Caddie Woodlawn (26 page)

 

3. Why did the Woodlawn family move from Boston to Wisconsin? What hardships did they and other pioneers face on their westward migration? Describe frontier life. How does the family adapt to life on the prairie? Compare it to the life they left behind.

 

4. Compare Caddie and Cousin Annabelle. In what ways are they the same? How are they different? What life lessons do the girls learn from each other?

 

5. What is the relationship between white settlers and Native Americans on the frontier? How do the two groups interact with each other? What stereotypes
and prejudices exist? How are friendships and alliances formed? Support your answers with examples from the text.

 

6. Describe the frontier school system. Where do the Woodlawn children go to school? In what ways is their school different from your school? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the frontier school?

 

7. How would life be different for the Woodlawn family if they had decided to move to England? List the pros and cons of making the move. Why did the family ultimately decide to stay in the U.S.? What would you have done if you were presented with a similar situation?

 

8. In the book's final chapter Caddie remarks upon the changes of the past year. “How far I've come!” she says. “I'm the same girl and yet not the same.” Explain what Caddie means. What experiences have contributed to her self-development?

 

9. Caddie Woodlawn is a work of historical fiction. What does this mean? How is the genre the same as or different from other fiction? How does it compare to nonfiction? In her author's note, Carol Ryrie Brink writes that
Caddie Woodlawn
is based on real events, but that she has added to it “a few imaginary incidences.” Select an incident that you believe to be imaginary and explain how it enhances the plot.

 

10. Carol Ryrie Brink was awarded the 1936 Newbery Medal for
Caddie Woodlawn.
Since 1922, the Newbery Medal has been presented to the author of the year's outstanding achievement in children's literature. What do you think makes the book a winner? Why do you think the book remains popular today?

1. Research the historical time period in which
Caddie Woodlawn
is set. Think about what was happening in the U.S. at this time. Who was president? How many states were in the Union? What were the important issues of the period?

 

2. Write a series of diary entries from the perspective of one of the book's main characters. In your entries, incorporate information about the character's daily life and his or her hopes, dreams, and struggles, as well as his or her response to a particular event or situation that takes place in the book.

 

3. Read a map. Trace the Woodlawn family's route from Boston, Massachusetts, to western Wisconsin. What cities and states did they pass through on their journey? Were there any mountain ranges or rivers they had to cross? If so, what were they? On a Wisconsin state map, locate the places mentioned in the book, including the Menomonie (Red Cedar) River, Dunnville, Eau Galle, and Durand, Wisconsin.

 

4. Create a diorama to show the setting in which
Caddie Woodlawn
takes place. In your diorama, pay close attention to the natural and built environment. This includes the plants and animals found in the area, as well as human-made structures such as homes and schools.

 

5. Design a book jacket for
Caddie Woodlawn.
Choose a cover image that will attract readers and give them a hint as to what the story is about. On the front and back flaps, include a summary of the book and information about the author. You can also highlight short quotes about the book from classmates who have read and enjoyed the book.

 

6. Make a glossary of new and different vocabulary words in
Caddie Woodlawn.
Include the word, its pronunciation, its part of speech, and a definition. Select words to illustrate.

 

7. Illustrate
Caddie Woodlawn.
Draw or paint pictures of the book's main characters and important scenes. Write a description to display alongside each of the images.

 

8. Design a poster meant to encourage westward migration. Think about what images or information might attract easterners to life on the western frontier.
Search the Internet and visit your local library or bookstore to get ideas for your poster.

 

9. Write a book review to convince others to read
Caddie Woodlawn.
Before you begin, read book reviews online or in the newspaper to get a feel for the kind of information to include, such as a general plot summary, your opinion about the book, and highlights from the book. With help from an adult, you may wish to post your review online at a bookseller's website.

 

10. Learn more about the oral tradition. As Carol Ryrie Brink explains in her author's note,
Caddie Woodlawn
is based on stories told to her by her grandmother. What stories have been passed down in your family? If you can't think of any, ask an adult family member to share with you a story from his or her childhood. Compose your own short story based on this information.

Born in Moscow, Idaho, in 1895, Carol Ryrie Brink grew up hearing her grandmother's stories of frontier life in rural Wisconsin. She is the author of many books for young readers, including
Baby Island
and
Caddie Woodlawn's Family.

CAROL RYRIE BRINK
was the author of many books for young readers, including
Caddie Woodlawn's Family,
the companion volume to
Caddie Woodlawn,
and
Baby Island.