The Buffalo Storm
What’s inside...
Hallie isn't afraid of anything—that is, except for storms. She usually faces them with her grandmother under a special quilt. However, when her family moves west and leaves her grandmother behind, Hallie must find unprecedented bravery within herself. During the journey, she faces a challenge when she encounters a young buffalo stranded on a rocky ridge in the midst of a wild storm. Will Hallie be able to muster the courage to help? The Newbery medalist Katherine Applegate enriches this tale with lyrical text and beautiful watercolor illustrations.
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Hallie
Mother
Father
Discussion points
How do you think Clara felt when she was traveling west with her family?
What does the buffalo storm symbolize in the story?
Why is Clara's relationship with her grandmother important?
What challenges do you think the family faced during their journey?
How would you have felt in Clara's situation?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set the scene before you start reading by discussing what it means to move to a new place and how it might feel.
Encourage your child to imagine the landscape and setting described in the book, and relate it to places they already know.
Discuss the notion of bravery and resilience, and ask your child to consider times when they have had to be brave.
After reading the book, use a globe or map to track the family’s journey westward to help visualize Clara’s adventure.
Link the historical context of the book to Clara’s personal experiences, discussing how personal and historical narratives intertwine.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: In 'The Buffalo Storm,' Clara and her family migrate westward, facing many challenges and changes. This story illustrates how Clara adapts and finds comfort amid the unfamiliar.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to see change not as an obstacle but as an opportunity for growth and new experiences. Whether it's moving to a new school or adjusting to a new family dynamic, embracing change can lead to positive outcomes.
Example Lesson: Strength of Family Bonds
Explanation: Throughout the journey, Clara’s relationship with her grandmother demonstrates the power of family support during tough times. This bond provides Clara with emotional stability and confidence.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of relying on family during challenging times. Strong family connections can provide a sense of security and support that helps kids navigate life’s ups and downs.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Fears
Explanation: Clara faces her fear of the loud storms that remind her of buffaloes. Her courage is depicted when she overcomes her fear by understanding and facing it head-on.
Real-World Application: This demonstrates to children the importance of facing fears directly. Learning to understand what scares them can diminish its impact and build resilience.
Example Lesson: Resilience through Adversity
Explanation: The book depicts the hardships of Clara’s family's journey west. Despite the challenges, the family continues moving forward, showcasing their resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn that persistence through difficult situations can lead to achievement and growth. This lesson encourages resilience when facing personal challenges, such as tackling a tough subject in school or resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Nature
Explanation: The narrative highlights the vastness and beauty of the American landscape, which Clara learns to appreciate during her journey.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to notice and appreciate the natural world around them, promoting a sense of responsibility towards the environment and an understanding of how landscapes are integral to our history and future.