The War with Grandpa
What was the main reason Peter wanted his Grandpa out of his room?
because he wanted his room back.
Where did Jean Fritz live at the beginning of the book, and why was she there?
Jean Fritz lived in Hankow, China, at the beginning of the book. She was there because her father worked as a YMCA secretary in China.
Who was Amos, and what was his role in the story?
Amos was a mouse who lived with Benjamin Franklin and helped him with his inventions.
What was Poppy's main goal in the story?
Poppy's main goal was to find a new home for her family.
What animal did Tom discover in the woods?
Tom discovered a black fox.
Describe one specific prank Peter played on his Grandpa.
include the "invisible ink" letter, the sugar in the gas tank, or the rigged fishing line.
Jean often felt "homesick" for America, even though she had never been there. Why do you think she felt this way?
Jean felt homesick because she had been told stories about America, read books about it, and heard it described as her "home." She identified as American and longed for the place she felt she belonged. Also, she missed her extended family and the culture she heard about.
Name one invention or idea that Amos helped Benjamin Franklin with.
Examples include the stove, bifocals, or the lightning rod.
Who was Mr. Ocax, and what threat did he pose?
Mr. Ocax was a great horned owl who threatened the mice and prevented them from moving.
How did Tom try to protect the fox?
He tried to hide the fox and prevent it from being hunted.
Why did Peter and Grandpa decide to call a truce?
because they realized their war was hurting their relationship and they missed each other.
Describe one specific event from the book that showed how different life in China was from what Jean imagined life in America to be.
Her experience at the British school, which was very different from American schools.
How did Amos's perspective as a mouse contribute to the story?
Amos's small size allowed him to see details and make suggestions that Franklin might have missed.
How did Poppy's relationship with Lungwort change throughout the story?
Initially, Lungwort was overprotective and discouraged Poppy's independence. By the end, Lungwort trusted Poppy and recognized her bravery.
How did Tom's feelings about his parents change during the story?
Tom initially felt distant from his parents, but he came to appreciate their understanding and support.
How did Grandpa's perspective on Peter change throughout the story?
Grandpa initially saw Peter as an opponent, but he grew to understand Peter's feelings and see him as a grandson he loved.
If you were Jean, how do you think you would have felt about living in a country with a different language and culture? Explain your answer.
Students should express their personal feelings and provide reasons based on the book's content.
How does the author blend historical facts with fictional elements?
The author uses factual information about Franklin's life and inventions and blends it with the fictional element of Amos the mouse.
How does the author use the setting of the Dimwood Forest to create suspense?
The dark, dangerous forest creates a sense of fear and suspense, reflecting the dangers Poppy faces.
How does the author use Tom's internal thoughts to show his conflict?
The author uses Tom's internal monologues to reveal his inner conflict between his loyalty to the fox and his desire to please his parents.
Do you think Peter and Grandpa's solution was fair? Why or why not?
(answer is supported with reasoning)
What do you think Jean learned about "home" and "belonging" by the end of the story?
Jean learned that "home" is not just a place but also a feeling. She understood that she could belong to more than one place and that her experiences in China were a part of her identity. She also learned that even though she longed for America, she had made a home for herself in China.
Do you think Amos was a reliable narrator? Why or why not?
Students should consider Amos's perspective as a mouse and whether his observations are reliable.
What does the story teach about bravery and overcoming fear?
Students should consider Poppy's reasons for her actions and the dangers she faced.
Was Tom's decision to help the fox justified? Why or why not?
Students should consider Tom's motivations and the consequences of his actions.