For Teachers

Teachers’ Guide: Defying the Diva

Questions for Discussion:

Haley keeps the secret that she’s being bullied because “Camilla and the rest of them would make my life ten times worse.” Do you agree or disagree? Why?

Why do people like Camilla, who seem to have it all, engage in bullying?

Harrison tells Haley about the Metaphysical thinkers and their quest to discover whether a person’s intentions and desires influence events. Is everything in life a matter chance? To what extent do we control our own destinies?

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Teachers’ Guide: Picture Perfect

Picture Perfect coverQuestions for Discussion:

From the outside Phoebe’s life looks perfect. What does she do to protect the illusion?

From the cover of the novel: A picture is worth a thousand words. If you could create a picture to portray the true state of the Trask family, what would it look like?

Nick swears Phoebe to secrecy regarding his family problems. Was Phoebe right or wrong to keep his secret?

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Teachers’ Guide: Semiprecious

semiprecious.jpgQuestions for Discussion

This story takes place at the beginning of the Civil Rights movement. How do the changes taking place in the country mirror changes in the lives of Garnet and Opal?

How does Garnet’s relationship with Aunt Julia and with Charlie Twelvetrees change her?

What do the sisters learn about the nature of families? What do they learn about themselves?

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