Every year for the past 200 years, the island town of Chincoteague, Virginia enjoys the annual rounding and auction of the Assateague Island wild ponies whose origins are mysterious and controversial. The event draws thousands of visitors and provides homes for at-risk ponies whose numbers stress the resources of the small island and threaten the health of the herd.  This is the setting of Henry's novel, based on true events. 

As we delve into this delightful story, we will also learn about horse behavior, terminology, the geography of the Atlantic Coast, the history and culture of the region, the relationship between horses and humans, and how all of these various concepts intersect with and inform the plot, characters and setting of Henry's novel.

A reading assignment will be given prior to each class during which we will discuss the material. We will cover approximately 3-4 Chapters/20-25 pages per week. Handouts, projects, and videos will also be assigned and shared or discussed during class.  Student progress will be evaluated against participation in discussion, and completion of assignments.

Week 1 - Focus: Setting. 
We will cover vocabulary for our first reading segment, and discuss imagery and metaphor. Students will be encouraged to take note of Henry's rich use of literary devices for later discussion. We will also discuss setting, and learn about the unique salt marsh ecosystem in which the story takes place.  A reading and comprehension/discussion sheet will be assigned for the following week.

Week 2 - Focus: Cultural Context. 
We will discuss our first reading assignment and watch a video documentary of the annual Chincoteague pony swim in Virginia. We will analyze the ecological, historical and economic reasons for the event.   A reading and comprehension/discussion sheet  will be assigned for the following week.

Week 3 - Focus: Character. 
We will discuss our second reading assignment and Character. We will learn about the different types of character in fiction and begin to chart our characters' development over the course of the book.  If we have time, we will learn how to draw a horse! A reading and comprehension/discussion sheet will be assigned for the following week. 

Week 4 - Focus: Plot.
We will discuss our third reading assignment and Story Arc. Students will begin to map the 5 elements of plot, and anticipate how the story will move forward.  

Week 5 - Focus: Theme.
We will discuss our fourth reading assignment. We will extract the major themes of this book, and discover how horses have shaped our American civilization through a brief exploration of the history of horses in America, from the Ice Age to modern times.

Week 6 - Focus: Genre & Reviews.
Book Summary, Evaluation. We will share our final reactions in writing, or presentation. If we have time we will enjoy some of the great master works of Equine art.