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"Sometimes a story comes along that just plain makes you want to hug the world. The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise is Dan Gemeinhart’s finest book yet ― and that’s saying something. Your heart needs this joyful miracle of a book." ―Katherine Applegate, acclaimed author of The One and Only Ivan and Wishtree
A 2019 Parents' Choice Award Gold Medal Winner Winner of the 2019 CYBILS Award for Middle Grade Fiction An Amazon Top 20 Children's Book of 2019 A Junior Library Guild Selection Five years. That's how long Coyote and her dad, Rodeo, have lived on the road in an old school bus, criss-crossing the nation. It's also how long ago Coyote lost her mom and two sisters in a car crash. Coyote hasn’t been home in all that time, but when she learns that the park in her old neighborhood is being demolished―the very same park where she, her mom, and her sisters buried a treasured memory box―she devises an elaborate plan to get her dad to drive 3,600 miles back to Washington state in four days...without him realizing it. Along the way, they'll pick up a strange crew of misfit travelers. Lester has a lady love to meet. Salvador and his mom are looking to start over. Val needs a safe place to be herself. And then there's Gladys... Over the course of thousands of miles, Coyote will learn that going home can sometimes be the hardest journey of all...but that with friends by her side, she just might be able to turn her “once upon a time” into a “happily ever after.” This title has common core connections. BL 4.7/12 |
Chance:
“Coyote” is not the main character’s real name. And even though her dad goes by the name “Rodeo,” that’s not really his name, either. They both left their old names behind years ago when they wanted a fresh start after a family tragedy. So they both got to pick new names for themselves, to start their new life! While it can definitely be sad to have to leave your old life behind, I do think it would be fun to get to pick a brand new name for yourself. What name would you choose for yourself and why?
“Coyote” is not the main character’s real name. And even though her dad goes by the name “Rodeo,” that’s not really his name, either. They both left their old names behind years ago when they wanted a fresh start after a family tragedy. So they both got to pick new names for themselves, to start their new life! While it can definitely be sad to have to leave your old life behind, I do think it would be fun to get to pick a brand new name for yourself. What name would you choose for yourself and why?
Community:
Sometimes Coyote and her dad pick up hitchhikers and give other travelers rides. Before they let anyone on the bus, though, they make them answer three questions: what is your favorite book, what is your favorite place in the whole world, and what is your favorite sandwich? Since I wrote this book, I’ve been asking people those same three questions, and I’ve had a lot of really interesting conversations! It’s not usually the answers that are interesting, but the reasons behind the answers. If someone says, “My favorite sandwich is a grilled cheese, because my grandma used to make them for me and I really miss her,” I just got to know something important about them even though it started with a silly question! Give it a try!
Come up with 3 questions and ask 5 people those questions. Record the answers.
Sometimes Coyote and her dad pick up hitchhikers and give other travelers rides. Before they let anyone on the bus, though, they make them answer three questions: what is your favorite book, what is your favorite place in the whole world, and what is your favorite sandwich? Since I wrote this book, I’ve been asking people those same three questions, and I’ve had a lot of really interesting conversations! It’s not usually the answers that are interesting, but the reasons behind the answers. If someone says, “My favorite sandwich is a grilled cheese, because my grandma used to make them for me and I really miss her,” I just got to know something important about them even though it started with a silly question! Give it a try!
Come up with 3 questions and ask 5 people those questions. Record the answers.
Activity 3:
Retell Rodeo's story about the Sparrow and Crow. In his metaphor who is the Sparrow and Crow? Who is the French Fry?
Retell Rodeo's story about the Sparrow and Crow. In his metaphor who is the Sparrow and Crow? Who is the French Fry?