ICE Breakers
THE TOWN OF SOLACE
BOOK OF THE MOMENT
What makes parents hide the truth from their children when tragedy hits?
What does this story tell you about a child’s ability to understand or need to know the truth?
Did your opinion of Elisabeth Orchard change as you discovered her story? Do you think her intentions were good or understandable?
Why do you think Elisabeth’s husband didn’t step in sooner?
Were you surprised by what happened to Rosie?
What impact do you think Liam’s upbringing had on his personality?
How does this compare to other books you have read by Mary Lawson?
A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN
MISSED OPPORTUNITY
In many ways all of the characters can seem frustrating due to their pride. Whose actions frustrated you the most?
Did you like Francie as the narrator?
Were you shocked by the standard and overcrowding of schools for poor families during this period?
How important is education to escaping the poverty cycle and allowing each generation to make a step forward?
How important was Sissy to the family?
Do you think if Katie hadn’t married so young that she would have made a success of her life?
Why do you think they all continued to love and support Johnny despite his failures?
Did you find the story believable?
A WINTER BOOK
How does the author make snow and freezing conditions so magical? Why do you think we are attracted to dangerous of nature such as ice and fog in childhood? And why was Tove shamed into abandoning her iceberg?
The author sneaks out to enjoy her own secret adventure. Do you have any similar childhood memories of leaving home alone as a child and why was it so exciting?
Sibling rivalry is affectionally described in her story of fishing with her brother Albert. Do you have any defining memories of growing up with your siblings and difference of opinion or squabbles?
Did the group prefer the younger or older Tove?
Why do these short stories appeal to us and which stories affected you the most?
THE WILD CARD