Guide prepared by Sandy Schuckett, school library consultant. Available for download at HolidayHouse |
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More Book Club Discussion Questions
1. Mr. Lester uses lists as part of his instruction with Robbie. Initially, Robbie views these lists as a form of punishment. But, when he is leaving Great Oaks, he glances at his early list and notices: My first list is at the top of my stack…just my name. I walked into this place without a clue. Did Robbie learn anything during his time at Great Oaks? If so, what?
2. Uncle Grant plays a key role in Robbie’s life. How did meeting with Uncle Grant in Great Oaks help Robbie with his recovery?
3. Details of Ryan’s life before moving to River Falls are dispersed sparsely throughout the book. Is there enough information for you to piece together Ryan’s past? What do you know about Ryan’s mother, father and sister?
4. Mr. Michaels and Mr. Lester are both important characters in the story. How are they the same? How are they different?
5. Robbie seems reluctant to spend time with Ryan; do the two boys ever really become friends? Does Ryan have any traits that Robbie admires?
6. Ryan’s home life in the care of his grandparents seems inadequate to say the least. Do you think living with his grandparents is an improvement compared to living with his mother and sister? Why or why not?
7. During Robbie’s time in Great Oaks was he able to face the trauma of his past? Did Great Oaks prepare him for his future?
8. Robbie obviously changed from the beginning of the story to the end. But what about the other characters – Uncle Grant, Robbie’s parents? How are they different at the end of this book compared to the beginning? Were any characters unchanged?
9. Write a list like Robbie’s in the beginning of the book, a list telling who you are. If you like, you are welcome to share the list on the Readers’ Words section of the author’s website.
2. Uncle Grant plays a key role in Robbie’s life. How did meeting with Uncle Grant in Great Oaks help Robbie with his recovery?
3. Details of Ryan’s life before moving to River Falls are dispersed sparsely throughout the book. Is there enough information for you to piece together Ryan’s past? What do you know about Ryan’s mother, father and sister?
4. Mr. Michaels and Mr. Lester are both important characters in the story. How are they the same? How are they different?
5. Robbie seems reluctant to spend time with Ryan; do the two boys ever really become friends? Does Ryan have any traits that Robbie admires?
6. Ryan’s home life in the care of his grandparents seems inadequate to say the least. Do you think living with his grandparents is an improvement compared to living with his mother and sister? Why or why not?
7. During Robbie’s time in Great Oaks was he able to face the trauma of his past? Did Great Oaks prepare him for his future?
8. Robbie obviously changed from the beginning of the story to the end. But what about the other characters – Uncle Grant, Robbie’s parents? How are they different at the end of this book compared to the beginning? Were any characters unchanged?
9. Write a list like Robbie’s in the beginning of the book, a list telling who you are. If you like, you are welcome to share the list on the Readers’ Words section of the author’s website.
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