West with Giraffes

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• How does the literal journey that Woodrow is on, transporting giraffes across 1938 America, affect your connection with Woodrow’s metaphorical coming-of-age journey? 
• How do the characters that Woodrow meets along the way help to shape his growth and development? Were there any characters that stood out as particularly impactful, either positively or negatively?
• West with Giraffes is a historical novel. Consider how it is similar to other historical novels you’ve read. How does it differ? How does it fit within the genre, and how does it subvert or push back against it? How do the choices author Lynda Rutledge makes affect the emotional impact and thematic meaning of the novel?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• How does the book’s thematic message of hope and resilience resonate with you? Are there times in your life when you’ve faced challenges like Woodrow’s? What did you find in Woodrow’s experience that reflects your own personal experience?
• Woodrow’s bond with animals is an important component of his journey and the novel. Do you feel a similar connection with animals? If not, what do you connect with on this same level?
• Memory plays an important role in the story, and Woodrow keeps memory alive through storytelling.