Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings and the Florida Crackers (Pineapple Press Biography)
Pineapple Press Biography Series
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings grew up with a passion for writing and aspirations of becoming an author. She eventually moved to Florida, settling in the rural area of Cross Creek in the Big Scrub. There, she encountered the local people known as Crackers, whose simple lifestyle captivated her. Inspired by their way of life, Rawlings authored stories about them, including her book 'The Yearling,' which focuses on a boy and his pet deer. This book earned her the Pulitzer Prize for fiction, fulfilling her dream of becoming a renowned writer.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
72 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
Discussion points
What challenges do you think Marjorie faced while writing about the Florida Crackers?
How do you think the environment of Florida influenced the stories Marjorie wrote?
What qualities do you admire about Marjorie and why?
How do you think Marjorie felt about the Florida Crackers, based on her writings?
If you could ask Marjorie one question about her life, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Marjorie’s shoes and explore how her experiences might parallel their own life challenges.
Discuss the significance of setting in a story, and how the unique environment of Florida shapes the narrative in Marjorie's works.
Highlight Marjorie's characteristics that are worth emulating, such as resilience, creativity, or dedication to one's passion.
Engage with the emotional aspects of Marjorie's relationship with the Florida Crackers and how it influenced her writing.
Guide the conversation towards understanding the historical and cultural context of Marjorie’s time to deepen your child's appreciation of her work.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Determination
Explanation: The biography illustrates Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' relentless pursuit of her writing career despite facing multiple challenges. Her dedication is shown through her relentless effort to authentically portray the Florida Cracker culture.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of persistence in achieving goals, whether in academics, sports, or any personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: Through Marjorie's exploration and vivid depiction of the Florida Cracker culture, the book highlights the value of understanding and appreciating diverse cultural backgrounds.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to explore and respect different cultures within their community, promoting inclusivity and empathy.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: The book showcases Marjorie's ability to overcome personal and professional obstacles, emphasizing her resilience which enabled her to produce compelling literature.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to face challenges without giving up, understanding that obstacles can be stepping stones to success.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Authenticity
Explanation: Marjorie's commitment to accurately representing the people and the lifestyle of the Florida Crackers in her work teaches the importance of authenticity and integrity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value honesty and authenticity in their work and interactions, building trust and credibility.
Example Lesson: Learning from Others
Explanation: Marjorie's experiences among the Florida Crackers show how much one can learn from immersing oneself in environments unlike one's own.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in children's lives by encouraging them to be open to learning from everyone they meet, recognizing that everyone has a story to tell and knowledge to share.