1. Shelterwood explores a number of themes, particularly the rights of women and children, family, and justice. Which theme resonated the most deeply with you, and why?
2. At the beginning of each chapter, author Lisa Wingate included a historical quote from a wide-ranging variety of sources, including transcripts from congressional hearings, committee meetings, interviews, and newspaper
articles. How did the inclusion of these quotes influence your experience reading Shelterwood?
3. Shelterwood is told through two timelines and perspectives—one of Olive Augusta Radley, in 1909, and the other of Valerie Boren-Odell, in 1990. How did these dual perspectives shape the novel? How do their stories parallel each other? What similarities and differences do you notice in their journeys and the challenges they face?
4. Historical fiction often introduces readers to new or deepened knowledge of past events and different perspectives than one’s own lived experience, and Shelterwood is based on extensive research. Were you familiar with the historical events of Oklahoma and Choctaw Nation prior to reading Shelterwood? What did you take away from learning more through this novel?
5. Shelterwood is inspired by female pioneers like Kate Barnard who fought to protect children’s rights and welfare in a time when child labor was unregulated and exploited. How does this historical context contribute to the overall themes and conflicts in the story?
6. How does the history of the land in Horsethief Trail National Park, even though much of it has been hidden over the years, affect the characters in the present day? Have you wondered about or discovered similar “secrets” where you live or where you grew up?
7. Both Olive and Valerie find themselves in positions where they must fight for justice and protect those who are vulnerable. How do they struggle between self-interest and the interests of others or the need to do what’s right? Do we all have the capacity to be heroic, are heroes and heroines a limited few, or does heroism exist in many forms?