A parent might reach for this book when their child is facing a new challenge or rite of passage within the family and feels a mix of excitement and fear. This story follows Mai, a young girl who is finally old enough to join her father on their family's annual turkey hunt. It sensitively explores her conflicting emotions: the desire to participate in a cherished tradition and the apprehension about the reality of hunting. The book masterfully handles themes of bravery, family bonds, and respecting nature. It's a thoughtful chapter book for early elementary readers, perfect for opening a conversation about personal growth and how it's okay for our feelings about traditions to be complicated.
The central topic is hunting. The approach is direct, secular, and framed as a respectful tradition for obtaining food. The book does not shy away from the fact that the goal is to kill an animal, but it does so with immense sensitivity and a focus on ethics and respect for nature. The resolution is hopeful and validating; Mai's personal growth is the focus, regardless of the hunt's outcome.
Ideal Reader
This book is perfect for a thoughtful, sensitive 8-to-10-year-old who is facing a new 'grown-up' responsibility or tradition. It is especially resonant for children in families with hunting or fishing traditions but is broadly applicable to any child feeling pressure to step into a new role they feel ambivalent about.
Parent Prep
A parent should be prepared to discuss the ethics of hunting. The book handles this beautifully, but it's the core theme. Previewing the chapter where Mai and her dad have a quiet talk about why they hunt and the respect it requires would be beneficial. It can be read cold if the family is open to the topic, but priming a conversation may be helpful. A parent has just heard their child say something like, "I want to do it, but I'm scared," or "What if I can't do it right?" about an upcoming new experience, whether it's a sports competition, a camping trip, or a family-specific tradition.
Age Experience
A younger reader (7-8) will likely focus on the adventure: being in the woods, the special gear, and the father-daughter bonding. An older reader (9-10) will connect more deeply with Mai's internal conflict, the concept of a rite of passage, and the idea that bravery isn't about being fearless, but about facing your feelings.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many stories about hunting, this book centers a young girl's sensitive and ambivalent perspective. It uniquely focuses on the emotional courage required to participate in a tradition, rather than just the physical skill. It redefines success not as the outcome of the hunt, but as the protagonist's journey of self-understanding and personal growth.
Read plot summary
Ten-year-old Mai is finally joining her dad for their family's turkey hunting tradition. She is both excited and deeply nervous. The narrative follows her preparations, the journey into the woods, and the hunt itself. The core conflict is internal, as Mai grapples with her own fears, the responsibility of the hunt, and the complex feelings around taking an animal's life. The story focuses on the father-daughter bond and Mai's personal journey of self-discovery.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Mai feels both excited and scared about her first hunt. Have you ever felt two opposite feelings about something at the same time? What was it?
2
Dad tells Mai that being a good hunter is about respect. What are some of the ways Mai and her dad show respect for nature and the turkeys?
3
At the end of the story, Mai feels proud of herself even though she didn't take a shot. Why do you think she is proud?
4
How does the time in the quiet woods help Mai understand herself and her dad better?
5
If you were Mai, what part of the turkey hunt tradition would be your favorite, and what part would be the most challenging?
