Old Mother’s command, “If one of you is injured or lost, the other must leave him or her and go on alone” (87), presents a brutal definition of responsibility. How does Maroo’s interpretation and response to this command shape her development as a leader? Contrast her journey with that of Otak, considering how each responds to responsibility, danger, and separation.

How does Turnbull use the White Mountain to explore the relationship between the natural world, spiritual belief, and human decision-making?

Turnbull roots her novel in the historical realities of Magdalenian culture and early human relationships with dogs. How does this historical framework shape the novel’s themes, plot, and character development?

Examine the portrayal of gender roles in Maroo of the Winter Caves. While the narrative often reflects a traditional gendered division of labor, how do characters like Maroo and Old Mother challenge or complicate these expectations?

As a work of middle-grade prehistoric fiction, how does Turnbull make the harsh realities of the Ice Age accessible and meaningful for younger readers?

How do spiritual traditions influence the characters’ decisions and responses to danger throughout the novel? What role do these traditions play in shaping their understanding of uncertainty and survival?

What do fire and Rivo the dog reveal about human adaptation and survival in Maroo of the Winter Caves?

What does Old Mother’s decision to send her grandchildren over the White Mountain reveal about leadership in their world?