The Legend of Zoey
on Goodreads (77)
What’s inside...
Zoey's family is uneasy about the two-tailed comet in the sky, but Zoey is more focused on her class field trip to Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee, where her grandmother grew up. Zoey is uninterested in her family's Native American heritage and just wants her parents to reconcile and to fit in at school. However, during the bus ride to Reelfoot, she is unexpectedly transported back in time to 1811, just as the lake is forming. With no cell service or modern conveniences, and amidst constant earthquakes, Zoey encounters Prudence Charity and her pregnant mother, who are skeptical of her story. Things change when they meet Chickasaw Chief Kalopin and his Choctaw bride. Kalopin believes he is cursed by the Great Spirit for stealing his bride from another chief, and fears his village will be destroyed. Zoey realizes the impending disaster and must find the courage to help save them.
Age
8-12
Length
226 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Zoey
Discussion points
How do you think Zoey felt when she discovered the cave? What would you have done in her place?
Why do you think it's important to remember and honor our ancestors like Zoey does?
What role do you think courage played in Zoey's adventures? Can you think of a time when you had to be brave?
How do the animals and nature in the story impact Zoey’s journey? What does this tell us about our relationship with nature?
What did you learn about the Choctaw culture and history from the story? Why is it important to learn about different cultures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, affirming their responses to build confidence.
Connect the themes of the book to your child’s personal experiences. For instance, relate Zoey's bravery to a moment when your child felt brave, enhancing their personal connection to the story.
Utilize the historical aspects of the book to spark a deeper conversation about history and culture, perhaps comparing it to your family's own heritage.
Discuss the importance of nature and wildlife as depicted in the book, prompting a conversation about environmental values and responsibilities.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: Zoey demonstrates courage as she navigates the challenges of being transported back in time to the Civil War era, facing unknown dangers and moral dilemmas.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and challenges with bravery, whether it's dealing with school pressures or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Importance of understanding history
Explanation: Through her time-travel adventures, Zoey learns about the complexities of the Civil War, gaining insights into the historical context and the perspectives of people from that time.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore history, understand different viewpoints, and appreciate the impact past events have on the present.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: As Zoey interacts with the people from the past, she develops a deep empathy for them, understanding their struggles and hopes.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to be more empathetic and compassionate towards others, recognizing that everyone has their own unique stories and challenges.
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing change
Explanation: Adapting to her new environment in the past, Zoey shows resilience, learning to navigate and accept changes beyond her control.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of adaptability and resilience in their everyday lives when encountering new or unexpected situations.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: Zoey must use her problem-solving skills to find her way back to the present, making critical decisions that affect her and others around her.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the importance of thinking critically and solving problems creatively, skills that are essential in academic and personal growth.