Twig is aware of the Fowler family curse and that the family left Brooklyn because of James. Discuss why Twig’s mother thought things would be better for them in Sidwell, where the curse began.
-In New York, someone would end up seeing him. Especially in a small apartment.
-In Sidwell, no one will see him.
-I think they moved to Sidwell because they have a big house that he can hide in.
-They moved to Sidwell because there's bad stuff in the air and a bunch of people who could see James. In Sidwell, there's less pollution.
-They had to because the grandparents passed away and they needed to take over the family business.
-Because you would be tempted to go outside but in NYC, people would see him because people are awake throughout the day and night.
Discuss what Sophie Fowler means when she says, “The only way for us to stay in Sidwell was to live in the corners of everyday life” (p. 19). Why is living in the “corners” easier for Sophie and James than for Twig?
-Living in the corners because Twig goes to school and see her in public and ask her questions. She might not be able to come up with a lie to cover up for James.
-It makes Twig look like a nobody.
Discuss why the people of the town refer to Twig’s mother as “poor Sophie Fowler.” Twig says that her mother was brave and independent in high school. In what ways is she still brave and independent? Does Twig inherit her mother’s traits?
-They might refer to her as "poor Sophie Fowler" because she was so social in high school and now she's in her own little world.
-Her mom isn't very independent because she doesn't like to see people that she used to know and she tends to run away from people.
-They call her that name because she seems so timid. She is brave though because she doesn't get upset with Twig or James and doesn't get mad at her circumstances.
-She is brave because she has to make a living from making pies and caring for Twig with just pie money.
Twig says, “The only thing I’m good at is running. And keeping secrets” (p. 4). In what way does this reveal how lonely she is? How does she deal with loneliness? Contrast her loneliness to the lonely life that James lives in the attic.
-She deals with her loneliness by climbing trees. Twig can't really talk to people because she doesn't want to reveal her brother's secret.
-She deals with her loneliness by climbing trees, talking with James and reading.
What event causes Sophie Fowler to admit that her rules about visiting Mourning Dove Cottage are unfair? Are there some rules that your parents have for you that seem unfair? Can you understand their point of view?
-My parents have an unfair rule that we can't ride our bikes without our parents knowing our destination.
-I think that when Twig tells her mom about Julia (and falling out of the tree). My mom has an unfair rule that I can't play on electronics on the school day.
-I can't get an Instagram until I'm 16.
-I'm not allowed to get a phone until I get a job to pay for it.
-People can get too attached to their technology and their parents know that their kids aren't paying attention.
-Your parents don't want anything bad to happen to you and they need you to call so that they know that you're okay. They want to know where you are.
-No one should text in school.
Twig wants and needs a friend. Discuss why she is reluctant to respond when Julia Hall reaches out to her. At what point does Twig begin to doubt Julia’s friendship? Julia suggests that she and Twig become “soul sisters.” What is the difference between a friend and a “soul sister”?
-Twig and Julia weren't in contact for awhile.
-When Julia and Agate got popular the first day of school, Twig thought that they would figure that she's a nobody.
-When Colin and Julia were talking together, Twig thought that they were becoming better friends than she was with either of them.
Explain what Miss Larch means when she says, “Don’t judge your father too harshly. Not everything is what it appears to be” (p. 68).
-Because sometimes the reasons for things aren't apparent.
-Mr. Rose is her father. Miss Larch knew that Mr. Rose had been the one who was left.
The General Store is the gathering place for the Gossip Group, and Twig hears them talk about the Sidwell Monster. Why does Twig worry that James may be the monster? What else concerns the Gossip Group? How does their talk influence others in town?
-Because he flies at night and she knows it. She's afraid if someone sees him they will think that he's the monster and not a flying boy.
-They influence others in the town by riling others up with saying how bad the Sidwell Monster is.
Discuss the meaning of the inscription “Now I can fly free” on Lowell Fowler’s grave. Explain how Twig, Julia, Agate, and Colin Montgomery set James free. How does James free them and the entire town of Sidwell?
-The meaning of the inscription is that he's free of the curse now that he's dead. He no longer has the burden of the wings.
-They free James by reversing the curse. James frees them by not having them have to keep the secret of him and not have to lie anymore about him.
How might Twig Fowler and Colin Montgomery define family by the end of the novel? What is symbolic about Twig wanting to be called Teresa Rose?
-Teresa Rose was the name she was given at birth.
-I think that everyone is related in some way. There were originally just 2 people on earth.
The book for November's discussion will be Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman.
Just after twelve-year-old Emily and her family move to San Francisco, she teams up with new friend James to follow clues in an odd book they find, hoping to figure out its secrets before the men who attacked Emily's hero, publisher Garrison Griswold, solve the mystery or come after the friends.
Because of Veteran's Day, we will be meeting on Wednesday, November 18 at 3:00 p.m. Please pick up your copy of the book at the Circulation Desk. Don't forget to sign up each month for Book Club so that Miss Lisa knows how many people need to be fed!
