Our Remarkable Journey with Coyote Sunrise

A Great Year for Books

2023 has been filled with great books. Most nights I read aloud to my ten-year-old son. Sometimes I use that precious reading/bonding time to dive into books I missed reading as a kid. This year we tackled Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson and A Christmas Caroll by Charles Dickins. The latter tripped us up with language and old-timey references. However, Stevenson’s narrative of young Jim Hawkins searching for buried pirate treasure surprised me. Despite having written the story in 1883, Stevenson’s story is remarkably fresh and modern. Stevenson wrote the novel for his stepson, and his understanding of children is apparent. My son listened with rapt attention to a story written over a hundred years ago, asking questions as pivotal points, and worrying over Jim after he shoots a pirate.

Coyote Sunrise and Pax, Journey Home

Most recently we finished reading The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart which came hot off the heels of Pax, Journey Home by Sara Pennypacker. We’ve been doing a lot of reading with the Portland Public School teacher strike. In hindsight, I wouldn’t have picked such sad and emotion-filled books to read in a row. Coyote Sunrise gave me the feels something harsh. Reading aloud with tears in your voice is not easy. At points, my son resorted to fanning my face so I could carry on. However, it did lead to powerful discussions as to how people process life-changing grief differently.

Grief, Loss, and Families as Themes

For instance, in Pax, Peter pushes everyone away, terrified that harm might come to them, or to himself, which will cause more suffering. Peter thinks that if he goes through life alone, he can avoid getting hurt again; if he doesn’t love anyone, his heart won’t get broken again. Yet, Peter misses the fact that by running from love, he is keeping his wounded soul from healing. Peter is angry and unable to process his feelings. He’s stuck in a pattern of mentally abusing himself as a means of paying penance for what he did to Pax. It isn’t until he’s faced with a choice that sets him apart from the men in his life that Peter has a revelation; family can be chosen and is necessary love.

On the other hand, in Coyote Sunrise, Rodeo is running from his past, in a literal fashion. Instead of going back to the scene of the crime, so to speak, as Peter does in Pax, Rodeo and Cyotee reinvent themselves and live a nomadic life. They change their names and change their relationship to one another. Rodeo no longer identifies as Coyote’s father but as her partner in crime. They live out of a converted school bus. No friends or family. No constraints or worries. Total freedom. At least that’s what Rodeo keeps telling himself, but Coyote knows the truth. She’s lonely and wants roots, but she can’t mention that to Rodeo. He’s broken, and she knows it. If she broaches any ‘no-go’ subjects, the facade of their happy life will shatter, and Rodeo along with them.

Only after Coyotee smuggles Ivan onboard Yeger (their intrepid bus) does she realize what’s been missing in her life. Sure, she has Rodoe, but in gaining Rodoe and their life on the road, she has lost something key to a happy childhood; friendship. She has family, in a manner of speaking. She has her grandmother whom she speaks to weekly over the phone, and Rodeo, who is technically her dad but operates more like a comrade than a parent. Coyote, like Peter, learns that we gather family as we live. Family isn’t just what we’re born into, it’s who we choose to keep around.

An Ode to Coyote

My son and I were so taken with the Coyote’s remarkable journey, that we went through the study questions in the back, diving deeper into what the book meant to us. Coyote’s story inspired my son to draw some of the characters. He claimed to have trouble with Salvador because he has short hair, and that’s harder to draw than long hair. He’s an artist, so I will defer to his expertise. I am particularly proud of his interpretation of Coyote, Ivan, and Gladys, but all of them are fantastic in my humble opinion

While my son loves art, he hasn’t been into drawing lately. He’s always happiest when he’s creating, but getting him inspired can be challenging. It’s that ADHD brain, always chasing dopamine.

With the teacher strike still in full swing, we’ve been limiting his screen time, which has immensely improved his impulsive behaviors. I will happily read aloud until my throat bleeds as long as it inspires my son to create and the books are as good as Coyote Sunrise.

Out Next Reading Trek

In homage to Coyote, our next book is The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, which just happens to be sitting on our shelf waiting. It’s Coyote’s favorite book and the namesake of her beloved blue-eyed cat Ivan. It’s a story about a gorilla, Ivan, who lives in a mall-turned-circus with Stella the elephant, a dog, and various parrots and birds. It also happens to be a true story. I’m sure The One and Only Ivan brings a lighthearted, and romp-filled spin to the story (insert dripping sarcasm here). Nothing like a guy who collected wild animals ripped from their family units to get a laugh. I have a feeling any book about large, wild, majestic animals kept in a mall is anything but rompy.

Stay in Tune with Your Kids Through Books

If you haven’t read to your child recently, consider picking up the habit again. It’s one of the most rewarding ways to spend time with your kid. if they feel too old for a read-aloud, ask them if you can read a book together, and let them choose the book. And accept their choice with enthusiasm and gusto, even if you have to fake it.