The Day of the Pelican by Katharine Paterson. Clarion, 2009
1. How is it possible to be a refugee in your own country?
2. What strengths do the Lleshi’s have that enable them to overcome hatred and discrimination?
3. How do Meli and Mehmet’s definitions of home change?
Forge by Laurie Halse Anderson. Atheneum, 2010
1. What motivated African American soldiers to fight in the Revolutionary War?
2. What would you have found most difficult about being a soldier at Valley Forge?
3. How does the war affect friendships during the course of the story?
The Frog Scientist by Pamela S. Turner. Photographs by Andy Comins. (Scientists in the Field) Houghton Mifflin, 2009.
1. What did you learn about the scientific process by reading this book?
2. Tyrone’s parents and teachers encouraged his interest in science; how is he paying it forward?
3. Tyrone says, “Environmental health and human health are one and the same.” What do you think he means by this?
Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce. U.S. edition: HarperCollins, 2010
1. How would Liam define the role of being a dad at the book’s beginning? Do you think his definition has changed by the story’s end? If so, how?
2. In some ways, Florida seems superficial. What evidence suggests otherwise?
3. Why is it important to continue to explore space?
Prime Baby by Gene Luen Yang. First Second / Roaring Brook Press, 2010
Smile by Raina Telgemeier. Graphix, 2010
1. In what ways can you relate to Thaddeus in Prime Baby?
2. How do Raina’s experiences in Smile make her stronger?
3. How does the graphic novel format enhance each story?
Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes. Little, Brown, 2010
1. How does the author use bridges as a symbol in the story?
2. How would Lenesha define “Family”?
3. How might Lanesha’s experience during Hurricane Katrina have been different if she lived with her uptown family?
