Characters & Setting
How is Samuel different from his parents when it comes to living in the forest?
Samuel prefers living in the wild and knows the forest well; his parents prefer a settled, calmer life
How does Samuel’s knowledge of the woods help him survive?
He knows plants, trails, tracking, and how to hide and find food and shelter.
What does Samuel notice in the sky that warns him something is wrong at home?
He sees smoke or unusual lights in the sky signaling the attack.
This book is historical fiction. Give one reason the story fits that genre
Because it uses real historical events (the Revolutionary War) and realistic characters in that time.
Who is the main protanganist in Woods Runner?
Samuel
Who is Annie, and how does Samuel first meet her?
Annie is a child Samuel meets after the settlement attack; he finds her during his travels and rescues/protects her.
How does Samuel use tracks and clues to follow the people who took his parents?
He reads footprints, broken branches, and other signs to follow their trail.
How does the American Revolution change Samuel’s peaceful life?
The war brings violence and raids that destroy his peaceful frontier life and separate his family.
What is one important theme of Woods Runner, and how do Samuel’s actions help show that theme?
Answers will vary
What important skills help Samuel survive in the wilderness?
hunting, tracking, and understanding the forest
Who is Abner, and how does he help Samuel and Annie?
Abner is a friendly hunter/ally who guides and helps them with information and shelter.
How does Samuel become injured, and how does this change his journey?
He is hurt (wounded) during an encounter; this slows him and forces him to rely on others and be cautious.
What plan helps Samuel rescue his parents?
Samuel uses stealth, tracking, and help from allies to plan a rescue.
Why does Samuel decide to protect Annie?
He promises to keep her safe because she is vulnerable and he feels responsible and kind.
What event causes Samuel to leave his home and begin his journey?
British attack on his settlement and the capture of his parents
What does Samuel discover when he returns to his settlement?
Samuel finds his settlement attacked and his family missing or taken.
Who helps Samuel recover from his injury?
A sympathetic helper (e.g., Abner or a kind settler) nurses him back to health.
How does Samuel finally find his mother?
Through tracking, courage, and help from friends he locates and rescues his mother from captivity.
Why does Samuel decide to continue searching for his parents even though he is still recovering?
He wants to find his family and believes they need him; love and duty drive him despite weakness.
How does Samuel show compassion when he meets Annie?
protecting her, sharing food, and helping her survive
How has Samuel changed from the beginning of the story to the end?
He becomes more responsible, brave, and grown-up; he changes from a frontier child to a protector and leader.
Why must Samuel and Annie be careful when they meet strangers?
Strangers could be enemies or spies during the war, so they must be cautious for safety.
What happens when Samuel approaches the enemy camp?
He sneaks close, observes, and may be discovered or must fight/escape — the camp is dangerous.
Why does Samuel’s family decide not to return to their old life on the frontier?
They choose safety, community, or a different life after seeing the dangers and losses on the frontier.
How does the forest setting influence Samuel's actions and decisions throughout the novel?
Samuel uses his knowledge of the forest to find food, track people, avoid danger, and survive. His surroundings help him solve problems and move forward on his journey.