Five Little Indians

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of racism, child abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and mental illness.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Good chose to tell the story through five different perspectives rather than a single protagonist. What insights did you gain by experiencing the aftermath of residential school trauma through multiple lenses?

2. Some have compared Five Little Indians and Richard Wagamese’s Indian Horse in their portrayal of residential school trauma. If you’ve read both or have read other works on this subject, how do they differ in their approaches to depicting the long-term effects of the residential school system?

3. Which character’s journey affected you most powerfully, and why?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Kenny’s pattern of fleeing whenever he feels overwhelmed reflects a common response to difficult situations. Have you observed similar coping mechanisms in yourself or others?

2. What strategies similar to Lucy’s counting and cleaning rituals have you developed to create a sense of control during stressful times?

3. In what ways have cultural traditions provided comfort during challenging periods in your life, like Clara’s healing through traditional practices?