Echo Mountain
on Goodreads (9,890)
What’s inside...
A young heroine in Depression-era Maine is navigating the rocky terrain of her new life on Echo Mountain. After the financial crash, Ellie and her family have lost nearly everything--including their home in town. They have started over, carving out a new life in the unforgiving terrain of Echo Mountain. Though her sister Esther resents everything about the mountain, Ellie has found more freedom, a new strength, and a love of the natural world that now surrounds them. However, there is little joy as they all struggle with the sorrow and aftermath of an accident that left her father in a coma, an accident for which Ellie has accepted the unearned weight of blame. Urgent for a cure to bring her father back, Ellie is determined to try anything. Following her heart, and the lead of a scruffy mutt, Ellie will make her way to the top of the mountain, in search of the healing secrets of a woman known only as 'the hag.' The mountain still has many untold stories left to reveal to Ellie, as she finds her way forward among a complex constellation of strong women spanning generations.
Age
9-12
Length
356 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Ellie
Mother
Larkin
Father
Cate
Esther
Discussion points
What do you think Ellie learned about herself and her family while living on Echo Mountain?
How do the characters in the book show courage and resilience in the face of hardship?
What role does nature play in the story and how do the characters interact with their environment?
How do Ellie's relationships with her family members change throughout the story?
What did you feel about Ellie's decision to help the hiker? What would you have done in her place?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Ellie's shoes and ask how they might react to the challenges she faces.
Discuss the historical setting of the book and how it influences the characters' lives and decisions.
Explore the theme of healing and recovery in the book, both physical and emotional, and relate it to personal experiences.
Highlight the importance of perseverance and ask your child to share a time when they had to persevere through a difficult situation.
Use descriptive scenes from the book to talk about the sensory experiences the characters undergo and ask your child what senses they might use in similar situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: In 'Echo Mountain', the protagonist Ellie faces numerous challenges after her family loses everything in the Great Depression and is forced to move to Echo Mountain. Despite these hardships, Ellie remains resilient, finding new ways to adapt and thrive in their new environment.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to stay strong and adaptable when facing challenges in their own lives, whether it's adjusting to a new school, dealing with family issues, or overcoming personal setbacks.
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy and understanding
Explanation: Ellie demonstrates deep empathy by caring for an injured man on the mountain, despite not knowing him well. Her actions show that understanding and compassion are crucial in helping others in need.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be empathetic toward their peers and others around them, understanding that everyone has their own struggles and deserves kindness.
Example Lesson: Value of family and community
Explanation: Throughout the novel, Ellie's family and the broader mountain community prove vital in overcoming obstacles. They rely on each other's strengths and support, showcasing the integral role of community and family support during tough times.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and rely on their family and friends' support, understanding that building strong, supportive relationships is crucial.
Example Lesson: Courage to confront the unknown
Explanation: Ellie frequently ventures into unknown territories, both physically on the mountain and emotionally, as she tackles new responsibilities. Her courage in these situations highlights the importance of facing fears to grow and learn.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to face new experiences and challenges bravely, understanding that stepping out of their comfort zone is a part of growing up.
Example Lesson: The power of curiosity and learning
Explanation: Ellie's curiosity drives her to learn new skills and seek knowledge about her new environment and the medical condition of the injured man. Her pursuit of knowledge is a key theme throughout the book.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to remain curious, ask questions, and actively seek knowledge in all areas of life, understanding that learning is a lifelong process.