Part A - High School level Discussion Guides

Part A - Discussion Guide

For Young Adult / High School grade level.

Ember's Gallop Discussion Framework Comprehensive Guide for High School Librarians
I. Introduction & Implementation	Core Components Detailed novel synopsis focusing on environmental themes • Climate science primer for facilitators • Pre-discussion vocabulary building (15 key terms) • Customizable implementation timelines (45min/90min/multi-session) • Hybrid discussion space configuration guide • Differentiation strategies for varied reading levels
II. Thematic Discussions	Environmental Resilience Framework Tiered question sets (9th-12th grade progression) • Comparative wildfire response analysis templates • Sensory mapping exercises using novel excerpts • Climate anxiety discussion protocols • Historical context timelines (fire ecology/management) • Intergenerational knowledge preservation activities
III. Action Planning	Civic Engagement Tools Community needs assessment templates • Policy drafting workshops aligned with SDG 13 • Wildfire preparedness simulation kits • Digital advocacy campaign builders • Interspecies ethics debate formats • Multi-sensory exhibit design blueprints
IV. Assessment & Extension	Evaluation Systems Rubrics for critical thinking & civic engagement • Student-led TED talk frameworks • Community impact measurement tools • Action plan refinement checklists • Digital portfolio templates • Author collaboration pathways
V. Resource Bank	Implementation Support Climate fiction reading lists by grade level • Wildfire ecology video playlists • Mustang conservation organization directory • Virtual reality experience recommendations • Community partnership templates • Grant funding opportunity database

Section I: Introduction & Implementation – Assignable Tasks for High School Patrons Practical, differentiated activities for launching your Ember’s Gallop book club
Task Category	Specific Assignable Tasks
Detailed Novel Synopsis & Environmental Themes	Write a one-page summary of Ember’s Gallop, focusing on how the story addresses environmental issues. Create a visual mind map connecting key plot events to real-world climate challenges (e.g., wildfires, animal migration). Identify and present three quotes from the novel that highlight environmental themes, explaining their significance. Lead a group discussion on how the novel’s setting influences the characters’ experiences with climate disasters.
Climate Science Primer for Students	Research and present a short slideshow on the science behind wildfires, including causes and prevention methods. Complete a hands-on activity (e.g., model a weather front or create a wildfire risk map) and share findings with the group[4]. Compare and contrast two sources (popular vs. scholarly) on climate change impacts, then summarize key differences[5]. Write a brief report on how climate change affects local ecosystems, using examples from the novel and real life.
Pre-Discussion Vocabulary Building (15 Key Terms)	Create a glossary of 15 key terms from the novel and climate science (e.g., resilience, mitigation, adaptation, ecosystem). Design flashcards or a digital quiz to help peers learn and review these terms. Use each vocabulary word in a sentence related to the novel or real-world climate issues. Lead a vocabulary game (like “Charades” or “Pictionary”) using the key terms to reinforce understanding.
Customizable Implementation Timelines	Draft a session plan for a 45-minute, 90-minute, or multi-session book club, including discussion and activity blocks. Create a checklist for group members to track their progress through reading and project milestones. Assign roles (facilitator, note-taker, timekeeper) for each session and rotate responsibilities. Develop a reflection log for participants to record their learning after each session.
Hybrid Discussion Space Configuration	Design a seating chart or digital meeting plan for in-person, virtual, or hybrid discussions. Set up and test technology (projector, video call software, shared docs) for smooth hybrid participation. Create a set of discussion norms and digital etiquette guidelines for all participants. Decorate the space with thematic visuals (e.g., wildfire photos, animal tracks) to set the mood.
Differentiation for Varied Reading Levels	Pair up for peer reading or summary exchanges to support less confident readers. Offer choice boards: visual summaries, written reflections, or audio recordings as response options[3]. Assign scaffolded tasks (e.g., guided reading questions, graphic organizers) for different ability levels. Encourage creative responses (art, poetry, music) for students who express ideas best in non-traditional formats.

