Spring 2019, Wild Readers 5 discussion

There were so many fantastic books that are newer and dear to my heart in our Appendix for this review. I read the novel Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech. Like many of the options displayed by our textbook, Walk Two Moons reaches beyond just an enticing story and develops real emotion in its reader. This book was always on my shelf as a girl. My mother loved this book and gave me her copy from when she was a girl. I had read it once but I was too young perhaps because I didn't remember anything beyond knowing the main character was a girl her grandparents call "Chickadee". Walk Two Moons explores themes that are more mature for a children's book including death. The obvious lesson is the classic "Don't judge someone until you've been in their shoes" but with a Native American hinge it becomes "Don't judge a man until you've walked two moons in his moccasins". Personally, I am obsessed with books with a Native Indian culture. Readers can indulge in the spiritual themes, and names like Winterbottom and Tree Hiddle. I would suggest this book to students with any interest, but especially to my nature loving kiddos. They will get to read beautiful descriptions of countryside USA, as our little Chickadee is on her way to Idaho. Emphasis on nature's surroundings is definitely an undertone throughout the whole story. From the setting descriptions to the overall lesson, Walk Two Moons finds a center in the influence of nature. With lessons of judging others and coping with strong emotions this book addresses themes relevant to young readers. I will always have a copy of this book on my shelf in my class!