1. The Red Pony

2. Born in Salinas, California, on February 27 Parents encouraged his love of writing Learned about ranch life as a teen during summers These experiences would help him create rich characters and beautiful descriptions of the land Graduated from Salinas High School in 1919 Attended Stanford University His attendance was poor, and he only took classes that interested him (for example, writing, literature, and marine biology)

3. Left Stanford in 1925 Moved to New York City His first novel, Cup of Gold, was published in 1929 The Pastures of Heaven and To a God Unknown followed Married his first wife, Carol Henning, in 1930 Lived in Pacific Grove, California (close to Monterey). Tortilla Flat (1935) received the California Commonwealth Club's Gold Medal for best novel by a California author.

4. The Grapes of Wrath (1939) won the Pulitzer Prize. War Correspondent during World War II Some of his war articles were published in Once There Was a War. Awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1962 A private person who did not seek publicity. Died December 20, 1968, in New York City Survived by his third wife, Elaine (Scott) Steinbeck and one son, Thomas. His ashes were placed in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Salinas.

6. Actually not a novel but four short stories The stories share similar themes and characters.

7. Jody Tiflin  Protagonist  The only child  About ten years old Billy Buck  Experienced middle- aged farmhand  Very good with horses

8. Carl Tiflin Jody's father Hardworking, not rich. Stern and cold at times Mrs. Tiflin Usually stays in the house, cooking meals and keeping house Grandfather Mrs. Tiflin's father, Jody's Grandfather Lives in Monterey Led a wagon train across the Great Plains to California.

9. Gitano An old paisano man Born in a small adobe house that stood on what is now the Tiflin ranch Gabilan The red pony is a young colt Belongs to Jody and is Jody's responsibility

20. Themes to Consider as we Read: Death The Cruelty of Nature Sacrifice Fallibility Disappointment Adventure Frustration Responsibility