Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing Discussion Questions

After reading Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, answer the following discussion questions:

1. The story is told from Peter’s point of view. How would it be different if it were told from Fudge’s point of view?

2. With a little brother like Fudge hogging the spotlight, Peter feels insignificant. Have you ever felt like “nothing”? Share a time that you felt unimportant and how you snapped out of that feeling.

3. What were some of the tricks Peter and his parents played on Fudge to get him to behave properly? Was this fair to Fudge? Why or why not?

4. Compare the actions of Peter and the Yarbys, in the context of old-fashioned good manners. Are there different expectations of children and adults in terms of manners?

5. Why do you think Peter’s parents treat him differently than Fudge?

Rules Discussion Questions

After you have read Rules, answer the following discussion questions:

1. Are rules necessary in some situations? What good purposes to they serve? When can rules be a negative thing?

2. Do you think it’s true that “Leaving out isn’t the same as lying?” If not, is it ever true?

3. Some of Catherine’s rules are what we might call “unwritten rules”. They are comments on how people behave, such as “Sometimes people don’t answer because they didn’t hear you. Other times it’s because they don’t want to hear you.” How do people learn these rules? Why do we have them?

4. If Catherine were to write a rule at the very end of the book, what do you think it would be?

5. Is Catherine a good friend? Why or why not?

Fantastic Mr. Fox Discussion Questions

After reading Fantastic Mr. Fox, answer the following discussion questions:

1. What do you think of Mr. Fox? Do you admire him? What qualities do you
admire? Do you think he is wrong to take the chickens from the farmers?

2. How could Mr. Fox tell one farmer from another? How did he always know where they were hiding?

3. Why did the people laugh at the three farmers when the farmers destroyed the hill?

4. Would you be mad at Mr. Fox if you were Mr. Badger? Why or why not?

5. Why did Badger worry about what he and Mr. Fox were doing? Were they doing anything wrong? What makes you think so?

6. Can you imagine what Mr. Boggis, Mr. Bunce, and Mr. Bean will be feeling when they find out they have been outwitted by Fantastic Mr. Fox? What plans do you think they will make to
get their own back? How will Mr. Fox outwit them this time?

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