Discussion Question Category: Ethics

Hermit Crab

Is the hermit crab a hero? Is he responsible for saving the flounder, even if he didn’t mean to? Do we sometimes get credit for doing things that are really more lucky than intended? Should we? Are we only responsible for the things that we control, or can we be responsible for other things as Hermit Crab

Happiness Is a Warm Puppy

What is happiness? Can what makes you happy change? Is happiness the same for everyone? Is happiness a good thing? Is happiness the most important thing? What’s the relationship between happiness and pleasure? Contributed by Gobe Hirata

Giving Tree

Why does the tree give so much to the boy? Is the boy right to keep asking for me? What should the tree give to the boy? What should the boy ask of the tree? What is love? Can a tree love a boy? Can a boy love a tree? Why do we change as Giving Tree

Freedom Summer

Why is the book called Freedom Summer? Who is free in the story? Who is not? Are Joe and John Henry friends? Why does John Henry eat in the kitchen at Joe’s house, while Joe and his family eat in the dining room? Why isn’t John Henry allowed in the store? Who decides? Who controls Freedom Summer

Frederick

Does Frederick do his part for the family community? Does being a member of a community mean that you are obligated to contribute to it? What are the responsibilities of family members to each other? Is Frederick meeting his responsibilities? Is Frederick’s work of gathering ideas and words and images as important as gathering food? Frederick

Franklin Fibs

Why did Franklin tell a fib in the first place? Is “fibbing” the same as lying? If not, what is the difference? Is it ever okay to lie? Is lying for a greater good okay? In what cases would lying be acceptable? Why did it take Franklin so long to tell the truth? Does lying Franklin Fibs

Four Feet, Two Sandals

Why do people become refugees? Are countries that can provide safety obligated to allow in people escaping their homelands? Do countries have different obligations to their citizens than to other people around the world? Why do the girls decide to share the shoes? What makes Lina and Feroza friends? Can friendship help people to feel Four Feet, Two Sandals