Race to the Sun

How is Nizhoni aided by her knowledge of Navajo culture on her quest? How does her lack of knowledge prove to be a challenge on her journey? How does Nizhoni’s quest affect her relationship to Cultural Inheritance and Preservation?

Analyze the significance of the forms Mr. Charles takes as a shapeshifter. How does Roanhorse use each form to highlight skills Nizhoni needs to learn on her hero’s quest?

What does the novel suggest is significant about the reminder that the monsters will one day rise again? Does the text suggest that this diminishes Nizhoni’s victory? Cite specific examples from the text to support your argument.

What relationship does the novel suggest exists between courage and trust? How does Roanhorse suggest that Nizhoni’s ability to rely on herself is connected to learning to trust in others?

Analyze one of the discussions of Navajo architecture or art in the novel. How does Roanhorse suggest that Navajo cultural artifacts interact with natural elements?

Analyze one of the lightning weapons assigned to the characters in the climax. How does that choice of weapon correlate to that character? How does Roanhorse use the assigned weapon to reveal the character’s personality?

How does the novel present the concept of sacrifice as something that reveals one’s priorities? Orient your analysis in specific examples from the text.

Nizhoni makes several references to her physical strength throughout the novel. What definition of strength does the novel’s climax—the final fight between the heroes and the monsters—support?