In Walk Two Moons, Sal must learn to cope with death. Her whole life is affected by the death of loved ones. At first, she doesn't understand why people must die, so she tries to find ways to make it go away. But then, gradually, she realizes that death is a natural part of life, that there is nothing she can do to prevent it or to explain it away. Once she has realized this, Sal is free to live her life with hope.
Questions About Death and Mortality
- What examples of death do we see in this story?
- Do you think Chanhassen Hiddle would say that it was worth it to face her fears and go on a bus trip to Lewiston, Idaho? Why or why not?
- What happens when Sal finds her mother?
- What connection does Mrs. Cadaver have to Sal's mother?
- In Chapter 23, Sal tells her grandparents a story that her mom often told her – the Blackfoot story of Napi. Why do you think Sal chooses to tell her grandparents this story? Does it make Sal sad, happy, or something else to remember it?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Sal's fear of death keeps her from living her own life to the fullest.
Coping with death helps Sal grow up.