Section II: Thematic Discussions – Assignable Tasks for High School Patrons Engaged, scaffolded activities for exploring Ember’s Gallop through discussion and analysis
Task Category	Specific Assignable Tasks
Tiered Question Sets (9th–12th Grade Progression)	Answer and discuss grade-appropriate questions about resilience, leadership, and animal cognition from the novel. Write your own higher-order questions for peers based on your reading level and lead a mini-discussion group. Use a “question ladder” to move from surface-level to analytical questions, documenting your group’s responses. Compare your answers to those of students in other grades and reflect on how perspectives shift with age and experience.
Comparative Wildfire Response Analysis	Research real-world wildfire mitigation strategies (e.g., controlled burns, evacuation drills) and present how they compare to Ember’s herd instincts. Complete a Venn diagram or chart showing similarities and differences between animal and human wildfire responses. Identify a gap in your community’s climate disaster preparedness and propose a solution inspired by the novel. Create an infographic or poster: “What Ember’s Herd Teaches Us About Fire Ecology.”
Sensory Mapping with Novel Excerpts	Choose a key scene and create a “sensory map” (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste) from Ember’s perspective. Write a short narrative or poem using only non-visual sensory details from the novel. Lead a group activity where each member describes a scene using a different sense and discuss how this shapes understanding. Design a multi-sensory art piece or digital collage representing a pivotal moment in the story.
Climate Anxiety Discussion Protocols	Facilitate a “circle talk” or restorative conversation about feelings the novel evokes regarding climate change. Journal about personal reactions to climate themes, then share coping strategies as a group. Research and present ways young people can take action to address climate anxiety in their communities. Create a resource list or “climate resilience toolkit” for peers.
Historical Context Timelines (Fire Ecology/Management)	Research the history of wildfire management in your region and create a timeline of major events and policy changes. Connect events from the novel to real historical wildfires or ecological shifts. Present your timeline to the group and discuss how past events shape current responses to climate disasters. Interview a local expert (firefighter, ecologist) and add their insights to your timeline.
Intergenerational Knowledge Preservation	Interview an elder or community member about their experiences with natural disasters or environmental changes. Create a podcast episode or video sharing stories of resilience and adaptation across generations. Compare the passing of wisdom in Ember’s herd to how your community shares knowledge about survival and change. Organize a panel or story circle event to document and celebrate local environmental wisdom.

Section III: Action Planning – Assignable Tasks for High School Patrons Project-based civic engagement and advocacy inspired by Ember’s Gallop
Task Category	Specific Assignable Tasks
Community Needs Assessment	Define your community’s boundaries and key populations (e.g., students, families, wildlife). Design and distribute a survey or conduct interviews to identify perceived and expressed needs related to wildfire preparedness and environmental resilience[2][6]. Analyze survey results and categorize needs as absolute, relative, or normative. Compile findings into a brief report and present to your book club or class.
Policy Drafting Workshops (Aligned with SDG 13)	Research the UN Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action) and identify local issues that connect to this goal[3]. Draft a one-page policy proposal for a school or community initiative (e.g., “Adopt-a-Watershed” or “No-Idling Zones”), including goals, partners, and a simple budget. Workshop proposals in small groups, offering peer feedback and suggestions for improvement. Present final proposals to a panel of teachers, community leaders, or local officials for feedback.
Wildfire Preparedness Simulation Kits	Develop a checklist of essential items and actions for wildfire safety (evacuation plans, emergency kits, document protection)[4]. Role-play a wildfire evacuation drill, including communication plans and decision-making under pressure. Design a tabletop simulation or board game that teaches wildfire preparedness and response. Reflect on lessons learned and propose improvements to your school or family’s emergency plan.
Digital Advocacy Campaigns	Choose a climate or animal welfare issue from the novel and create a digital campaign (e.g., hashtag, infographic, short video) to raise awareness[5]. Draft a mission statement and campaign goals, using storytelling techniques inspired by Ember’s Gallop. Plan a week-long social media rollout, including posts, stories, and calls to action. Track engagement and reflect on the campaign’s impact in a group debrief.
Interspecies Ethics Debates	Research ethical dilemmas from the novel (e.g., prioritizing animal habitats vs. human development). Prepare arguments for a structured debate, representing different stakeholder perspectives (wildlife, local government, residents). Host a formal debate or roundtable discussion, with roles for speakers, moderators, and audience. Write a reflection on how the debate changed or reinforced your views about interspecies ethics.
Multi-Sensory Exhibit Design	Brainstorm and sketch blueprints for an exhibit that immerses visitors in the world of Ember’s Gallop (e.g., soundscapes, scent stations, tactile displays). Prototype one element of the exhibit (such as a “Taste of Ash” station or a touchable landscape map). Collaborate with local museums or libraries to propose a pop-up installation. Document the design process and present your exhibit concept to peers or community partners.

