About This Book
Bluestem is a poignant historical fiction novel set on the open prairie in 1879, following 11-year-old Polly and her younger sister. When their father leaves and their mother becomes incapacitated by an unknown trauma, the girls are left to fend for themselves and maintain their homestead. This story beautifully explores themes of resilience, sisterly love, and the immense courage required to survive against daunting odds. It's a powerful narrative about self-reliance and the strength found within family bonds during challenging times.
With their father away and their mother traumatized by some unknown event, eleven-year-old Polly and her younger sister are left to take care of themselves and their prairie homestead.
Concepts
Resilience & PerseveranceLove & FamilyFear & BraverySelf-Confidence & IdentityFriendship & LoyaltyTeamwork & CollaborationLoneliness & BelongingEmpathy & KindnessFreedom & IndependenceCuriosity & WonderSadness & GriefGrowing UpBeing DifferentFinancial HardshipSibling RivalryFamily & SiblingsSurvival & Wilderness
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Discussion Prompts
1
How do Polly and her sister show courage throughout the story?
2
What challenges do the girls face on the prairie, and how do they overcome them?
3
How does their relationship as sisters help them survive?
4
What do you think might have traumatized their mother? How does her condition affect the family?
5
If you were in Polly's shoes, what would be the hardest part of taking care of the homestead?
6
What does this book teach us about pioneer life and the importance of family?
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