Walk Two Moons (Trophy Newbery)
#1 of 2 in Walk Two Moons Series
on Goodreads (170,841)
What’s inside...
In her own singularly beautiful style, Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech intricately weaves together two tales, one funny, one bittersweet, to create a heartwarming, compelling, and utterly moving story of love, loss, and the complexity of human emotion. Thirteen-year-old Salamanca Tree Hiddle, proud of her country roots and the 'Indian-ness in her blood', travels from Ohio to Idaho with her eccentric grandparents. Along the way, she tells them of the story of Phoebe Winterbottom, who received mysterious messages, who met a 'potential lunatic,' and whose mother disappeared. As Sal entertains her grandparents with Phoebe's outrageous story, her own story begins to unfold--the story of a thirteen-year-old girl whose only wish is to be reunited with her missing mother.
Character compass
Salamanca Tree Hiddle
Mrs. Winterbottom
Mary Lou Finney
Mrs. Partridge
Margaret Cadaver
Phoebe Winterbottom
Mike Bickle
Mr. Winterbottom
Ben Finney
Grandmother Hiddle
Grandfather Hiddle
John Hiddle
Gram Hiddle
Gramps Hiddle
Discussion points
How do you think Sal felt on her journey to find her mother? What emotions do you think she experienced?
What does the phrase 'Don't judge a man until you've walked two moons in his moccasins' mean to you? How does it apply to the characters in the story?
How do the different landscapes in the book affect the story and the characters? Which place in the book would you like to visit and why?
Discuss the importance of family and friendship in 'Walk Two Moons'. How do Sal's relationships change throughout her travels?
What lessons do you think Sal learned by the end of her journey? What have you learned from her story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their emotions and thoughts about Sal’s experiences. Relate it to their own life where possible.
Highlight the significance of empathy by discussing the different perspectives offered in the book. Ask your child how understanding different viewpoints can be beneficial in real life.
Use the book's settings as a prompt to explore geography and culture. This can be done through looking up images, watching related documentaries, or even planning a family day out to similar locations.
Bring attention to the evolving relationships in the story. Ask your child about their relationships and how they navigate changes with friends and family.
Promote critical thinking by asking what your child might have done differently than Sal and why. Discuss the outcomes of decisions made by characters in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through Sal’s journey to understand her mother’s decisions, 'Walk Two Moons' teaches the importance of seeing things from others' perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy in their daily interactions, helping them understand friends' or family members' actions and feelings.
Example Lesson: Coping with Loss
Explanation: Sal handles the disappearance of her mother and learns about other characters' losses, portraying various ways to cope with grief.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in dealing with personal losses, providing them with perspectives on emotional resilience and healing.
Example Lesson: The Significance of Family Bonds
Explanation: The story emphasizes the strength and support family can provide, regardless of imperfections and complexities in family dynamics.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and rely on their family for support, fostering strong family connections in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Identity and Self-Exploration
Explanation: As Sal travels across the country, she learns more about who she is and her cultural heritage, highlighting self-exploration.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore their own identities and heritage, fostering a sense of self-awareness and self-confidence.
Example Lesson: The Power of Storytelling
Explanation: The book shows how characters use storytelling to make sense of their lives and histories, illustrating its power to heal and connect.
Real-World Application: Children learn how sharing their own stories can help them connect with others and navigate their thoughts and feelings.