The Ear, The Eye, and the Arm

1. Before you begin answering questions, I'd like you to start with a general discussion of the book. Note (as in write down, with names attached) the things that each of you found interesting, surprising, disturbing, important, as well as those things that you wish would have been different.  From your general discussion, generate and answer at least four discussion type questions.

2. This book offers a rather odd and conflicting view of storytelling. What are the conflicts--that is, what are the different ways the Mellower is important in the book, both for the good and bad effects of his work. What does this suggest to you generally about storytelling?

3. This book also complicates an easy nostalgia for the old ways of a culture, and a desire for progress. What is good/bad about the scientific advances of the culture? What is good/bad about the old ways?

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

1. Before you begin answering questions, I'd like you to start with a general discussion of the book. Note (as in write down, with names attached) the things that each of you found interesting, surprising, disturbing, important, as well as those things that you wish would have been different.  From your general discussion, generate and answer at least four discussion type questions.

2. As you know, this book started a bit of a cultic frenzy. What accounts for its appeal? Think of this as a multi-layered question with many answers--try to generate as many as possible. One thing to think specifically about is its appeal now, in this time, in almost all of the first world nations. What about our highly technologized, information-centered, secular culture makes this a timely book?

3. Imagine you are a teacher who has received a challenge regarding this book. How would you answer such a challenge? Again, think of this as a multi-layered question with multiple answers and approaches. But remember, you are a public professional, so you can't speak disrespectfully about people's heartfelt beliefs; on the other hand, you are an educated educator, so you can't sanction ignorance and censorship either. What kind of arguments support the inclusion of this book in a middle-grade curriculum or reading program?

Ella Enchanted

1. Before you begin answering questions, I'd like you to start with a general discussion of the book. Note (as in write down, with names attached) the things that each of you found interesting, surprising, disturbing, important, as well as those things that you wish would have been different.  From your general discussion, generate and answer at least four discussion type questions.

2. Traditionally, Cinderella's character is obedient and compliant no matter what, and she is rewarded for it. How and why does the author change that detail of the story in her version?

3. This book can be called a feminist revision of Cinderella. What significant changes does the author make, and how do they address feminist concerns with the original? Are there still problems for a feminist reading, in your opinion?

The Book of Three

1. Before you begin answering questions, I'd like you to start with a general discussion of the book. Note (as in write down, with names attached) the things that each of you found interesting, surprising, disturbing, important, as well as those things that you wish would have been different.  From your general discussion, generate and answer at least four discussion type questions.

2. What are Taran's flaws or faults? Do they hinder his journey? In turn, what are his best qualities? How do they facilitate or help his journey?

3. This book begins Taran's education regarding what a hero is. What assumptions does he start with regarding what makes a hero? What does he learn about heroism along the way? What does he have left to learn, in your opinion?

The Golden Compass

1. Before you begin answering questions, I'd like you to start with a general discussion of the book. Note (as in write down, with names attached) the things that each of you found interesting, surprising, disturbing, important, as well as those things that you wish would have been different.  From your general discussion, generate and answer at least four discussion type questions.

2. What do you think "dust" is? As you speculate, think about why children have less than adults. Is it a good thing or a bad thing?

3. Have each group member answer: If you had a daemon, what would it be and why?