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Rowan of Rin by Emily Rodda

Summary

The people of Rin are strong and brave. They live simply in the shadow of the mountain, its clear cold stream providing all they need to run their mill and quench the thirst of the bukshah, the gentle friendly beasts on whom the villagers depend for their livelihood. Legend has it that a fierce dragon inhabits the mountain; every morning and evening the villagers hear its roar. One morning, though, the stream has dried up. The bukshah grow thirsty, and young Rowan, who tends them, is frightened. Rowan has always been timid and shy. He is teased by the other children and belittled by the adults. They whisper that he will never be the man his father was. The villagers ask the ancient Wise Woman, Sheba, for advice. She sends seven villagers on a journey to the top of the mountain. But one of the travelers must be Rowan, only his touch can reveal the map the old woman provides. Here is Rowan's chance to step out of his father's shadow and earn the respect of the village. But, frightened by the perils that lie ahead, Rowan isn't even thinking about this possibility. He's just wondering if he can survive.

Booktalk

No one would pick Rowan to go on a quest. He's always been shy. He takes care of the big, tame, woolly bukshah, even though that's supposed to be a job for kids much younger than he is. But now there's a danger, to the bukshah, Rowan, and everyone else in the village. The stream that flows down from the mountain has stopped flowing. There's no water, and everyone's sure it's because of the dragon at the top of the mountain.

The village picks the strongest and bravest people to climb the mountain. Of course, Rowan isn't among them. But it turns out that Rowan has to go. He has no choice - the map that shows the only path up the treacherous mountain is only visible when he is holding it. 151 pages, 5th grade and up

Discussion questions:

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. Why does Strong Jonn call Rowan "little rabbit?"
  2. Why do you think Rowan is so timid and fearful? Why does he prefer to be with the bukshah?
  3. Why does the Wise Woman Sheba enchant the map so the villagers are forced to take Rowan with them?
  4. When Rowan's mother sees the wound caused by the map of the mountain what does she do (Chapter 3)? Is this the way you expect a mother to act towards her son? Why or why not?
  5. Why do you think the people of Rin want to hide their feelings?
  6. On pages 27-30, the story of Allun is told. He is a "mixed-blood" child, both Traveler and Rin. Which community would you choose to live in? Why?
  7. On the journey, we learn of the fears that "break" each villager's heart. What is Rowan's fear, and how is his different from those of the other villagers?
  8. After Ellis, Val and Bronden return to Rin, Rowan notices that he feels more relaxed. Why? What were the characteristics about those three that made the others so uncomfortable? What is it about Allun in particular that makes Rowan feel at ease?
  9. Which of the puzzle rhymes did you like the most? Why? What skills did the villagers need in order to solve them?
  10. When you first began reading, did you believe that the Dragon of the mountain was really a dragon? Who did you think would be the "bravest heart?" Why? Did your views change?
  11. What were Rowan's qualities that made him the "bravest heart?" Do you think Rowan was changed by his journey? Did the perceptions the other villagers had about Rowan change? How did Rowan change?

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Snack Ideas: bread and cheese; cool, clear water

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