Chapter 15: Peck's Questions

  These are a set of ten questions to ask about a novel developed by Richard Peck in 1978. This is not summarized, but is replicated from the original list.

1. What would the story be like if the main character were of the opposite sex? (helps diffuse sexual polarizations and stereotyping)
2. Why is the story set where it is as opposed to where is the story set? (points out setting as an author's device)
3. If you were to film the story, would you use black and white of color and WHY? (consideration of tone)
4. If you could not use all the characters, which would you eliminate and WHY? (characters which add texture vs. simplification for media translation)
5. How is the main character different from you? (reader can identify without being like the main character)
6. Would this story make a good TV series? Why or why not? (ending focus and sequential nature of chapters)
7. What one thing in the story has happened to you? (anecdotal response of recognition)
8. Reread the first paragraph of chapter 1. What is in it to make you read on? If nothing, why did you continue to read? (hooks reader and awareness of author's intent in writing)
9. If you had to design a new cover for the book, what would it look like? (deceptive packaging and consumerism) 
10. What does the title tell you about the book? Does it tell the truth? (titles as narrative hooks vs. symbolic titles)

I wish I had this list of questions when I taught ELAR. They are similar to (but more in-depth) the types of questions that I would ask my students about all books, not just novels. I think all reading teachers should be aware of this list and use it to get students thinking at a higher level.