Tomorrow

You will have time to work on your responses during readers' workshop.

Author's Note

What were the most interesting things to you in this section?

Author's Note

How did the information in this section affect your understanding or appreciation of the story?  Did it change anything for you? 

Chapter Sixteen

If you were Mary Ellen, how would you be feeling now about the new life that you have?  Please be sure to elaborate and explain yourself fully, using details from the text to support your ideas.

Chapter Sixteen

In your opinion, what were the things that finally enabled Mary Ellen to feel comfortable and at home in Oregon?

Chapter Fifteen

As we approach the end of this story, what predictions do have for how things will end?  What questions would you like answered in the final chapter?

Chapter Fifteen

How did you feel about the decision to take some of the contents of the abandoned wagons that the Todds found?  Please explain yourself clearly and thoroughly.

This question adapted from Hannah's idea.  Thank you, Hannah.

Chapter Fifteen

On page 146, Mary Ellen tells us that "The oxen strained and pulled with all their waning strength."  What do you think "waning" means?  Why do you think that?

Chapter Fourteen

With all the hardships, death, and challenges faced by the Todds, how have they managed to keep going and get as far as they have? What keeps them going, in spite of all the difficulties? What do you think lies ahead for them?

Chapter Thirteen

On page 130, Mary Ellen explains that "The oxen were so worn out that they had to be goaded to start..." What do you think "goaded" means? Why do you think that?

Chapter Thirteen

Please reread the last paragraph on page 128 (which continues on page 129) and the first two paragraphs on page 129. Why was Mary Ellen furious with father? Do you think she had a right to feel that way? Please explain your thinking clearly and thoroughly.

Chapter Twelve

On pages 123-124, Mary Ellen said, "... Mrs. Clark had come down with the fever.  I missed her bustling presence and her cheerful, encouraging voice around the cooking fires."

In this context, what do you think "bustling presence" means?

Be sure to explain why you think what you do.

Chapter Twelve

In this chapter, the families in the wagon train had to decide which of two trails to follow, and ultimately could not agree, so the parties split up, with the Todds and the Clarks taking the newer trail, and everyone else, including the Grants, following the older trail.  What were the pros and cons of the choice Mary Ellen's family made?  What do you think was the most important factor in making the decision that they did?  Please explain clearly and thoughtfully, using evidence from the text to support your ideas.

A Fork in the Trail

In this chapter, the Todd family chose an alternate trail to take to Oregon. Please read about it here: The Applegate Trail.