Questions & Answers
Here are some questions for consideration. Think about the names the author chose for some of the characters: Jinx, Shady, Sister Redempta, etc. How do these names reflect the personalities of the characters, either as their personalities truly are or as they seem to be?
Within the context of the story, what is significant about the noun and verb definitions of the word manifest?
Pretend you have an empty shoebox. What items or trinkets would you place in the empty shoebox that represent you? Why do these items represent you or your life? You must think of at least 5 items and no more than 8 items.
What does the phrase "No man's land" mean? Answer this based upon the context of World War I and how it is also used within the story.
The following questions can be found at Clare Vanderpool’s website. The specific link for these questions can be found here: http://www.midwestbooksellers.org/site/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/MoonManifest_MidCon_ReadGd_WEB.pdf
Please answer these questions.
A MIDWEST CONNECTIONS PICK
Moon Over Manifest
By Clare Vanderpool
www.randomhouse.com/kids
Reader’s Guide Discussion Questions
1. Sister Redempta asks Abilene to write a story about her summer in the town, and tells her a good place to start is with the definition of “manifest”: Verb - To reveal, to make known. Why does Sister Redempta suggest this?
2. Abilene has a shaky feeling about Gideon and whether he would ever return for her from the moment she arrives in Manifest. Why? Is she right to feel this way?
3. Jinx never really feels like he belongs in Manifest, and he feels like he’s being watched. Who is watching him, and why is he on the run?
4. Abilene assumes Shady has a problem with drinking because he comes in looking weathered each morning from staying out late. What is Shady really doing when he goes out each night? Do his actions change your opinion of him?
5. Jinx becomes convinced that he is cursed, and that this curse infects the lives of everyone around him. Do you believe he is cursed with bad luck? Why?
6. Who is “The Rattler,” and why is he or she spying on the town? What was the true purpose of the spy map?
7. Miss Sadie says to Abilene, “It was a dangerous game we played. Hope.” What did she mean?
What were the townspeople hoping for when they concocted their “miracle cure”?
8. The more Abilene hears about the history of Manifest, the more she feels like she belongs to the town, and the memories belong to her. She feels close to its inhabitants, and grows to love them. Memories of Manifest also comfort Ned Gillen
when he is far away in France, fighting in the war. Why do these memories of Manifest provide such comfort? Can you think of a memory that always brings you great comfort when you’re far from home?
9. Abilene uncovers many secrets about the town of Manifest, including the truth about her father. How would you react to revelations like hers? How do they change her perception of Manifest?
10. Gideon and Ned treasure the Herman Melville quote: “It is not down in any map. True places never are.”
Does Abilene believe this is true in the end?
Within the context of the story, what is significant about the noun and verb definitions of the word manifest?
Pretend you have an empty shoebox. What items or trinkets would you place in the empty shoebox that represent you? Why do these items represent you or your life? You must think of at least 5 items and no more than 8 items.
What does the phrase "No man's land" mean? Answer this based upon the context of World War I and how it is also used within the story.
The following questions can be found at Clare Vanderpool’s website. The specific link for these questions can be found here: http://www.midwestbooksellers.org/site/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/MoonManifest_MidCon_ReadGd_WEB.pdf
Please answer these questions.
A MIDWEST CONNECTIONS PICK
Moon Over Manifest
By Clare Vanderpool
www.randomhouse.com/kids
Reader’s Guide Discussion Questions
1. Sister Redempta asks Abilene to write a story about her summer in the town, and tells her a good place to start is with the definition of “manifest”: Verb - To reveal, to make known. Why does Sister Redempta suggest this?
2. Abilene has a shaky feeling about Gideon and whether he would ever return for her from the moment she arrives in Manifest. Why? Is she right to feel this way?
3. Jinx never really feels like he belongs in Manifest, and he feels like he’s being watched. Who is watching him, and why is he on the run?
4. Abilene assumes Shady has a problem with drinking because he comes in looking weathered each morning from staying out late. What is Shady really doing when he goes out each night? Do his actions change your opinion of him?
5. Jinx becomes convinced that he is cursed, and that this curse infects the lives of everyone around him. Do you believe he is cursed with bad luck? Why?
6. Who is “The Rattler,” and why is he or she spying on the town? What was the true purpose of the spy map?
7. Miss Sadie says to Abilene, “It was a dangerous game we played. Hope.” What did she mean?
What were the townspeople hoping for when they concocted their “miracle cure”?
8. The more Abilene hears about the history of Manifest, the more she feels like she belongs to the town, and the memories belong to her. She feels close to its inhabitants, and grows to love them. Memories of Manifest also comfort Ned Gillen
when he is far away in France, fighting in the war. Why do these memories of Manifest provide such comfort? Can you think of a memory that always brings you great comfort when you’re far from home?
9. Abilene uncovers many secrets about the town of Manifest, including the truth about her father. How would you react to revelations like hers? How do they change her perception of Manifest?
10. Gideon and Ned treasure the Herman Melville quote: “It is not down in any map. True places never are.”
Does Abilene believe this is true in the end?