Field Guide to the North American Teenager

How do Norris’s field guide entries at the beginning of each chapter contribute to the novel’s overall portrayal of Norris?

In what ways do characters like Aarti and Maddie fit the stereotypes Norris assigns them? In what ways do they subvert these tropes?

Norris’s relationship with Felix is complicated, and Norris holds resentment toward Felix for starting a new family. Compare and contrast Felix’s visit at the end of the novel with Norris’s and Felix’s Facetime earlier in the novel. How has their relationship changed?

Compare the depiction of high school cliques and archetypes in the novel and other pieces of teen media. How is the novel similar to other movies, TV shows, or books about the American high school experience, and how does it differ?

In what ways do Norris and Aarti bond over their shared experiences as children of immigrants? Do Norris and Aarti have other similarities? If so, what are they?

Slurs and prejudiced language come up several times in the novel as Norris deals with casual and overt racism and anti-gay biases. How does the novel’s depiction of discrimination develop the theme of The Impact of Words and The Influence of Stereotypes on Judgment?

Analyze Norris through the theme of Selfishness Versus Selflessness. How does Norris demonstrate both selfishness and selflessness? Does he find an effective balance between the two qualities? Why or why not?

Explore the significance of setting in the novel, particularly the contrast between Austin and Montreal. How does Norris describe these cities? How does Norris’s relationship with the city of Austin shape his experience and perspective?