Under a Painted Sky
on Goodreads (11,552)
What’s inside...
Under a Painted Sky, a historical fiction novel by Stacey Lee, is set in 1849 and follows the story of Samantha Young, a Chinese-American girl, and Annamae, a runaway slave. After a tragic fire kills Samantha's father, she finds herself falsely accused of murder. The two girls meet and, disguised as boys for safety, they embark on a perilous journey along the Oregon Trail. Seeking freedom and a fresh start, they encounter diverse travelers, face the harsh realities of the American frontier, and forge a deep bond of friendship. Along the way, they are guided by the stars and their dreams of a better life, confronting issues of race, gender, and survival against the backdrop of the Gold Rush era.
Age
12-17
Length
374 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Samantha 'Sammy' Young
Annamae 'Andy'
Cayetano 'Cay'
Peety
West Westfall
Discussion points
How do you think Sammy and Andy's friendship changed throughout their journey?
What are some challenges the characters faced and how did they overcome them?
Can you think of a time when you had to be brave like Sammy and Andy?
What did the story teach you about trust and teamwork?
If you were on an adventure with a friend, what would you bring and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their own experiences with those of Sammy and Andy, helping them relate to the characters.
Discuss the historical setting of the story and how it might have influenced the characters' decisions.
Ask your child to describe their favorite part of the book and why it stood out to them, fostering a deeper understanding of personal preference and narrative impact.
Use the story as a starting point to talk about the importance of friendship and resilience in overcoming difficulties.
Prompt your child to imagine alternative endings for the story, enhancing their creativity and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Samantha, showcases resilience as she bravely navigates the challenges and dangers of the 1849 American frontier.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to maintain hope and strength during difficult times, understanding that perseverance can lead to overcoming obstacles in life.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship and collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the journey, Samantha and Annamae's friendship demonstrates how collaboration and mutual support are vital for survival.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of working together with others to achieve common goals and overcome challenges, helping them build strong relationships.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding diverse perspectives
Explanation: The interaction between characters from different backgrounds promotes empathy and a deeper understanding of diverse life experiences.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to embrace diversity and be open to learning from the experiences of others, fostering inclusivity and understanding in real-world social interactions.
Example Lesson: Courage to pursue dreams despite obstacles
Explanation: Samantha’s journey west is driven by her dream of becoming a musician, showing that pursuing passions is possible even when faced with adversities.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to dream big and work towards their aspirations, regardless of the hardships they might encounter along the way.