1. Read Write Think

2.  Listen to the poem  Think about these questions:  What do individuals do to find peace?  What do communities do to create peace?  What are some symbols for peace?

3.  How does Solomon Singer find peace?  So what’s going on here? What is Solomon Singer’s problem and what does this tell you about his character so far? Why might he be living in New York City at a hotel for men?  In table groups  Use the graphic organizer to record questions.  Plot  Main Idea

4.  Cynthia Rylant tells us that Solomon Singer is a wanderer by nature…what does she mean by that? What is Solomon Singer doing as he wanders? How does his wandering begin to form a window into his character?

5.  It seems that Cynthia Rylant was very intentional in her choice to name the restaurant the Westway Café: Where all your dreams come true…what do you predict this will mean for Solomon Singer?

6.  Before we even meet this new character, what does this description already start to tell us about the person?

7.  Why might Solomon Singer continue to go back to the café each night? How does this give us insight into his character? When Cynthia Rylant writes that he orders a balcony and a fireplace—but not out loud, what is she telling us here?

8. QuestionPlot SummaryMain Idea/Personal Response