2017-2018 Middle School DQ’s

Start some conversation with these discussion prompts:

It Ain’t So Awful Falafel (September)

  1. In what ways is Cindy the caretaker for her family?
  2. How do generosity and kindness triumph over hate in the book?
  3. Cindy says books are her friends. Who are your best book friends?

Wolf Hollow (October)

  1. If you were Annabelle’s parents, would you have lied to the authorities to protect Toby? If you were Toby, would you have let them? Why or why not?
  2. Did Betty deserve her fate? Did Toby deserve his fate? Explain.
  3. What connections can you make from this story to today’s world?

Riding Chance (October)

  1. Horses require a lot of care, attention, and money. What do friendships require?
  2. Troy rode a horse named Chance. How else does the title fit the story?
  3. What role do secrets play in the story?

We Will Not Be Silent (November)

  1. What role does propaganda play, and how can you recognize it?
  2. Why do you think that by the 5th leaflet the name had changed from “The White Rose” to “Leaflets of the Resistance”?
  3. What would it take to get you to stand up and risk your life like Hans, Sophie, and Alex?

The Inquisitor’s Tale (December)

  1. How did the use of multiple narrators either enhance or detract from the story?
  2. If you could be one of these characters, who would it be and why?
  3. Although book burnings aren’t as common now, in what ways do people still try to control information?

The Bitter Side of Sweet (January)

  3. How does Amadou’s sense of responsibility affect his decisions?

Ghost (February)

  1. Most chapters start with “World Record for…” What would you like to set a world record in?
  2. In what ways is Ghost running in this book?
  3. At the newbie dinner, the coach asks each team member to share a secret. Ghost shares that his father tried to shoot him. How does sharing secrets help people build trust?

Unidentified Suburban Object (February)


The Lie Tree (March)

  1. If given the chance, would you eat the fruit from the Lie Tree? Why or why not?
  2. Faith’s brother uses guns and his toy stage to act out his fears and to talk about tough stuff. What helps you through tough stuff and problems? How do you cope?
  3. Faith has complicated relationships with both her mother and father. Which parent do you think she is most like? Why?

Finding Wonders (April)

  1. What are the threads that weave the three stories together?
  2. Why is it important to tell these women’s stories today?
  3. How do art and science complement each other in this book and in our world?

Lowriders in Space (May)

  1. In the notes, it says, “This book was written to celebrate the artistry, inventiveness, mechanical aptitude, resilience, and humor that are all part of lowrider culture.” Give examples of how the author and illustrator accomplished this.
  2. What would be your playlist for this book?
  3. How is collaboration important in this story?
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