skip navigation links

Readers > Talk it Up! > Discussion guides > Ghost Horses

Ghost Horses by Pamela Smith Hill

Summary

Ever since sixteen-year-old Tabitha Fortune was a child growing up in South Dakota, she's heard stories about ghost horses-nightmare creatures whose giant bones haunt the sandstone cliffs near the Badlands. When paleontologist Dr. Phineas Parker announces plans to dig for these bones, Tabitha vows to join his crew. But this is 1899, and the world has different expectations for young women. Tabitha's preacher father urges her to abandon her interest in science. That leaves Tabitha with just one choice-and being a "lady" has nothing to do with it.

216 pages, 5th grade and up

Summary

Spoiler alert! Some of the questions contain key elements of the plot. Do not read if you don't want to know what happens!

  1. This novel is set in 1899. There are many differences between the world we live in and the one Tabitha lives in. What are some of those differences?
  2. Decsribe Tabitha's father. What are his beliefs? Does he impose them on Tabitha? Do you respect him?
  3. What does Tabitha learn about her mother's past? How does that encourage her in her own ambitions?
  4. What are Dr. Parker's beliefs about women and science?
  5. How does Tabitha prepare to go "undercover"?
  6. Describe Abby and Dr. Harding. How are they different from other women in Tabitha's world?
  7. Tabitha and Dr. Parker disagree on the topic of instinct. Does instinct have a place in science? How?
  8. Is it possible for someone who believes in God to study the life of dinosaurs? What are some of the compromises a person who believes in God and evolution need to make? What are your feelings?
  9. Tabitha follows her heart and makes her dream come true. If you could pick one great adventure to take, what would it be?
  10. Were you surprised at the ending? What do you see in the future for Tabitha and her family?

Created in part with funds granted by the Oregon State Library under the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Oregon State Library. Send feedback to Katie O'Dell, Reading Promotions Coordinator