The Squirrel Behind the Tree guidebook explores the philosophical bases behind the concepts introduced in the novel and includes excerpts of original works by such philosophers and writers as Thomas Huxley, Josiah Royce, Felix Adler, Henry Bergh, Victoria Woodhull, William Clifford, William James, Charles Sanders Peirce, and John Dewey. The readings will introduce students to the philosophical movement known as Pragmatism, as well as various religious and social justice movements that were gaining momentum at the beginning of the twentieth century.

This guidebook can be used by instructors, but it is meant to be a companion book to the novel that enables students to understand the theories and beliefs that influenced John Dewey’s views of religion, democracy, and education. It provides for each set of two or three novel chapters a summary of the plot developments, an original reading or two by a major philosopher or writer, and discussion questions to promote a deep examination of the philosophical concepts and ideas in both the reading and the novel.