Chapter 1 (2) “The sense of his own community silent, waiting, had made his stomach churn. He had trembled.” (2) “For a contributing citizen to be release from the community was a final decision, a terrible punishment, an overwhelming statement of failure.” (5) Why at the ages of 7 & 11 do they not know the word animals? (6) “I feel sorry for anyone who is in a place where he feels strange and stupid.” (8) How does the explanation of “night crew” convey the lower status they have in the community? (8) The community’s policy on two children exists in modern-day China (9) Three strikes & you’re out in the criminal justice system (9) Why would keeping your feelings hidden be against the rules? How could that benefit the community?

Chapter 2 (12) “...the fact that his father had broken a rule at all awed him.” (14) “Rules were very hard to change.” (19) Comfort objects ~ a single item/child

Chapter 3 (21) “Mirrors were rare in the community; they weren’t forbidden.” Why? (23) “...the public announcement had been sufficient to produce appropriate remorse.” (25) “...pale, solemn, knowing eyes.”

Chapter 4 (27) “There was never any comfortable way to mention or discuss one’s successes without breaking the rule against bragging...”

Chapter 5 (38) “Always better, less rude, to talk about things that were the same.” (39) Current treatment for violent offenders who are being paroled

Chapter 6 (43) Elsewhere? (44) Explain what occurred with Caleb (46) “... infringed on the community’s sense of order and success.” (46) Does your hair really indicate your age or does it reflect society?