Chapters 8 - 11 Discussion Questions

Chapter 8 "Charmed"

1. Why does Griffin act so differently at the grocery store?  What does this tell you about his character?

Chapter 9 "Gum"

1. Were you surprised that Eric confronts Griffin about how he was acting in front of his mom?
2. Which Griffin is the "true" Griffin?

Chapter 10 "Friend"

1. Why does Eric lie to his mother?  What does this tell you about his character?  What does this tell you about Griffin's influence on Eric?
2. Both Eric and Griffin tell each other about their fathers.  Who does most of the talking?  Why do you think Eric tells Griffin so much about his life when it seems like he does not trust him very much?
3. Does Eric have a friend in Griffin?  Why or why not?

Chapter 11 "Crazy"

1. We find out more about Eric's father.  Can a person always know everything about everyone?  Even our best friends?  Our parents?
2. Do we all carry around "baggage"?  Defend your answer.  How can that "baggage" affect our everyday lives?

Chapter 6 & 7 -"Hallenback" & "Lunch"

1.  What are some of the good and bad thoughts that Eric may be having as he makes the connection between Mary Griffin and David Hallenback?


2.  Who plays the roles of aggressor (bully), victim, bystander and positive bystander?