A very graphic, first-hand description of the atomic bomb attack on Japan. What is significant about Oskar's choice to share this with the class? How is it connected?
How does the story of Buckminster fit in on a deeper level?
Why do you think Stan pulls his hand back from Mr. Black when they are introduced?
There are some good sections that highlight the generation gap between Mr. Black and Oskar. Which ones did you notice, and how do they help build the characters or the story?
Why does Oskar insist on finding out if Agnes Black had any kids? Is Mr. Black lying about the answer? If he is, why would he do that?
What do the letters from Gary Franklin and Jane Goodall tell us about Oskar? What does this second response from Stephen Hawking tell us?
Oskar states that he sometimes thinks that the key opens everything. What has it opened so far?
What do you learn about Oskar from his session with the therapist? What do you learn about his mother from the choppy conversation that Oskar eavesdrops on?
Why does he listen to his father's message when he gets home from his therapy session?
The chapter is titled "Happiness, Happiness." Why?