Me'ma and the Great Mountain
illustrations by
on Goodreads (9)
What’s inside...
Me'ma and the Great Mountain by Lorin Morgan-Richards tells the story of a little girl named Me'ma who lives in the oppressed village of Sunken Creek. Facing removal, Me'ma taps into her extraordinary ability to see ghoulish characters who assist her in battling the nightmare imposed by an evil tyrant. The book includes a special foreword by Corine Fairbanks (Oglala Lakota).
Age
7-12
Length
172 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Me'Ma
Discussion points
What do you think Me'ma felt when she embarked on her journey up the Great Mountain?
How do you believe the different characters helped Me'ma on her quest?
What lessons did Me'ma learn throughout her adventure?
Can you think of a time when you faced a challenge like Me'ma? How did you overcome it?
Why do you think the author chose a mountain as a central part of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions and adventures in the story, which can help your child connect more deeply with Me'ma’s journey.
Pause after exciting moments in the story to give your child a chance to absorb the events and express what they think might happen next.
Relate the challenges faced by Me'ma to real-life scenarios your child might encounter, to help them understand the themes of courage and perseverance.
Encourage your child to imagine their own ending to the story before reading how it concludes, boosting their creativity and engagement with the narrative.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Me'ma, faces various challenges on her quest to defeat an evil witch, showing bravery despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and stand up against tough situations, whether it's tackling a hard task or standing up for a friend.
Example Lesson: Importance of heritage
Explanation: Me'ma embraces her Native American heritage throughout her journey, learning about her ancestors and their wisdom.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to explore and take pride in their own cultural backgrounds, understanding history’s impact on their lives today.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: Despite encountering numerous setbacks, Me'ma persists in her mission, underscoring the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of persisting with their goals, regardless of obstacles, whether in academics, sports, or personal hobbies.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The story highlights the sacredness of the land and the duty to protect it, reflecting Native American beliefs.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and care for the environment, practicing recycling, conservation, and respect for natural resources.
Example Lesson: Collaboration and community
Explanation: Me'ma works together with other characters to overcome challenges, showcasing the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of working together, whether in group projects at school or in community activities.