The Mostly True Story of Jack Reading Guide & Discussion Questions

Name: The Mostly True Story of Jack
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)
Author: Kelly Barnhill
ISBN: 9780316056700

The Mostly True Story of Jack

by Kelly Barnhill

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First Published:
Aug 2, 2011, 336 pages

Paperback:
Sep 2012, 352 pages

Book Reviewed by:
Tamara Ellis Smith
X
- Young Adults
- USA
- Midwest, USA
- Minn. Wis. Iowa
- Contemporary
- Parenting & Families
- Coming of Age
- Magical or Supernatural
- Nature & Environment
Genres & Themes
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For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, The Funny, Frightening, Lyrical, Odd, and Very Talented Kelly Barnhill and our BookBrowse Review of The Mostly True Story of Jack.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

Why does Jack spend the summer in Iowa? What's going on with his family that forces his move?

Frankie, Wendy, Anders, and Clayton all notice that something Very Odd is going on. What does each character notice and how do they respond?

Jack is not like most boys. What clues can you find that show the reader exactly how different Jack is?

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How does the author develop themes of identity and belonging throughout the narrative?
What role does the setting play in shaping the characters' decisions and relationships?
Discuss how the ending reframes the events of the story. Were you surprised?

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.

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Reviews

Beyond the Book:
The Funny, Frightening, Lyrical, Odd, and Very Talented Kelly Barnhill

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