About This Book
In Peter Carter's historical novel, "Borderlands," readers follow thirteen-year-old Ben Curtis as he is uprooted from his family farm in Texas in 1871. The story chronicles his coming-of-age in the rugged Old West, detailing his experiences on a cattle drive to Abilene, his attempt to establish a store, and his eventual foray into buffalo hunting on the Plains. This book offers a vivid, sometimes stark, portrayal of frontier life, highlighting themes of resilience, independence, and the challenges of growing up in a demanding environment. It's suitable for middle-grade readers interested in historical adventure and the realities of the American West.
After being forced from his meager family farm in Texas in 1871, thirteen-year-old Ben Curtis witnesses some of the excitement and cruelty of the Old West--on a cattle drive, in a frontier town, and on a buffalo hunt.
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Discussion Prompts
1
How does Ben change from the beginning of the book to the end?
2
What were some of the biggest challenges Ben faced, and how did he overcome them?
3
What does the book show us about life in the Old West that might be different from what we see in movies?
4
If you were Ben, what decision would have been the hardest to make?
5
What does "borderlands" mean in the context of this story?
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