Endangered

Endangered is a kind of literature referred to as “eco fiction.” This means that it uses its story to make an implied argument about people’s duty to care for the environment. As a part of the novel’s argument, Florence advances the idea that the way people treat animals is also the way they will treat other human beings. What events in this novel convince Sophie that her mother is correct? Do you accept this argument? Why or why not?

Teaching Suggestion: This prompt can be answered in writing or through small-group or whole-class discussion. Even if students answer first in writing, they may enjoy briefly debating afterward whether or not Florence is correct about the relationship between people’s treatment of animals and their treatment of one another. If your class is ready for a challenge, you might also ask them to explain how Florence’s belief supports a larger argument about conservation in this novel. You can extend this conversation by asking students about their reaction to eco fiction in general—do they enjoy it, does it serve a valuable purpose, and what other examples can they think of?

Differentiation Suggestion: Explaining which events in the novel alter Sophie’s beliefs requires a review of a substantial portion of the text.