96 Miles

Find examples of imagery throughout the novel. What senses does Esplin appeal to in her descriptions? How does her use of imagery relate to the novel’s mood, symbols, and/or themes?

Analyze the character transformations that take place in the novel. Which characters change, and what causes those changes? Which characters are flat and don’t change?

Discuss the novel’s desert highway setting. How does the setting lend itself to plot and character development? How does it contribute to the theme of self-reliance?

Compare and contrast the novel’s three villains: Clayton Presley, Nate Brighton, and Spike. What qualities do the men share? In what ways are they different?

What examples of foreshadowing do you see in the novel? How does foreshadowing contribute to tension and mood?

Using examples, compare and contrast the child characters to the adults. How are they different or similar in terms of morality and decision-making?

What is the novel’s genre? Survival? Adventure? Coming-of-age? Or something else? Choose the genre you think fits best and provide evidence from the novel to support your choice.

Throughout the novel, Esplin emphasizes self-reliance alongside caring for others. How do these two seemingly opposite qualities coincide? Give examples from the novel of characters who possess and display both qualities, and those who do not.