Monday, June 8, 2009

Mister Monday Discussion Questions

After reading Mister Monday, answer the following discussion questions:

1. Who is your favorite character so far: Arthur Penhaligon, Suzy Turquoise Blue, the piece of the Will, Sneezer, or someone else? Why?

2. How can you tell that Arthur is to be the hero?

3. The number 7 keeps making an appearance through the story-7 keys, 7 deadly sins, and 7 realms. Do you think that it has a significance?

4. Garth Nix is in talks to make a movie of Mister Monday. Who do you think should play Arthur? How about Suzy?

Mister Monday is the first book in the Keys to the Kingdom series. If you liked it, be sure to try:
-Grim Tuesday
-Drowned Wednesday
-Sir Thursday
-Lady Friday
-Superior Saturday
-Sunday’s book will be coming in
Spring 2010

The Giver Discussion Questions

After reading The Giver, answer the following discussion questions:

1. Jonas is chosen as the next Receiver of Memory. Is this an honor or a punishment?

2. If ignorance of the past is a benefit to the citizens of the community, why do you think that the Receiver of Memory exists?

3. The Chief Elder lists five characteristics that a Receiver must have: intelligence, integrity, courage, wisdom and the Capacity to See Beyond. Was Jonas a good choice for this position?

4. Do you agree with Jonas’s decision to leave the community? Why or why not?

5. How realistic is this society? Could it exist?

If you liked The Giver, try the other books in this series:
-Gathering Blue
-Messenger

Sideways Stories from Wayside School Discussion Questions

After you have read Sideways Stories from Wayside School, answer the following discussion questions:

1. Who is your favorite character and how would you describe him/her?

2. In Sideways Stories from Wayside School, children are punished in ridiculous ways for harmless behavior. Do you think that going home early on the kindergarten bus is an appropriate punishment for misbehavior in class? Why or why not? What would you
suggest as a punishment?

3. Would you like to have Mrs. Jewls for a teacher? Why or why not?

4. How are the chapters arranged in the book? Do you like this format?

5. Is Sideways Stories from Wayside School realistic fiction or fantasy? Why?

If you liked Sideways Stories from Wayside School, try the other books in the series:
-Wayside School is Falling Down
-Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger

Rapunzel's Revenge Discussion Questions

After reading Rapunzel’s Revenge, answer the following discussion questions:

1. This book is a mixture of multiple formats– graphic novel, western, and fairy tale. Does it work?

2. Could you tell the story without the illustrations? Can you read the story with only the illustrations?

3. Rapunzel becomes a superhero with her long hair. What type of superhero powers would you like?

4. The authors are working on a sequel called Calamity Jack. What do you think will happen to Jack in this story?

For some extra fun, there are Rapunzel’s Revenge paper dolls available at http://spacestationnathan.com/rapunzelpaperdolls.pdf./cmn-dc/profiles/users/lmulvenna/My%20Documents/Binders