About This Book
Sharon Creech's 'Chasing Redbird' is a poignant middle-grade novel about Zinnia 'Zinny' Taylor, a thirteen-year-old girl navigating immense grief and self-blame. After the death of her beloved Aunt Jessie, Zinny becomes obsessed with clearing a two-hundred-year-old settler trail that starts on her family's Kentucky farm. This physical quest becomes a metaphor for her emotional journey, as she processes the loss of her aunt and the lingering guilt from her cousin Rose's earlier death, for which Zinny feels responsible. The story also weaves in elements of first love with a boy named Jake Boone and the uncovering of family secrets, all while Zinny strives to find her own place and identity within her large family. Parents familiar with Creech's 'Walk Two Moons' will recognize the narrative style and a cameo reference to Sal.
Thirteen-year-old Zinnia Taylor uncovers family secrets and self truths while clearing a mysterious settler trail that begins on her family's farm in Kentucky.
Character Death
mental_health_themes
Discussion Prompts
1
How does Zinny's obsession with clearing the trail help her cope with her grief and guilt?
2
What family secrets does Zinny uncover, and how do they change her understanding of her family?
3
How does Zinny's relationship with Jake Boone evolve throughout the story, and what does she learn about trust and feelings?
4
The book mentions Zinny feeling responsible for Rose's death. How does this guilt affect her, and how does she begin to overcome it?
5
What does Zinny mean when she says she's looking for something to call her very own? How does she find it?
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