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

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Discussion Questions

After reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid, answer the following discussion questions:

1. The subtitle of this book is "A Novel in Cartoons." How do the cartoons help convey the message of the book?

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

3. Would you have touched the cheese?

4. Predict Greg's future! Imagine what Greg will be like when he is 35. What kind of job will he have? Will he get married? What will he be like as a dad?

The Maze of Bones Discussion Questions

After reading The Maze of Bones, answer the following discussion questions:

1. Would you have taken the million dollars or the clue?

2. Do you think that William McIntyre is a good or bad guy? Why?

3. Which team do you think has the best chance of winning? Why?

4. Are there any specific players you would want on your team? What qualities would you look for in team members?

For more fun, visit http://www.the39clues.com/ for your chance to solve the puzzle.

The Tale of Despereaux Discussion Questions

After reading The Tale of Despereaux, answer the following discussion questions:

1. Who was your favorite character and why?

2. Does Despereaux succeed in his quest to save the Princess? What is the outcome of his quest?

3. What do you think will happen next with the characters when the story is finished? Will Despereaux have other adventures? Does anything change in the dungeon?

4. What was unusual about Despereaux's appearance compared to other mice? Do you think that the author gave Despereaux these unusual traits for a reason?

Love That Dog Discussion Questions

After reading Love That Dog, answer the following discussion questions:

1. Did you have a favorite poem in Love That Dog?

2. Love That Dog is written in journal form with poems. Why do you think the author chose to write it like this?

3. What makes Miss Stretchberry a good teacher? How does she teach?

4. Look at the poem My Yellow Dog on page 37. Would you have called this a poem?