About the your answers:
Choose three questions from #1-14, one from the beginning, one from the middle, one from the end of the book. Look back in the book to find information to answer the questions you chose. Write down the question in red ink. Then answer the question in a well thought, organized and written paragraph in blue or black ink. Consider all the possible answers. Explain them all. Show thinking and understanding!
Remember to use quotes and pages from the book supporting your answers. Don’t try to answer the whole question in one paragraph!
Then choose one question from #15- 19 and complete it.
Due in two weeks. Feb 1, 2017
Discussion Questions
1. As the novel begins, readers meet Nate and Libby in the Fosters’ backyard. After reading this first chapter, describe at least three worries Nate has about his upcoming adventure to New York. Also, describe at least three concerns Nate has about how life is going in Jankburg.
2. The story begins with Nate giving us a backstory. The backstory ends with Nate saying, “ There. That’s your backstory.” Imagine another character is giving us the backstory. Rewrite the backstory from another character’s point of view. Then describe the difference. What did you have to do? How did it change the way the story is delivered? How might it change the book?
3. Nate and Libby use a kind of shorthand in their conversations by referring to Broadway shows and song lyrics. Can you think of any shared experiences that you and your friends or family use to communicate in a special way? Explain your answer.
4. Throughout his stay in New York City, Nate finds himself delighted by the diversity and open-mindedness of its citizens. Give at least four specific examples of this delight that makes Nate love the city more and more. Describe at least two moments in the novel where Nate realizes New York is not entirely a paradise.
5. In Jankburg, Nate endures a lot of taunting, including being called “Natey the Lady.” What is Nate’s attitude toward this treatment? Do you think he handles the situation well? Describewhy or why not?
6. Nate makes observations about clothing and colors throughout the novel, from the “grey” of Greyhound Bus stations to the festive coat he “borrows” later on. How do Nate’s comments on color and style affect your understanding of his character? How would you describe yourself in terms of your favorite (and least favorite) colors, your fashion choices, and the way you use these lenses to make sense of your world?
7. Who is Jordan Rylance? Would you call him Nate’s enemy? Why or why not? What important things about Nate do you learn from his scenes discussing Jordan? Describe.
8. The type of large-group audition Nate attends is sometimes called a “cattle call.” The preliminary audition rounds of shows like American Idol, as well as the setting of the Broadway classic (and movie) A Chorus Line are cattle call auditions. Compare and contrast the way Nate is treated (and the way he feels about it) at the New York cattle call versus the way he is treated in Jankburg.
9. Who is Aunt Heidi? What does Nate almost instantly like about her? In what ways is Nate worried or confused by Heidi’s words and behavior? Why isn’t Aunt Heidi very positive about Nate’s ambition? Describe three reasons.
10. Nate causes a lot of trouble by going “missing” from home in Pennsylvania. How does Libby help to cover for him?
11. What happens when Nate’s mom arrives in New York? How do she and Aunt Heidi resolve their differences? Explain your answer.
12. Who is James Madison? What does he represent in the story? How does Libby describe to Nate the comeuppance James receives near the novel’s end? Why might this be important to Nate? How does he show compassion for James even from New York?
13. Deep down, what do you think is Nate’s greatest dream? Do you see any similarities between Nate’s aspirations and your own? If yes explain your answer. If no, don’t do this question!
14. Is it important that Nate is still in New York at the end of the story? What do you hope will happen next? Do you think Nate will be okay? Why or why not?
15. Watch the 1982 Steven Spielberg modern classic, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Write a summary of it, including your thoughts on its plot and characters. Compare it to another of your favourite Science Fiction movies. Include a discussion of special effects, acting, story, etc.
16.Find an age appropriate Broadway musical. (Annie, Oliver, Newsies, Aladdin(not the cartoon)). Watch it on Netflix. Write a one pagesummary of the story. Describe the acting, characters, music and dancing. Who was the best? Why? Choose a character you can identify with. Describe how you identify with him/her.
17. Find a scene in the book that has a lot of dialogue between Nate and someone else. Rewrite it as a script. Find a partner (s). Learn, practice and memorize it. Make it about 3 minutes long!(You may have to include two scenes.)Act it out in front of the class! (Consider the chapter entitled “Learning Lines”)
18.The novel is laced with references to theatrical hits and flops. Make a list of all the shows mentioned in the story and learn more about them online. Using your research, make an informational booklet with pictures for tourists entitled “A Guide to Broadway.” Include an interesting cover.
19. Who wrote the book, “Better Nate than Ever.” Conduct research on him. Find out interesting facts about him, his books, and his life. Share it in an interesting way, i.e. poster, booklet, slideshow. Your choice.