The Time Fetch (22 page)

ALGONQUIN YOUNG READERS

Questions for Discussion

1. Are there any characters in
   The Time Fetch
   who resemble people you know? If so, how are they like the character(s)?
   
2. Edward describes why he thinks reality is “largely a hoax” on
   page 17
   , as well as elsewhere in the novel. The Unraveler states a similar opinion on
   page 245
   , when he responds to “Who are you?” by asking, “Does it really matter? When it is all just dancing atoms and mostly empty space?” Do you agree with these opinions? Why or why not?
   
3. Edward appears slow moving and out of shape; he likes to be left alone. Danton, on the other hand, is athletic and friends with everyone. Why do you think Danton likes Edward? What makes dissimilar people, like Edward and Danton, friends in real life?
   
4. People sometimes create nicknames, like Dweebo, that insult other people, but people also create nicknames that compliment people. What might be a more complimentary nickname for Edward? What nicknames have you had that you liked best, and why?
   
5. On
   page 260
   , Brigit starts singing. Before this, she has hardly made a sound. In your opinion, why has Brigit stopped speaking? When she finally does say something, what has changed that causes or allows her to speak?
   
6. Edward has a variety of tactics that help him feel comfortable in uncomfortable situations, like his “Chill Mode.” Do you have similar tactics? If so, what are they?
   
7. Why is Feenix mean to Edward at the beginning of the story? What about their relationship changes during the story? Is it a change you predicted?
   
8. On
   page 221
   , Edward, Danton, Feenix, and Brigit see what they’ll look like when they’re older. What do you think you’ll look like when you’re older? Do you think your personality will be mostly the same? Why or why not?
   
9. Amy Herrick incorporates both magic and science into
   The Time Fetch
   . Are magic and science simply two different ways of understanding the universe, as Aunt Kit seems to believe? Why or why not?
   
10. In chapter seven of
    The Time Fetch
    , we meet three old ladies with one pair of glasses who live in a cottage where Feenix is being held captive. Does this scene remind you of any others you’ve encountered in your reading? If so, what makes
    The Time Fetch
    different from these tales?
    

Questions for Discussion by Laura Williams McCaffrey

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