of the book?
How do the various characters influence Zeb's journey? Can you think of a time when someone influenced a decision you made?
What do you think the author wants us to understand about human nature and morality through the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you discuss Zeb's motivations, encourage your child to reflect on situations where they had to make a choice and what influenced their decision.
While talking about the choices Zeb makes, prompt your child to think about consequences and what they might have done in Zeb's shoes, fostering decision-making skills.
Discuss the theme of trust and friendship to help your child articulate their feelings and thoughts about their personal relationships.
Encourage your child to share personal experiences that relate to the influences of other characters on Zeb, enhancing their connection to the narrative.
Focus on the moral aspects of the story and ask your child what they would do in similar moral dilemmas, which helps develop their ethical reasoning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: In 'Crows and Cards,' the protagonist, Zeb, learns the hard consequences of deceit when his schemes backfire. His journey highlights the perils of dishonest behavior.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to their daily interactions, understanding that honesty fosters trust and creates better relationships with peers and adults.
Example Lesson: Value of hard work
Explanation: Zeb discovers that shortcuts and easy gains through questionable means are less rewarding than achieving goals through genuine effort. His evolution reinforces the merit of hard work.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of dedication and perseverance in school tasks or while learning new skills, emphasizing that real success comes from earnest effort.
Example Lesson: Courage to correct mistakes
Explanation: Throughout the novel, Zeb faces the daunting task of righting the wrongs he has committed. His courage in rectifying his mistakes is a vital part of his character development.
Real-World Application: Children learn the courage to admit their mistakes and strive to correct them, a crucial skill in personal development and integrity.
Example Lesson: The impact of peer influence
Explanation: Zeb’s experiences also bring to light how peers influence decisions. His story provides insight into choosing friends wisely.
Real-World Application: This can help children assess their friendships and encourage positive social circles that influence good decision-making.