About The Book / About The Author

aboutbook aboutauthor

 

 

FOR TEACHERS AND BOOK GROUPS

Suggested discussion questions for BORN TO FLY

BORN TO FLY

Discussion Questions

  1. Why do the other kids think Bird is weird?  Does Kenji think she’s weird?  Why/why not?
  2. Why is Bird so surprised that Kenji can recite the pledge of allegiance in English?
  3. Once Kenji arrives, everyone starts to pick on him.  How does Bird feel about that (at first)?  Why?  When does her opinion of Kenji start to change?
  4. Why does everyone seem suspicious of Kenji and his uncle, but they are not suspicious of Deputy Steyer, Father Krauss, or Mr. Ramponi?
  5. The story takes place during 1941 and 1942.  In what ways was life different for kids like Bird and Kenji, than it is for you today?  In what ways was it similar?
  6. At school, Farley and Raymond bully a younger boy and steal his candy bar, but when Farley finds a letter from the boy’s father, he makes Raymond give it back.  Why?  Why do you think Farley bullies other kids?
  7. In the beginning of the story, Bird and her mother don’t seem to get along.  By the end of the story, how has their relationship changed?  Why?
  8. Why doesn’t Bird tell the court about “the man in black”?   Do you think she did the right thing?  What would you have done if you were in her situation?
  9. When no one comes to her birthday party, Bird’s dad tells her to “just be yourself, and (a friend) will find you.”  Do you think Bird and Kenji are a good match to be friends?  Why?  What qualities do you look for in a friend?
  10. Why did Kenji’s parents send him to live with his uncle?  How does Kenji feel about this?  How might you feel if your parents sent you to live with a relative?
  11. SPOILER  *******At the end of the story, Bird sees her father come home, only to realize that he’s really just part of a dream she’s having.  What clues make her realize this?
  12. In the end, Bird gets to fulfill her dream to fly the P-40, something almost no one thought she could do.  What gives her the strength and courage to do this?  Is it okay to dream about doing things that other people think is not possible?  What is your “impossible” dream?