QUESTIONS TO TALK ABOUT

COMPREHENSION AND RECALL

1. Why is Moss so upset when he breaks the string of wampum beads? (They tell a story and must be in a certain order.)

2. Why doesn't Moss's mother get angry at him? (He is the only child she has left; the others died.)

3. How is Moss like his grandfather? (They are both stubborn.)

HIGHER LEVEL THINKING SKILLS

4. How does Moss's father feel when Moss says you should always take your father to the forest? (surprised and pleased; amused)

5. Why are names to “remind, not describe”? (So people aren't hurt, but are still aware of a certain quality or characteristic.)

6. Why does Moss say he is going on his away time? (Possibly to impress Trouble; he doesn't want to admit the real reason he is leaving the village.)

7. What is it that brings Moss and Trouble together? (They find themselves in the same place; both are unhappy with themselves and with how they are getting along at home.)

LITERARY ELEMENTS

8. What are some of the ways the author lets readers know what the values of Moss's village are? (Father invites needy strangers to their fast; parents don't scold Moss but help him discover how to behave; children are respectful of elders.)

PERSONAL RESPONSE

9. Have you ever wished that things wouldn't change; that “this year will be just like last year”? Why?

10. Moss thinks about how the final feast of summer is repeated year after year as are events in other seasons. What customs do you celebrate each year?

11. How do you react when people treat you as if you are younger or older than you are?

QUESTIONS TO TALK ABOUT

COMPREHENSION AND RECALL

1. What is the purpose of the away time? (for a boy to learn about his true self—to learn the way he should follow)

2. How does Moss describe himself to the porcupine? (Boy who didn't want guests, wouldn't help with the feast, is stubborn, broke wampum belt and has no story to replace it)

3. Why does Moss copy the porcupine's behavior? (to find something to eat and a safe place to sleep)

4. Why don't Moss and Trouble want Shale to know certain things? (He will tease them and tell others.)

5. How does Running Woman get her name? (She races the wind and never returns.)

HIGHER LEVEL THINKING SKILLS

6. Why does Moss call for Trouble in the forest? (He thinks she may have followed him; he's scared and lost.)

7. What important realization does Moss come to when he is in the forest alone? (He can't go back—he must go ahead.)

8. Why do Moss and Trouble start laughing? (They are making fun of themselves.)

9. How is the story of Running Woman like the actions of Moss and Trouble? (They all run away without thinking about the effect on others.)

LITERARY ELEMENTS

10. Why does the author use abbreviated incomplete sentences, for example: “And waited. And. Waited.” (to make the reader pause and notice; as emphasis)

PERSONAL RESPONSE

11. How do the expectations for girls and boys in the village differ from those in your community? (You may wish to have students complete the reproducible on page 15 at this time.)

12. Do you think it's important to be able to laugh at yourself? Why or why not?

13. Would you rather be Boulder or Running Woman in Trouble's story? Why?

QUESTIONS TO TALK ABOUT

COMPREHENSION AND RECALL

1. Why are Moss's father's eyes tired when Moss finds him? (He's been worried about Moss.)

HIGHER LEVEL THINKING SKILLS

2. “I had never returned home before today, because before today I had never truly left it.” What does Moss mean? (Before he had always been with his family; his heart and mind were with them; this time he was alone in body and spirit.)

3. Why doesn't Moss's father show how he feels about the guests? (He thinks it would be wrong; he can't ignore his own code of behavior and set of values.)

4. In the story “How the People Lost Each Other,” how does Can't-Say-No's weakness come to harm her granddaughter? (She gives in when it is dangerous and forbidden to do so.)

5. How does Trouble understand that Moss has listened to her problem? (He tells her that only she can decide who she is—the advice of the porcupine.)

6. How do you think Mother feels about Trouble? How do you know? (protective; she likes her; braids her hair, talks to her, keeps her close)

7. When does Moss earn the name Thunder? (When he understands that he and his mother are powerful enough to protect Trouble.)

8. why does Grandfather say that Moss has changed? (He is more responsible, reflective, considerate, understands himself better.)

LITERARY ELEMENTS

9. Why do you think the author includes stories within the story? (It is how Moss's people pass on values; part of their history. It is one way to convey a moral or lesson or message.)

PERSONAL RESPONSE

10. Have you ever felt as the guests did? How do you make guests feel at home?

11. What did you think of Mother's story?