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What do you think of Caddy’s theory about Significant

Life Events, and do you think she has experienced any

by the end of the book?

The writer chooses to include text messages and

instant messaging in the book. Do you think this was

a good way to tell the story?

Caddy and Suzanne are very different. Why do you

think they form such a close friendship?

Caddy describes Suzanne as “not toxic, just sad”.

Do you agree with this?

Rosie introduces Caddy and Suzanne to each other

but then starts to feel left out of the friendship.

Have you ever experienced something similar,

and did the descriptions feel realistic?

READER NOTES

b e au t i f u l b r o k e n t h i n g s

SARA BARNARD

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The book is narrated by Vee and Nathan. Do you like

the fact that the story is told from two points of view?

What do you think of the novel’s space setting?

Aidan didn’t agree with Vee’s decision to save Nathan

and the other Terrans from the Mazons. Do you think

you would have made the same choice as her?

Did you believe in the love story between Aidan

and Vee?

Malorie Blackman has said that Chasing the Stars is

inspired by the play ‘Othello’ by William Shakespeare.

Do you see this influence in the book?

READER NOTES

c h a s i n g t h e s ta r s

MALORIE BLACKMAN

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Why do you think the Graces attract so much

attention in their town?

River strikes up a friendship with Summer. How would

you describe the dynamics in their relationship?

Is River a reliable narrator? Explain why you think she

is, or is not.

There are many unexplained occurrences in the book

that River puts down to magic. Do you think she is

right, or is she just seeing what she wants to see?

Do you believe in the Grace Curse? Explain why you

do, or do not.

READER NOTES

t h e g r a c e s

LAURE EVE

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Do you have any experience of dementia in your

family? If so, do you think Gloria’s dementia is

portrayed in a realistic way?

In your opinion, is it harder growing up now or in

Gloria’s time? Give reasons for your answer.

Who is your favourite character and why?

Reuben cannot deal with Hattie’s pregnancy.

Do you think his reaction is fair?

How Not to Disappear is about the joys and problems

that come with family relationships. What other books

have you read that deal with the same themes?

READER NOTES

h ow n ot to d i s a p p e a r

CLARE FURNISS

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What do you think of June’s father? Do you think he

had an idea of what she went through?

The story is told in Before and After chapters. What do

you think of this technique?

How would you describe June’s relationship with

Megan? What are the similarities and differences

between them?

The book is named after the paper butterflies that

Blister makes for June. Do you think this is a fitting

title and, if so, why?

What do you think of the ending of the book?

READER NOTES

pa p e r b u t t e r f l i e s

LISA HEATHFIELD

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Why does Marlon choose to try to sort out his

problems on his own, rather than telling the police?

What would you do in his shoes?

There is a twist at the start of the book. Did it surprise

you and did it make you want to read more?

Do you think the portrayal of gang culture was

realistic?

Marlon is a big fan of Motown music. Did you like

the fact that musical references were included in the

book? What do you think they add to the story?

Marlon is living in the shadow of his brother’s crimes

and his father’s death. How much do you think the

past influences his decisions?

READER NOTES

o r a n g e b oy

PATRICE LAWRENCE

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How would you describe The Call? Is it dystopia?

Horror? Or something else? Give reasons for

your answer.

How does Nessa’s disability influence her attitude to

the world around her? Have you read any other novels

with characters who have disabilities?

How do you think you would you survive in the

Grey Land?

The Call is based on Irish mythology. Does it make you

want to read more Irish mythology and, if so, why?

The author has said that he is working on a sequel.

What do you think will happen in the next book?

READER NOTES

t h e c a l l

PEADAR O’GUILIN

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Hel is a teenager. Does she have anything in common

with ordinary teenagers, despite being a goddess?

Compare The Monstrous Child with The Call.

Both books are inspired by mythology and are

grim in parts. Which book do you prefer, and why?

Apart from Hel, which character in the book would

you like to find out more about and why?

How does Simon’s portrayal of Niflheim compare

to the underworld or Hell as portrayed in different

mythologies or cultures?

How would you describe the ending? Is it bleak

or hopeful?

READER NOTES

t h e m o n s t r o u s

c h i l d

FRANCESCA SIMON

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The characters speak in a very specific dialect.

Did you find this easy to follow?

The author has created a rich cast of characters, both

human and magical. Who is your favourite, and why?

The story draws on several classics, including The Wizard of Oz and Moby-Dick. What influences did

you notice in the book?

Although the book is a fantasy, can you relate to the

themes of sacrifice, friendship and love?

Do you think the ending sets up a sequel? What could

happen in book two?

READER NOTES

r i v e r k e e p

MARTIN STEWART

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Where do you imagine South Crongton is?

Is McKay an admirable hero? Why?

Like Orangeboy, Crongton Knights discusses gang

culture. Compare and contrast the two books.

Crongton Knights tells McKay’s story, while the

author’s first YA book was about Liccle Bit. Whose

story would you like to read next?

Do you think Nesta is right to leave at the end of

the book?

READER NOTES

c r o n gto n k n i g h t s

ALEX WHEATLE

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