Have a class discussion on what you would do if your school was being demolished. Where would you go to school? What problems might there be in attending a new school. What would happen to your favorite teachers?
Discussion Questions
1.Why do you think the author decided to have five characters to tell the novel The author also uses a poetry style to tell this story. Why do you think she picked this format? What does it add to the narrative?
2. What do you learn about the characters in the book? Describe one of them and the realities of his life.Compare them to your own. How would you cope under his extraordinary circumstances?
3. The children are comfortable in their school. How will things change when they go toa new school.Can kids be given the same opportunities for education and success?
4. Describe Dawn’s relationship with her father. Do you consider the way he treats her abusive? Is there a line between discipline and abuse? Does Dawn have someone who she can talk with about the problems at home?
5. Kayla cannot read. What kind a help would you suggest that Kayla seek so that
she can learn to read.
6. Carmen is concerned about her mother’s smoking problem. What could
Carmen do to encourage her mother not to smoke.
7. Anthony lives in a homeless shelter. Check to see how many homeless people
are in your community. What is being done to help them?
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