Thunder Rolling in the Mountains

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1992

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Introduction

Before Reading

During Reading

After Reading

Introduction

Teacher Introduction

Thunder Rolling in the Mountains by Scott O’Dell

Genre: Historical Fiction; Middle Grade Fiction
Originally Published: 1992
Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 680L; Ages 8-12 years
Structure/Length: Divided into chapters; approximately 192 pages
Protagonist/Central Conflict: Thunder Rolling in the Mountains is a historical novel set in the late 19th century. It follows the journey of a young Nez Perce girl named Sound of Running Feet, who undergoes a personal journey of resilience, courage, and determination as she and her people confront the challenges of displacement, loss, and cultural preservation. The central conflict revolves around the Nez Perce tribe’s struggles as they face forced relocation by the US government. The novel explores themes of identity, heritage, and the impact of historical events on Indigenous communities.
Potential Sensitivity Issues: Themes of displacement, historical injustices, and cultural preservation

Scott O’Dell, Author

Bio: Born 1898; deceased 1989; American author known for his historical fiction for young readers; celebrated for his ability to weave engaging narratives while incorporating historical accuracy and cultural insights; often explored the experiences of Indigenous peoples and marginalized communities in his works
Other Works: Island of the Blue Dolphins (1960); The Black Pearl (1967); Sarah Bishop (1980)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

The Unavoidability of War During Colonization
Connection to Home
Power of Women and Gender Roles in Indigenous Culture

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Teaching Guide, students will:

Develop an understanding of the cultural and historical contexts regarding the Nez Perce tribe’s view on land ownership and the war of 1877.
Study paired texts and other brief resources to make connections via the text’s themes of The Unavoidability of War During Colonization, Connection to Home, and Power of Women and Gender Roles in Indigenous Culture.
Map and analyze the Nez Perce’s journey on a geographical map that demonstrates the physical and emotional challenges faced by the tribe, based on text details.
Analyze and evaluate the plot and character details to draw conclusions in structured essay responses regarding themes, emotional and physical journeys, and other topics.