Klara and the Sun

Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key plot points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Part 1

Reading Check

1. What is an AF, and what is it used for?

2. What is Klara able to read?

3. Who is interested in purchasing Klara?

4. Why is Klara reprimanded by her manager?

5. Who purchases Klara?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What is Klara’s perception of the sun?

2. What is surprising about Klara’s observations about people?

Paired Resources

AI and Robots

• This article describes the AI technology being developed by various companies and the tools robots can use to adjust and change perceptions based on their environment.
• Who is considered the father of robotics? What are some robots able to do now? How is this connected to the theme of The Nature of Learning Through Perception?

“Creators of Famous Sophia Robot Reveal AI Robotics for Children, Elderly”

• This video, a 7-minute ABC News segment, describes one aspect of AI robotics and the assistance they could provide to society.
• What concerns do people have about AI and its possible evolution? How does Sophia say she feels when people don’t understand her emotions? How is this new technology related to the novel’s theme of The Fear of Loneliness and Sacrifice as an Expression of Love?

Part 2

Reading Check

1. Where does the sun go to rest from Josie’s window?

2. What is an interaction meeting supposed to do?

3. Why are conversations regarding genetic manipulation intense at the interaction meeting?

4. What do the parents say is too bad about Rick?

5. What happened to Sal, Josie’s sister?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What does the behavior of the children at the interaction meeting reveal about the children?

2. What does the risk the parents were willing to take to have their children lifted say about societal values in the novel?

Part 3

Reading Check

1. What does Klara wonder about the sun in connection to Josie’s health?

2. Why does Klara take a drawing to Rick?

3. Why does Klara try to find Mr. McBain’s barn?

4. What unusual detail does Rick’s mother share with Klara?

5. What exchange does Klara offer the sun?

6. What is Helen’s secret weapon?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Draw a comparison between Helen and Chrissy and their desire for their children to have the best advantages in life.

2. What are some of the factors that complicate Rick’s friendship with Josie?

Paired Resource

Interactions Between High- and Low-Income Families

• This article describes some of the disadvantages faced by children from low-income families who grow up alongside affluent families.
• What are some of the disadvantages of both high- and low-income families when there is a great disparity of income? Considering both high- and low-income families, which children have the greater disadvantage? What does this article indicate may be a problem for children such as Rick and Josie?

Part 4

Reading Check

1. What is discovered about Mr. Capaldi’s portrait?

2. What does Klara think of the portrait?

3. What does Mr. Capaldi indicate about Josie’s soul?

4. What does Klara agree to do?

5. What does Paul agree to help Klara do?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What do you suspect Helen means when she expresses regrets about Rick to Chrissy? What complications arise when Rick meets with Vance to discuss Atlas Brookings?

2. What concerns do Josie and her family members have about the portrait?

Paired Resource

“Prayer May Reshape Your Brain ... And Your Reality”

• This NPR article, which may also be played as an 8-minute audio story, explains what scientists can learn from scanning the brains of people engaged in meditation or prayer.
• According to this article, what is the connection between the brain and religious experiences? How can a regular practice of meditation or prayer change the brain? What does the article suggest about the impact of prayer and meditation on health and wellness? How does the article connect to the novel’s theme of The Importance of Faith and Hope?

Part 5

Reading Check

1. What question does Klara ask Rick?

2. What images cause Klara to doubt the sun?

3. What message does Rick have for Chrissy from Josie?

4. What happens when Klara rushes to Josie’s room to check on the sun?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. In what ways are Klara’s beliefs about the sun like a human religion?

2. Describe Chrissy’s reasoning for asking Rick if feels he “came out the winner.” How is her statement related to the novel’s theme of Sacrifice as an Expression of Love?

Paired Resource

“Where Science and Miracles Meet”

• This article describes the paradox of being so scientific it is unscientific. (May require subscription to view)
• What is the definition of the supernatural or miraculous? What are some possible reasons the author lists for people’s belief in miracles? What is the paradox of science in relation to miracles? How is this article related to the novel’s theme of The Importance of Faith and Hope?

Part 6

Reading Check

1. What happens to Josie’s health?

2. What does Klara refuse to tell Rick?

3. Why is Klara concerned about Josie and Rick’s friendship?

4. What does Mr. Capaldi come to Klara’s house to do?

5. Why does Chrissy refuse Mr. Capaldi’s proposal?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Where is Klara located at the novel’s conclusion? Why do you think she was sent there?

2. What is meant by Klara’s statement that she never could have replaced Josie?

Recommended Next Reads

The Forgetting Time by Sharon Guskin

• This novel is about a young boy who experiences memories from a troubled past life.
• Shared topics include identity and mortality.
• Shared themes include Fear of Loneliness, The Importance of Faith and Hope, and Sacrifice as an Expression of Love.
• The Forgetting Time on SuperSummary

Robopocalypse by Daniel H. Wilson

• This novel is about AI beings who attempt a takeover of Earth.
• Shared topics include artificial intelligence, robotics, and science.
• Shared themes include The Nature of Learning Through Perception.
• Robopocalypse on SuperSummary