London Calling Reading Guide & Discussion Questions

Book Club Discussion Questions

Print PDF

For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, and our BookBrowse Review of London Calling.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1. Martin freezes after he is slapped in the face by Lowery, but he hates himself for his cowardly reaction. (p. 13) Why does he react the way he does? What would be a more appropriate reaction? Does the punishment he receives fit the crime? Why or why not?
   


2. After Martin and his mother meet with Father Thomas about the fight, Martin’ mother tells him, “ow you will live in the future depends on how you live now in the present.”(p. 27) What decisions does Martin make in the present that will affect his future? How will his decisions positively impact his life?
   


3. Martin’ sister and friends show concern for Martin’ emotional well-being, fearing he is suffering from depression; even Martin, who says his days are empty and pointless, thinks he needs to do something other than stay in the basement. What other symptoms does Martin exhibit that show he might be depressed? What does his sister do to try to help him get out more? What role do his friends play? How does Martin finally overcome his feelings of depression?
   

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Knopf 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.