Riding Freedom

Charlotte believes that voting in disguise as Charles Parkhurst will make a strong point when her true gender is finally revealed. What do you think? Did casting her vote under a false name ultimately make a point or a difference? Why or why not?

Find and analyze three examples of freedom in the novel. What kinds of freedom do people experience? Does freedom mean the same thing to everyone? How does the novel’s title impact our understanding of freedom?

How does life in the orphanage shape Charlotte’s character and affect her decisions in life?

Why does Vern say that naming something is important? What is the significance of a name in this novel? Do names have power?

How does Charlotte’s relationship with Ebeneezer affect her? What does she gain from their relationship? Is it possible to create a family with someone you aren’t related to?

How does Charlotte’s friendship with Hayward develop over the years? Do you think she should have gone with him when he asked her to leave the ranch for a year?

What does Charlotte sacrifice to achieve her dreams? Were the sacrifices worth it?

Charlotte is by necessity a bit of a loner. But she couldn’t have survived as long as she did without the help of kind people. Who helps her along the way, and how? How does this impact the development of her moral character as she grows up?