Use these questions or activity to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

What are some different reasons families or individuals might experience financial hardships? What might be the effects of financial hardships on health and well-being?

Teaching Suggestion: Little Willy, the novel’s protagonist, is a 10-year-old boy who lives on a potato farm with his grandfather. His grandfather mysteriously falls ill, and Little Willy is forced to tend the farm on his own. Later it is revealed that Little Willy’s grandfather is sick because he has not been able to keep up with the taxes on his farm. Little Willy must develop a strategy to save the farm. With sensitivity for class members in mind, consider discussing financial hardships and the effects of financial hardship on family and health. These teacher-appropriate resources may assist with discussion points and language to broach these topics in your classroom.

• This 9-minute video describes the differences between social classes and financial stability in America.
• This article explains the connection between mental health and financial hardship.

Short Activity

Investigate the topic of dog sled racing using reputable resources.