Sample Class Discussion Questions FAQ Grade Level? 6 though 11 Number of presentations? 1 to 3 per day Ideal Group size? The smaller the better for writing workshops, up to room capacity for book talks Autographing? Of course! Materials Needed? Not necessary, but an option to use a slide projector or PowerPoint if visuals desired Mic for auditorium talks Read the book before author visit? Always best, but not absolutely necessary Website? www.catherinestine.com Availability & cost? email me at info@catherinestine.com For a 40% discount on books, call Random House at 800 733 3000 Refugees ISBN for library binding: 0-385-90216-6 For paperback: ISBN: 0440238765 Sample class discussion questions and teacher's study guide sent ahead upon request "I love to visit schools, and inspire young writers!" Book talks on my historical novel, Refugees that speaks to current affairs, Afghan culture and history, and global dialog; while also touching on the writing process and how ideas are born, followed by Q & A and book signing. This can include a lively visual (PowerPoint or slide) presentation. Writing workshops (one to three sessions) where I guide students through an exciting process of discovering their own core material, while also helping them to develop valuable writing skills. "Catherine Stine is an author whose work touches real lives and experiences of teens living in New York City and beyond. Her book and workshop opened the students' minds to the process of writing, and how writing a novel actually unfolds." --Ms. DiMarco, 8th Grade English teacher at PS 292 in Brooklyn, NY Include Refugees in your curriculum! Students can prepare for the author's visit by reading the particular book prior to the visit. Choose any one of the programs, or a combination of programs (ie: booktalk, or booktalk and one workshop, or two workshops). If books are available for sale at the school to coordinate with Catherine's visit, she will autograph them on the day of her visit. Catherine is happy to discuss details with the visit coordinator beforehand. Programs can be shaped somewhat to the school's needs and curriculum. Fees are dependent on location and programs. E-mail Catherine with questions. "Discussing the creative process with Catherine, a working author and illustrator, helped my students see themselves as also capable of producing great work. What a tremendous opportunity!" --Jessamyne Lee, 7th grade teacher at the Dual Language Middle School in Manhattan "What an exciting, fun, creative way for the students to write and illustrate a book!" --Miguelina Figueroa, 4th grade teacher at PS 145 in Manhattan Sample Class Discussion Questions Why do you think the author chose the title Refugees? Is the American girl really a refugee? In the book, how many different metaphors are there for "refugee?" (Example of a metaphor: A child is a sapling, a brain is a sponge) List the various metaphors and describe why you chose them. Are there any more other significant metaphors, or themes in this book? How is Johar different from his brother, Daq? Why does this cause Johar so much anguish? Why is Daq bitter? Does he hate his brother? Is Louise a bad person? Why do you think it is so hard for her to communicate with Dawn? Why is Dawn so resentful of Louise? In what ways are Dawn and Johar similar? In what ways are they different? Describe Dawn's struggle. Describe Johar's struggle. Which parts are internal, and which parts are external? Catherine's book talks and writing workshops accomplish multiple standards for language art and social studies in both the middle and high school levels: Purposeful listening skills, data interpretation, lively class discussions, determining usage and meaning of literary tools, pre-writing and writing skills, brainstorming, creating imaginative texts with multiple layers of meaning, thoughtful discussion of current affairs, deeper understanding of global issues, cross-cultural dialog, explore Central Asian culture. Do Dawn and Johar help each other, or are they just sharing their stories? What makes Johar uniquely qualified to help Dawn? What makes Dawn uniquely qualified to help Johar? In what ways are their creative talents useful? What is the turning point for Dawn, in her change toward self-confidence? List the first two or three steps. Do the same for Johar. Describe some of the misconceptions Dawn and Johar have about each other's cultures. Describe some of the moments where that begins to change. What does Johar want for his country, and for himself? Why is he angry with Dawn? What does Dawn want initially? What does she want later? back to top