Part B - Middle School level Book Club Questions

Part B - Book Club Questions

For Middle School grade levels.

Ember's Gallop

Middle Grade Book Club Adventure

For Readers Ages 10-14

A creative, hands-on book club guide for libraries and classrooms, blending adventure, teamwork, and environmental action-all through the eyes of Ember the mustang.

Let's Talk About the Book!

General Discussion Questions

Ember's Perspective:
• If you could see the world through any animal's eyes for a day, which would you choose? How would it be different from Ember's experience?
• What surprised you most about how Ember interacts with her herd?
Wildfire Survival:
• What would you pack in a "survival kit" if you were in Ember's herd?
• How do you think you would react during a wildfire?
Favorite Moments:
• Which scene made you feel the most excited or scared? Why?

Themed Questions & Action Plans

Theme 1: Leadership & Teamwork

Questions:
• What makes Ember a good leader? Give examples from the book.
• If you were part of the herd, what job would you want (scout, protector, etc.)?
Activity: Design a Leadership Badge
1. Draw a badge that represents Ember's best leadership quality.
2. Write a short "speech" explaining why she deserves it.
3. Share with the group!

Theme 2: Sensory Storytelling

Questions:
• Which sensory detail (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste) stuck with you the most?
• How would the story change if it were told through Spark's perspective?
Activity: Create a Sensory Map
1. Fold a paper into four sections. Label each: Sight, Sound, Smell, Touch.
2. Draw or describe one example from the book in each section.
3. Add emojis to show how each sense made you feel (e.g., 🔥 for danger, 🌱 for hope).

Theme 3: Environmental Awareness

Questions:
• What can humans learn from Ember's herd about protecting nature?
• How does the wildfire change the herd's environment?
Action Plan: "Protect Your Herd" Pledge
1. Brainstorm 3 ways to help animals in your community.
2. Write a pledge and sign it. Example: "I pledge to protect wildlife by _______."
3. Share your pledge on social media with #EmbersGallopChallenge.

Creative Extensions

1. Write a Sequel Scene
Prompt: What happens to Ember's herd after the wildfire? Write a 1-page story about their next adventure. Include:
• A new challenge (e.g., finding food, meeting humans).
• How Ember uses her senses to solve it.
2. Design a Book Cover
Materials: Paper, markers, collage materials.
Instructions: Create a new cover that shows Ember's bravery and the wildfire's danger. Use colors and symbols from the story (e.g., orange for fire, green for safety).
3. Role-Play a Herd Council
How to Play:
1. Assign roles: Ember, Spark, elder horse, scout.
2. Debate: Should the herd trust a new watering hole?
3. Vote on the best solution!

Community Connection

Host a "Wildfire Heroes" Fair

Invite Guests: Firefighters, park rangers, or animal rescuers to share real wildfire stories.
Display Projects: Showcase sensory maps, leadership badges, and pledges.
Donate: Collect supplies for a local animal shelter (e.g., pet food, blankets).

Printable Resources

Create with your group:
- "Leadership Badges" template
- "Sensory Map" worksheets
- A Sharable Book Club Certificate of Completion

Why This Works:

Encourages critical thinking through relatable, hands-on activities.
Aligns with Common Core Standards (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.17.3).
Fosters empathy for animals and the environment.

"Ember's story isn't just about survival-it’s about working together and protecting the world around us!"

Let's Talk About the Book! – Assignable Tasks

Ember's Perspective

Animal Eyes Reflection:
Write a journal entry imagining a day as an animal of your choice. Describe what you see, hear, and feel. Compare your experience to Ember’s.
Herd Dynamics Chart:
Make a chart or comic strip showing how Ember interacts with her herd. Highlight a moment that surprised you.
Discussion Leader:
Prepare 2 questions for your group about Ember’s point of view and lead a short discussion.

Wildfire Survival

Survival Kit Design:
Draw and label a “survival kit” for a wild horse. Explain why you chose each item.
Role-Play Scenario:
In pairs, act out how you would react if you were in Ember’s herd during a wildfire. Share your feelings and choices.
Safety Poster:
Create a poster with tips for staying safe in a wildfire-what should humans or animals do?

Favorite Moments

Scene Sketch:
Illustrate the scene that made you feel the most excited or scared. Add a caption explaining why.
Emotion Map:
Draw an “emotion map” showing how your feelings changed during the story’s key moments.
Book Talk:
Prepare a 1-minute book talk about your favorite moment and present it to the group.

Themed Questions & Action Plans – Assignable Tasks

Theme 1: Leadership & Teamwork

Discussion Questions:
- Leadership Evidence Hunt:
  Find and read aloud a passage where Ember shows leadership. Explain what makes her a good leader and how it affects the herd.
- Herd Role Reflection:
  Write a short paragraph or draw a picture showing which job you would want in Ember’s herd (scout, protector, etc.) and why.
- Teamwork Skit:
  In small groups, act out a scene where the herd must work together to solve a problem. Discuss what each role contributes.
Activity: Design a Leadership Badge
- Badge Creation:
  Draw and color a badge that represents Ember's best leadership quality (e.g., bravery, wisdom, kindness).
- Speech Writing:
  Write a short speech (3-5 sentences) explaining why Ember deserves this badge. Practice reading it aloud.
- Badge Ceremony:
  Share your badge and speech with the group. Give positive feedback to each presenter.

