
Flanagan a good mother to Moose? Is she a good mother to Natalie? Why does she treat her children so differently? Is she right in being this way?īased on the title of the book, what did you think this book would be about before you read it? How was the story different from what you originally expected? How will Moose’s life change when Natalie is away at school? Will his relationship with his parents be different with Natalie out of the house? Imagine the Flanagan family after Natalie has left to attend Mr. Purdy suddenly decide to open another school? Did Moose’s letter to Al Capone make a difference? How did Natalie really get accepted to school? What made Mr. 180) What does Moose do for Natalie that their mother does not? How does Moose treat Natalie? And how do Moose’s friends on Alcatraz play a role in helping Natalie?įrom the beginning to the end of the novel, which characters seem to show signs of changing? How do they change? Do you think these changes will last? Flanagan tells Moose: “You’re better with Natalie than I am.” (p. If you could, give Moose some advice about how to handle Piper, what would you say? How do you think Moose ought to respond to her?Īs Moose obediently helps his sister off the boat as they head to school, he thinks to himself, “Good Moose, obedient Moose. Moose finds himself both attracted to Piper and very suspicious of her. How would your life be different? Do you think you would relate to your sibling like Moose relates to Natalie? Imagine that like Moose you had a sibling who lived with a significant disability or condition like autism. Flanagan to keep celebrating Natalie’s tenth birthday? And how does Moose get her to change her mind about this? Why do you think it is so important to Mrs. What is it about Natalie’s behavior that makes it difficult for her family to live with her? What is Piper like, and how does Moose react to her? Who is “105,” and why does this person cause Moose so much anxiety?ĭescribe Moose’s first contact with Piper Williams, the warden’s daughter. What reason does he give for sending her back home? Purdy calls the Flanagans to let them know that Natalie isn’t ready for the school. Use the following questions and activities to get more out of the experience of readingĭuring his first night on Alcatraz Island, how does Moose Flanagan sleep?Īfter Natalie has spent just one night at the Esther P. Scholastic Literature Circle Guide made available courtesy of Scholastic Book Clubs.
