1. Robin McKinley lives in southern England, where it is almost always cool and rainy. This is also true of the Gig in Spindle's End. Do some research into England—its climate, its political and religious history, its cultural practices, etc. In what ways are the two lands similar? In what ways are they different? Do you think Robin McKinley's fantastic world is really set in England?

2. In Spindle's End, Narl reveals himself to be a fairy smith; he refers to the tales of the fairy smiths as being about his ancestors. Using your research tools, find and read other stories about fairy smiths and describe how are the fairy tale fairy smiths are like or unlike Narl. Conclude by explaining to which tales you think Robin McKinley was referring.

3. Robin McKinley worked for some time (1982-1985) as a barn...