Characters
Who is Samuel?
What happens to Samuel's home while he is in the woods?
It gets attacked and burned by British soldiers and Iroquois.
In what year is Woodsrunner set?
1776
What does "woodsrunner" mean in context of the book?
A person who lives and travels in the forest, especially on the frontier (courier du bois)
"He knew the forest like most men knew a road." What does this tell us about Samuel?
He is very experienced and comfortable in the forest
Samuel's neighbors captured by the British
Who are the McKenzies?
What does Samuel discover when he returns from hunting?
That his settlement has been destroyed, people are dead, parents are missing
What skills does Samuel use to track the captors?
Tracking, hunting, and reading signs in the forest
What can we in fer about the British and Iroquois alliance?
They work together during the Revolutionary War to attack frontier settlements
What is left behind at the scene of the attack that gives Samuel clues?
Blood, burned buildings, tracks, missing people, bodies
The man who saves Samuel from the Native American attack
Who is Coop?
What is Samuel's goal after the attack?
To track and rescue his captured parents
What type of gun does Samuel carry?
Pennsylvania rifle
Define "ambush" as used in the story.
A surprise attack from a hidden position
What sound warns Samuel of danger near the beginning of the book?
Gunfire
How do Samuel's parents differ from him in terms of lifestyle and interests?
They are more interested in books and news, while Samuel prefers the wilderness.
How does Samuel survive after being wounded?
He is found and cared for by a man named Coop.
What natural dangers does Samuel face in the woods?
Wild animals, injury, and lack of food
What mood does the author create after the attack on the settlement?
One of fear, sadness, and urgency
What was Samuel doing when his settlement was attacked?
He was hunting in the woods
What is Samuel's relationship to the woods and how does it define him?
He feels most at home in the forest and is skilled at tracking and hunting.
How does the setting change from the beginning to Chapter 9?
It moves from a peaceful frontier to the dangerous aftermath of war
Why is the forest important in Samuel's life?
It represents safety, freedom, and his connection to nature
Why might Samuel feel more comfortable in the forest than around people?
He feels in control in nature but uncertain in social situations; he is confident and feels important in the woods
Why is it important that Samuel keeps moving after being hurt?
He knows time is running out the save his parents