Chapter Thirteen

What made Otter infer that Sean "was as much of an outcast as me?"

Chapter Thirteen

Was is right for the men in Otter's shack to strip and bathe him?  Why did his father and Uncle Foxfire allow this to happen?

Chapter Twelve

From what you read and interpreted in the last few chapters, through and including this one, what evidence do you have that this railroad will be built no matter the risk or cost to the land and people?

Chapter Eleven

Near the end of this chapter, Otter learns the truth about the crew to which his father and Uncle Foxfire are assigned.  How do you think this news affects him?

Chapter Eleven

This is an actual photograph of a Chinese 
laborer carrying baskets on a pole -- like the ones 

Otter tried to carry in this chapter -- during the 
building of the Transcontinental Railroad.

Chapter Ten

Toward the end of this chapter Otter grows disillusioned with Uncle Foxfire, calling him "worse than a liar."  What do you think caused Otter to have this type of reaction toward Uncle Foxfire?

Chapter Ten

Based on Otter's father's reactions, what is your impression of Shrimp?  Please reread pages 90 and 91 before you respond.

Chapters 7-8

In the Middle Kingdom in China, Otter had a privileged status because he came from a very well-to-do family.  How is that status changing now that he is in America?


Otter also had a vision of what life in America would be like for himself.  Is that perception changing?  If so, how?

Chapters 7-8

Otter has begun to use the term "greenhorn."  What does it mean?

Chapter Eight

When Otter almost pulled the sack of rice off the sledge (page 68), he said,  "As I stared down at the river, I thought, Well, now you know what your life is worth over here."  What did he mean by that? 

Chapter Seven

On page 58, when Otter first observed the locomotive, he thought to himself, So this is going to make the Middle Kingdom strong.  What did he mean by that?  What is the connection to his homeland, the Middle Kingdom?

Chapters 1-6

At this point in the story, what, if anything, is confusing you?  What questions do you have?  Maybe we can help each other to clearer understandings.

Chapter Six

Now that Otter seemingly has his wish, how do you think he feels?

Chapter Five

What is your understanding of the accident that occurred in this chapter?  What consequences does it have for Otter?

Chapter Four

What is "The Work" that Otter's father and Uncle Foxfire are involved in?

Chapter Four

This chapter is filled with tension between Otter, his father, his mother, and his uncle regarding Otter's desire to accompany his father back to the Golden Mountain.  How did the various characters feel about this possibility and why?

Chapter Four

Based on everything you have read so far in this story, what are Otter's reasons for wanting to go to the Golden Mountain?  Why does his mother have such strong objections?  What dilemmas does Otter face in trying to make a decision?

Chapter Three

Near the end of chapter three, Otter says to his father, "Why don't you step out from Uncle's shadow for once?"  What do you think this means?  What do you think his father's response means?

Chapter Three

What is "demon mud?"  How has it impacted the lives of the people in Otter's clan?