Summer Reads Series for Teachers: Where the Crawdads Sing

Kya remembered Ma always encouraging her to explore the marsh:
“Go as far as you can—way out yonder where the crawdads sing.”

I must confess that I don’t read as much as I probably should and when my 3 teaching friends from the We Teach So Hard podcast suggested that we each read a book, and come up with questions, I almost freaked out…#lol! But you know, I’m so glad we decided to do this, I had almost forgotten how relaxing it is to settle down and let words on a page take me to another place and time. I’d like to share this beautifully written book with you.

Without further adieu, let me tell you a little about the book, Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. In 1952, 10 year old Kya Clark is abandoned by her mother, her sisters and brothers and finally by her drunken father. Left alone to fend for herself in the desolate coastal marshlands of North Carolina, Kya learns to survive and thrive. The author strategically alternates the plot between Kya’s heartbreaking situation and the investigation of a death in 1969, and murder trial in 1970.

Wanna know what happens and why feathers are important? You’re gonna have to read the book…

Each week, over the next month, my podcast group and I will be discussing fabulous pleasure reads for teachers and offering fun freebies that accompany the books. Where the Crawdads Sing  is our second recommendation. Before you listen to our podcasts, be sure to read the books, because there are spoilers! #spoileralert…

These are some of the discussion questions

1. What does poetry mean to Kya?  How does it help her throughout the novel?
2. Why is the marsh so important to Kya?
3. Why are reading and learning so important to Kya?
4. The themes of isolation and abandonment are prevalent throughout the novel. How has it affected Kya?
5. How did you feel about the ending? Did you wonder about anything?  

I’ve designed recipe cards with a few of Kya’s dishes to delight your taste buds. Also included are blank cards for your favorite recipes too. The feather theme has been used to remind you about this beautifully written novel that I know you’ll enjoy as much as I did.

Click here to download your freebie from this website or my Tpt Shop

Once you’ve read the book, listen to our book discussion on the WE TEACH SO HARD podcast. Just click the picture below to listen.