Characters
What are some important traits Christopher possesses? Why are they important to him or the story?
Logical & Intelligent
He needs things to make sense in order to be calm. He also uses his intelligence for math, which he uses as a tool to help him relax.
Why does he love his swiss army knife so much?
To Christopher, his Swiss army knife symbolizes protection. It makes him feel safe whenever he is uncomfortable.
What is the connection between Christopher and Similies & Metaphors?
Christopher talks about how he hates all types of figurative language including similes and metaphors.
What role does his dad’s house play in Christopher’s life?
This used to be a space Christopher felt safe at. This was the place he had known since his childhood and acted as a haven for him.
What are the 4-5 places the story takes place at mainly and why are they important? - Challenge
Dad's, Mom's, Neighbors', School
How does Christopher develop in the story and how is this important to the plot?
At the beginning of the book, Christopher strictly operates by the rules. He was intolerant of anything that didn’t follow his rigid schedule.
Towards the end of the novel, Christopher becomes more confident in himself and his abilities. He also feels less rigid in his schedules and plans.
What are the different types of days he has? What determines that?
Good Days, Super Good days, and Black days.
All determined by the colors of cars he sees in a row on that day.
Why is Sherlock Holmes used as a literary device? Which literary device is he used as?
Allusion. Christopher looked up to Holmes. He feels a connection towards Sherlock Holmes because he feels as if, if he were a detective he would be just like Holmes.
Why does he consider his mother’s house his new home?
He finds it to be a place where he can get away from his dad and feel at peace.
After leaving to go see his mom, Christopher found out that his test got postponed. When did it get postponed to? - Challenge
Next year
Who is Siobhan and why is she significant in Christopher’s life?
Siobhan was the only person that Christopher openly talked to and trusted. She also helped with writing the book
Why did Christopher find solace with animals instead of humans?
Christopher, not understanding human social cues, relates more with animals as they express their needs clearly.
What can you foreshadow about the mother in the story and why is it important to the plot?
You can foreshadow that the mother is probably still alive due to her sudden disappearance and the fact that Christopher has never actually seen her grave and no funeral was held.
Why does he feel safe at school? Because of who?
Siobhan. To Christopher, school was a place where he could take part in his favourite subject, Math and talk to Siobhan as a form of relieving stress and sharing what is on his mind.
Why does Christopher seriously HATE France? - Challenge
His trip to france was unorganized as he didn't know the plan, which triggered his mind.
What are some qualities Siobhan possesses that make Christopher feel safe around her?
She is understanding and patient towards Christopher and helps him with whatever he needs.
How does Christopher act on a Black day v. on a super good day?
He doesn't eat anything at lunch and reads by himself in a corner during class on a black day, but on a Super Good day, he is positive and feels that special things will happen.
What effect did the foreshadowing of the father’s involvement in the dog’s murder important to us as readers?
The fact that the father got nervous whenever Christopher got involved with solving the murder tells us that the father might be a suspect.
How were the neighbors houses important in the investigation of the murder?
He conducts most of his search at the crime scene, Mrs. Shears house and is often at Mrs. Alexander’s yard to question her and obtain information.
Why does Christopher risk his life when he is in the train station? - Challenge
He goes to save his pet rat Toby who crawls over to the tracks
How did the character of Christopher’s Mother develop throughout the story?
Beginning- She was high tempered and had a low tolerance for high stress situations. She physically couldn’t handle the life with a disordered child.
End- She is now making sure she is there for Christopher and is learning to be apart of his life again.
With his love for animals in mind, why might have Christopher felt so sad when he found the dog dead?
The dog's death must have hurt him as he has always liked Wellington, and the dog's sudden death must have made him feel sad that his dear companion was gone
Describe an example of a metaphor or simile used in the book towards Christopher, and how he must have felt.
When his father's friend used metaphors with Christopher, he never understood them and was frustrated that he didn't understand it.
Which places does he feel unsafe at the end of the book and why?
His Dad's place because his dad lied to him, breaking their trust, and, thus, his bond with that house.
What was the Father’s deep yearning and why? - challenge
His dad wanted to leave their town, Swindon as it restricted their futures and reminded him of his wife and their past.