Firegirl

How do students in Tom’s class react when Jessica joins their community? Why do you think they react in these ways? Does Tom respond the same way? How do the students’ responses affect Jessica?

What do you think Tom’s mother means when she suggests that Tom needs to “get out there” (5)? Why do you think she advises him to do this? Do you think her advice is correct? Why or why not? Is there evidence in the novel that Tom is starting to get out there? Cite examples from the text to support your answer.

Jeff is Tom’s closest friend. Do you think Jeff is a good friend to Tom? Why or why not? How does Tom’s friendship with Jessica differ from his relationship with Jeff?

Describe how Tom, Jeff, and Jessica each feel about their family. How do their families affect and influence their lives?

Tom knows that Jeff is often angry at his parents because of their divorce. Cite examples from the text that indicate Jeff’s anger towards them. How does Jeff’s anger influence his actions towards Jessica?

Why do you think that Jessica tells the other students that the girl in the photograph is her sister? What does this indicate about how Jessica feels about herself? Do you think Jessica knew the kind of talk that her lie would create?

Jessica imagines gliding out of her window as a kind of superpower, but Tom thinks that flying is “too big” a power for him. How does his comment reflect how Tom thinks about himself? Why do you think Tom prefers small superpowers? Do you agree with his reasoning?

Tom has trouble speaking up and expressing his thoughts and feelings, yet Tom opens up to Jessica. Why do you think Tom is able to talk with Jessica, but to not his parents or Jeff? How are Tom and Jessica similar?