Theme 2: Sensory Storytelling

Discussion Questions:
- Sensory Favorites:
  List one vivid sensory detail (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste) from the book. Share with the group and explain why it stood out.
- Perspective Rewrite:
  Rewrite a short scene from Spark’s perspective. How would Spark’s senses and feelings be different from Ember’s?
- Soundtrack Activity:
  Choose music or sound effects that match a scene’s mood (e.g., thunder for fear, birdsong for peace). Play for the group and explain your choice.
Activity: Create a Sensory Map
- Map Creation:
  Fold a paper into four sections. Label each: Sight, Sound, Smell, Touch. Draw or describe a detail from the story in each section.
- Emoji Feelings:
  Add emojis to each section to show how that sense made you feel (e.g., 🔥 for danger, 🌱 for hope).
- Sensory Gallery Walk:
  Display all sensory maps around the room. Walk around, read others’ maps, and leave a sticky note with a compliment or question.

Theme 3: Environmental Awareness

Discussion Questions:
- Nature Lessons:
  Discuss what humans can learn from Ember’s herd about protecting nature. List at least two lessons as a group.
- Wildfire Impact Chart:
  Make a before-and-after chart showing how the wildfire changed the herd’s environment. Include drawings or words.
- Eco-Action Brainstorm:
  In small groups, brainstorm ways your class or club can help local wildlife or habitats. Share your best idea.
Action Plan: "Protect Your Herd" Pledge
- Community Helpers List:
  Brainstorm and list 3 ways to help animals in your community (e.g., build bird feeders, reduce litter, volunteer at a shelter).
- Pledge Writing:
  Write and decorate your own pledge. Example: "I pledge to protect wildlife by _______." Sign your name.
- Pledge Share & Social Challenge:
  Share your pledge with the group or post (with permission) using #EmbersGallopChallenge. Encourage others to join!

Creative Extensions – Assignable Tasks

1. Write a Sequel Scene

Story Prompt:
What happens to Ember's herd after the wildfire? Write a 1-page story about their next adventure.
Steps:
- Choose a New Challenge:
  Decide on a new challenge for Ember's herd (e.g., finding food, meeting humans, crossing a river).
- Use the Senses:
  Describe how Ember uses her senses (sight, smell, hearing, touch) to solve the problem.
- Write & Revise:
  Write your story draft, then read it aloud to a partner and revise for detail and excitement.
- Share:
  Present your story to the group or display it on a classroom wall.

2. Design a Book Cover

Materials:
Paper, markers, colored pencils, collage materials, glue, scissors.
Instructions:
- Sketch Your Cover:
  Plan your design to show Ember’s bravery and the wildfire’s danger. Think about the most exciting moment.
- Use Symbols & Colors:
  Add symbols from the story (e.g., orange/red for fire, green for safety, a river, or herd silhouettes).
- Collage Option:
  Use magazine cutouts or textured paper for a 3D effect.
- Title & Author:
  Don’t forget to add a creative title and your name as the “cover artist.”
- Gallery Walk:
  Display all covers and let classmates vote for “Most Dramatic,” “Most Colorful,” or “Best Use of Symbolism.”

3. Role-Play a Herd Council

How to Play:
- Assign Roles:
  Each group member chooses a role: Ember, Spark, elder horse, or scout.
- Set the Scene:
  The herd has found a new watering hole. Should they trust it? What are the risks and benefits?
- Debate:
  Each role shares their opinion and gives reasons. Use facts from the story or invent realistic horse logic!
- Vote:
  As a group, vote on the best solution. Explain your final decision to the class.
- Reflection:
  Discuss what made the council successful. Did everyone get a say? Was the solution safe and fair?

Community Connection – Assignable Tasks

Host a "Wildfire Heroes" Fair

Invite Guests:
- Research & List:
  Brainstorm and list local heroes (firefighters, park rangers, animal rescuers) who help during wildfires.
- Write Invitations:
  Create and decorate invitation cards or emails. Include event details and a thank you message.
- Prepare Interview Questions:
  As a group, write 3–5 questions to ask your guests about their wildfire experiences and animal rescues.
- Host & Greet:
  Welcome guests, introduce them to the group, and take turns asking questions. Write down your favorite hero story.
Display Projects:
- Project Prep:
  Gather your sensory maps, leadership badges, and "Protect Your Herd" pledges. Add captions or titles to explain each project.
- Set Up Stations:
  Arrange tables or poster boards for each project type. Make sure everything is neat and easy to read.
- Gallery Walk:
  Take a tour of the displays with your guests and classmates. Leave sticky notes with compliments or questions for each project.
Donate:
- Plan a Drive:
  Decide as a group what supplies to collect for a local animal shelter (e.g., pet food, blankets, toys).
- Create Donation Posters:
  Make colorful posters to advertise your donation drive around the library or school.
- Organize & Deliver:
  Sort and count donations, then help deliver them to the shelter. Take a group photo and write a thank you note to everyone who contributed!