Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- How do Leo's illustrations add to Rafe's story? What do the drawings say that Rafe's words alone just can't?
- Do you think Hills Village Middle School would be a good place to go to school, or does it seem like a real prison (like Rafe says)?
- Rafe's got a super-active imagination. Why do you think he likes to add drama and adventure to his daily life with made-up stories and fantasies?
- How does Rafe's opinion of Mrs. Donatello change over the book? Why does he initially see her as the Dragon Lady? When does he realize she's actually not that monstrous?
- Compare Miller to Bear. Is one just a grown-up version of the other?
- How would Rafe's story be different if it were told from his sister's point of view? How 'bout his mom's?
- Does Rafe actually break his No-Hurt Rule before the end of the book? Who are some of the people he might be hurting during Operation R.A.F.E?
- Why do you think Rafe is so shocked that he might fail sixth grade?
- Were you surprised when Bear hurt Jules near the end of the book? Or was his verbal abuse toward everyone in the house leading up to an incident like that? What do you think would have happened if Jules had taken him back?
- Do you think Rafe's rule-breaking crosses the line at any point? Is there a difference between wearing sunglasses in class and vandalizing school property?