Forgotten: Seventeen and Homeless (26 page)

1. Adele seemed to be getting a fresh start at the beginning of the story- but then it fell apart. What, if anything, do you think she could've done differently to change the outcome?

2. How do you think the adversity in Adele's life changed her? Did it make her stronger? Weaker? Both?

3. What part of Adele's challenges could you relate to?

4. Describe your initial reaction toward homeless people (like street people or panhandlers). Do you avoid them? Look the other way? Make fun of them? Give them money?

5. What do you think you would do if you suddenly became homeless? Would you try to hide it like Adele did? Who might you turn to for help?

6. Describe your initial reaction to Adele's mother. Did you like her? Trust her? Believe her? Why or why not?

7. What role do you think mental illness played in this story?

8. Do you think Adele had issues with trusting people? Why or why not?

9. Why do you think most people are homeless?

10. What do you think you could do to help homeless people?

MELODY CARLSON has written more than a hundred books for all age groups, but she particularly enjoys writing for teens. Perhaps this is because her own teen years remain so vivid in her memory. After claiming to be an atheist at the ripe old age of twelve, she later surrendered her heart to Jesus and has been following him ever since. Her hope and prayer for all her readers is that each one would be touched by God in a special way through her stories. For more information, please visit Melody's website at www.melodycarlson.com.