Section IV: Assessment & Extension – Assignable Tasks for High School Patrons Critical reflection, creative presentation, and authentic impact for Ember’s Gallop
Task Category	Specific Assignable Tasks
Rubrics for Critical Thinking & Civic Engagement	Self-assess your action plan or discussion contributions using a provided rubric (criteria: depth of analysis, evidence use, collaboration, and creativity). Peer-review another student’s work using the same rubric and provide constructive feedback. Reflect on your growth in civic engagement and critical thinking by writing a short summary after project completion. Propose one new rubric criterion based on your experience and justify its importance.
Student-led TED Talk Frameworks	Draft a script for a 3-minute “Lessons from Ember” TED-style talk, focusing on a key theme or action plan outcome. Record your talk (video or audio) and share it with your book club or school community. Host a mini TED conference where students present talks and answer audience questions. Reflect on presentation skills and content clarity using a peer or teacher feedback form.
Community Impact Measurement Tools	Design a pre- and post-project survey to assess changes in attitudes or knowledge about wildfire resilience or animal welfare. Track participation numbers, social media engagement, or other quantifiable outcomes of your action plan. Interview community members or stakeholders to gather qualitative feedback on your project’s impact. Summarize your findings in a brief impact report or infographic.
Action Plan Refinement Checklists	Review your action plan using a provided checklist (clarity of goals, feasibility, roles, timeline, resources, and evaluation). Identify one area for improvement and revise your plan accordingly. Share your revised plan with a partner or group for additional feedback. Document your revision process and reflect on how feedback improved your plan.
Digital Portfolio Templates	Compile your work (summaries, research, action plans, presentations) into a digital portfolio using Google Sites, Canva, or another platform. Organize your portfolio by project phase: Discussion, Research, Action, Reflection. Include multimedia elements (photos, videos, audio recordings, infographics). Share your portfolio with the librarian, peers, or a broader audience as part of your assessment.
Author Collaboration Pathways	Draft a letter or email to the author of Ember’s Gallop, sharing your group’s action plan or reflections. Submit your best TED talk, portfolio, or impact summary to the author for potential inclusion in future book materials. Organize a virtual Q&A or interview with the author, preparing thoughtful questions as a group. Reflect on the value of author engagement and how it deepens your connection to the novel’s themes.

Section V: Resource Bank – Assignable Tasks for High School Patrons Curated research, exploration, and partnership activities for Ember’s Gallop
Resource Category	Specific Assignable Tasks
Climate Fiction Reading Lists by Grade Level	Compile a “Cli-Fi” (climate fiction) reading list for your grade, drawing from staff and librarian recommendations as well as curated lists online[2][6][7]. Write short book reviews or create video trailers for selected titles (e.g., Dry, Parable of the Sower, The Marrow Thieves). Host a themed book talk or “speed dating” event to introduce peers to different climate fiction works. Map out the environmental themes present in each recommended book and compare them to those in Ember’s Gallop.
Wildfire Ecology Video Playlists	Curate a playlist of educational videos on wildfire causes, impacts, and prevention (e.g., Twinkl’s “Wildfires for Kids”)[3]. Summarize key takeaways from each video and relate them to scenes in Ember’s Gallop. Develop a quiz or Kahoot! for peers using facts from the video playlist. Lead a group discussion on how media shapes our understanding of wildfire ecology and safety.
Mustang Conservation Organization Directory	Research and profile organizations like Ever After Mustang Rescue and summarize their mission, services, and impact[4]. Create a digital directory or map of mustang rescue and conservation groups across North America. Draft an email or letter of inquiry to a mustang organization, asking about volunteer opportunities or educational programs. Share findings with your group and discuss the importance of mustang conservation in the context of the novel.
Virtual Reality Experience Recommendations	Research and recommend immersive VR modules for environmental education, such as exploring wildfire zones or animal habitats[5]. Test a VR experience (if available) and write a reflection on how it changed your understanding of environmental issues. Design a proposal for a school or library VR event linked to Ember’s Gallop themes. Present on the benefits and challenges of using VR for climate and ecology learning.
Community Partnership Templates	Draft a partnership proposal template for collaborating with local fire departments, environmental groups, or animal rescues. Identify and contact a potential community partner to explore joint programming or service projects. Develop a checklist for planning and evaluating partnership activities (e.g., guest speakers, field trips, joint campaigns). Reflect on how partnerships can expand the impact of your book club’s action plans.
Grant Funding Opportunity Database	Research grant opportunities for youth-led environmental, animal welfare, or literacy projects (local, state, and national). Compile a shared database or spreadsheet with deadlines, eligibility, and application tips. Draft a sample grant proposal for a project inspired by Ember’s Gallop. Present on the process of securing funding and how it can support your club’s civic engagement goals.