Molly and the Great One
From Molly of Denali · 2020
55 minK1st2nd3rdSocial StudiesReading & Writing (ELA)
Summary
Molly learns about her Grandpa Nat's dream to climb Denali in honor of Walter Harper, the first person to reach the summit. Told she's too young, Molly and her friend Tooey train hard and prove they're ready to track the climb from basecamp. An hour-long movie that weaves Alaska Native culture, real history, and perseverance.
Viewer safety
Ages 5+Mild peril
A tense storm on the mountain near the climax — everyone comes through safe.
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
Discussion
Molly wanted to honor Grandpa Nat's dream to climb Denali.
- Who was Walter Harper, and why did Grandpa Nat want to honor him?
- How did Molly and Tooey get ready for such a big journey?
- Where did Molly get her information about the mountain and the climb?
Quick work-a-long
Vocabulary: Denali, summit, elder, prepare.
Try it: Name a place you'd like to learn about. Write two sources (a person, a book, a website) where you could find out more about it.