Echo Mountain centers around a family forced out of their home and comfortable life during the Great Depression. Ellie and her family create a new life on the mountain, adapting to the harsh environment and isolated lifestyle. How do Ellie and her family’s Persistence in the Face of Great Obstacles help Ellie use the Forces of Healing to waken her father, save Cate, and bring her family back together?

Teaching Suggestion: This discussion prompt allows students to synthesize two themes while examining the protagonist’s character arc and the major plot points that assist in her transformation. Encourage students to consider how Ellie’s journey begins and compare it to where she and her family end up in the novel’s conclusion.

Differentiation Suggestion: Advanced learners may choose to identify two prominent symbols in the novel and explain how they contribute to the questions above.