About This Book
Cattail Moon is a compelling young adult novel about Julia, a 15-year-old girl grappling with her mother's lack of support for her musical aspirations. She moves to a quiet town in the Cascade mountains, where she finds herself drawn into a local mystery involving a singing ghost in the marsh. As Julia investigates, she also navigates new friendships, a first romance, and the challenging process of defining her own future. This book is ideal for middle schoolers and early high schoolers (ages 12-16) who enjoy a blend of realistic coming-of-age drama, a touch of the supernatural, and a sweet, understated romance. It offers a thoughtful exploration of parental conflict, self-discovery, and finding the courage to follow one's passions.
Unable to deal with her mother's disregard of her interest in a musical career, fifteen-year-old Julia leaves Seattle to live with her father and grandmother near the Cascade mountains, where she encounters a ghost who helps her make important decisions about her future.
Concepts
Scary Scenes
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Discussion Prompts
1
How does Julia's relationship with her mother impact her decisions and feelings throughout the story?
2
What role does music play in Julia's life, and how does she fight for her passion?
3
If you were Julia, how would you approach the mystery of the ghost in the marsh?
4
How does moving to a new place help Julia grow and understand herself better?
5
What does 'freedom' mean to Julia, and how does she achieve it by the end of the book?
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