About This Book
A Gathering of Days is a Newbery Medal-winning historical novel presented as the journal of 14-year-old Catherine Hall, living in rural New England between 1830 and 1832. Through her entries, readers experience the rhythms of farm life, the challenges of a blended family after her father's remarriage, and the profound grief of losing her best friend. The book also touches on significant historical events, such as Catherine's decision to assist an escaped slave. It's a poignant and reflective read that beautifully captures a young girl's journey through change, loss, and self-discovery.
The journal of a 14-year-old girl, kept the last year she lived on the family farm, records daily events in her small New Hampshire town, her father's remarriage, and the death of her best friend.
Character Death
grief_themes
historical_context_slavery
Discussion Prompts
1
How does Catherine's journal help her process the big changes and sad events in her life?
2
What was daily life like for Catherine compared to your own daily life?
3
How does Catherine's family change throughout the book, and how does she adapt to these changes?
4
What does Catherine learn about friendship and loss through her relationship with Cassie?
5
Why do you think Catherine chose to help the escaped slave, and what does this tell us about her character?
External Reviews
Awards
1 award
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