Chapter 1
Vocabulary: What does the word "apprehensive" mean?
Anxious or Nervous
What do the Elders do in the community, and how do they pick Assignments for the kids?
What is special about Gabriel’s eyes?
Gabriel has pale eyes, which are rare. Jonas notices because he also has pale eyes, and it makes him feel connected to Gabriel.
Why does Jonas pick the House of the Old to volunteer? What does this tell us about him?
Jonas likes helping the elderly and he was looking for Asher. This shows he is kind and thoughtful.
How is Jonas' dream different from the others?
It is his first sign of 'stirrings'.
Why does Jonas’s family share their feelings every night?
What is an "Assignment"?
An Assignment is the job or role a person is given at the Ceremony of Twelve.
What does "birthmother" mean? Why is it not a respected job?
A birthmother is a woman who has babies for the community. It’s not respected because they only work for a few years and then do hard labor.
What does "release" mean for old people? How is it different from other releases?
For old people, release is seen as a happy event, like a celebration of their life. Other releases are not always happy.
What are "stirrings"?
Stirrings are feelings of attraction or desire
What is Jonas’s first memory of being scared? How is it different from how he feels now?
How do Jonas’s parents try to make him feel better about the Ceremony of Twelve?
They tell him the Elders always make good choices, and everyone ends up happy with their Assignment.
What happens to the apple while Jonas and Asher are playing? Why is it important?
The apple seems to "change" in a way Jonas can’t explain. It’s important because it shows Jonas is different and can see things others can’t.
Why do kids have to do volunteer hours in the community?
Volunteer hours help kids explore jobs and let the Elders see what they’re good at.
How does the community control stirrings?
What does "release" mean in the community? Why is it a big deal?
Why is the Ceremony of Twelve so important for kids in the community?
It’s when kids stop being children and get their jobs, which defines their future.
What does "bewildered" mean?
I means confused/perplexed/puzzled.
What does "rehabilitation" mean?
Rehabilitation means helping someone recover from an injury.
For how long does Jonas have to take the pills?
Until he goes into the 'old people home'
What is Lily's feeling she shares? And what made her feel like that?
Anger. The boy from a different 'group' cut the line.
What does "nurturer" mean? What does Jonas’s father do as a nurturer?
A nurturer takes care of babies. Jonas’s father feeds, comforts, and looks after the newchildren
What is a 'comfort' object. And what is strange about their names?
They want to keep the people humble and equal.
For whom does Jonas have 'stirrings'. What do you expect to happen in the story?
For Fiona. Could mean there might be a relationship between them?