Characters & Creatures
Who is Flora’s neighbor who loves poetry?
(Answer: Tootie Tickham)
What machine causes Ulysses to become a superhero?
(Answer: A vacuum cleaner)
What does Flora love to read most?
(Answer: Comic books)
One theme of the story is the importance of…
(Answer: Family and love)
What does Flora use to try to help Ulysses after the vacuum accident?
She brings him home and takes care of him gently
Who is William Spiver, and why does he wear sunglasses?
(Answer: He’s Tootie’s great-nephew; he says he’s “temporarily blind”)
Where does Ulysses first show his strength by lifting something heavy?
(Answer: The vacuum cleaner)
Who is Flora’s favorite comic book superhero?
(Answer: Incandesto)
Flora believes in superheroes. What bigger idea does this represent?
(Answer: Believing in hope and possibility)
What kind of pet does Flora originally want before finding Ulysses?
Cat or Dog
Which character does not like Ulysses and wants to get rid of him?
(Answer: Flora’s mom, Phyllis Buckman)
What happens at the Giant Donut restaurant?
(Answer: Ulysses causes chaos while chasing food)
Why does Flora feel misunderstood by her mom?
(Answer: Her mom doesn’t understand Flora’s love of comics or Ulysses)
How does Ulysses bring people together?
(Answer: He helps Flora, her dad, William, and even her mom connect in new ways)
What does William Spiver want to do when he meets Flora and Ulysses?
(Answer: He wants to impress Flora and show his poetry skills)
What lesson does Flora learn about cynics and hope by the end?
(Answer: That hope and love are stronger than cynicism)
Summarize the trip to Flora's Dad's apartment.
Teacher Choice
How does Flora’s dad show he cares for her?
(Answer: He spends time with her and supports Ulysses)
What lesson does Flora learn about her mom by the end?
That her mom does love her, even if she shows it differently.
Name one thing Ulysses writes about in his poetry.
(Answer: Love, beauty, hope, or people he cares about)
Why does Flora believe Ulysses is special?
(Answer: She sees him as a real superhero who brings people together)
How does Ulysses save himself in the end when Flora’s mom tries to get rid of him?
(Answer: He writes a poem that shows love and forgiveness)
What promise does Flora make to Ulysses?
(Answer: She will always take care of him and believe in him)
The story blends comedy, comics, and poetry. What is the overall message?
(Answer: Even in tough times, love, imagination, and hope give life meaning)
What surprising talent does Flora discover in William Spiver?
He can write poetry that really touches people.