Questions for Chapters 16-20

Explore Luke's relationships with his brothers and his parents. How close are they? How trusting? Does Luke have more in common with Jen than with his own family? Why or why not?

Do you think the government is telling the truth about food production? What clues in the story support your answer?

If you were a hidden child, do you think you would behave more like Luke or more like Jen?

How is Jen's knowledge and attitude about the government different from Luke's? Whose view do you think is more accurate? Explain.

Why does Luke now think of his home as a prison rather than a sanctuary?
 I think that if I was Luke it would feel like a prison because he has hide his whole life and can't go outside.

Questions for chapters 11-15 Week of 2/18

Why does Luke now think of his home as a prison rather than a sanctuary?

Luke takes a big risk in order to reach a goal. What made him take this chance? Do you think it was worth the danger?

Luke's family is terrified of the government. Why? What are some of the tactics the government employs to make ordinary families like his feel powerless?

How does Luke's enforced isolation change his relationship with the members of his family - his mother, father and brothers?

How is Jen's attitude about the government different from Luke's? What causes this contrast? Who do you agree with more? Explain.

Luke has to hide because he is a shadow child.
So what do you think Aja .

I think the government shouldn't have that much control over us.

How can you argue for or against China's One Child Policy? Explain your reasoning.

How much control should the government have over the lives of its citizens? Explain your answer.

Chapters 5-10

What would life in the United States be like if restrictive laws were imposed? Could a law like the one imposed in Luke's country pass in the United States? Explain.

Why does Luke have to hide? How would you react if you were in his situation?

Why does the official letter Dad received spell trouble for the family? What actions do you think he should take?

Do you think Luke's parents feel guilty for the life Luke must lead? On what are you basing your opinion?

Why is the location of the back vent important to Luke? What do you have in your life that acts like Luke's vent?

What clues suggest that Luke and his family live under an oppressive government? Be specific.