Book Talk November 2007

November 2007: The Liberation of Gabriel King

by: K.L. Going

K.L. Going was born in Rhinebeck, New York, and attended Eastern College in Pennsylvania. After college, she worked as an adult literacy tutor, a ticket agent for an airline, a front desk clerk at a hotel, and a bookstore manager, until she began writing full-time. Her first novel, "Fat Kid Rules the World," was named a Michael L. Printz Honor Book and a Best Book for Young Adults by the American Library Association. K.L. Going currently lives and writes in Glen Spey, New York.

Discussion Questions for At-Home Participation.

Why doesn't Gabe make it to his own Moving-Up Day ceremony?
What is Gabe's number one fear?
Describe the nightmare that Gabe had the night after he caught Jimmy, his new pet spider.
Why do you think Gabe is so afraid of Frita's big brother Terrance?
At the Bicentennial celebration, why does Gabe suspect that Mr. Evans said something cruel to Frita?
After a successful experience with the rope swing at the catfish pond, Gabe reflects: "There's nothing like success to boost your confidence." (p. 94) Think about a time in your life when this statement was true.
In chapter 19, Gabe learns about an episode from the Wilson family's past. How does this information help explain Frita's fears and Terrance's anger?
In the course of the story, how does Terrance change in his attitude towards Gabe, and what do you think caused this change?
What most surprises Gabe when he sees Frita's fear list for the first time? Why is this an important discovery?
The night before the big rally, Gabe realizes the key to having courage in a frightening situation. In your own words, explain what Gabe learns about courage.
At the Bicentennial celebration, Frita refuses to talk after her run-in with Mr. Evans. Imagine the thoughts in her head as she stands silently watching the fireworks: what do you think she is thinking and feeling?
Mr. Wilson explains oppression to Gabe: "Oppression is when you're put down. ...It's when you don't have the freedom to be who you want to be because someone else doesn't believe you should have that freedom." (p. 102) Which characters in this book face oppression, and what kind of oppression do they experience?
In chapter eight, Frita tells Gabe that he should name his new spider: "Once you name him, you'll feel like he's yours and then you won't be scared of him anymore." (p. 46) Explain in your own words what Frita is trying to accomplish with this advice.
In the quest to conquer his fears, Gabe takes several risks that seem to him to be quite dangerous. Make a list of all Gabe's adventures from the summer and rank them in order - from most dangerous to least dangerous. In your opinion, are any of Gabe's fears appropriate?
How is the summer of 1976 a turning point in the lives of both Gabe and Frita? When they are older, what do you think each will remember about this exciting summer?

This Month's Guest Author is Gary Mormino, Ph.D.

Dr. Mormino is a professor at the University of South Florida, where he has taught since 1977. A graduate of Millikin University (B.A.) and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Ph.D.), Mormino has written extensively on immigration and urban America, often focusing on the history of Tampa.

Book Talk November 2007

November 2007: The Liberation of Gabriel King

Discussion Questions for At-Home Participation.

This Month's Guest Author is Gary Mormino, Ph.D.

Replay Times:

Previous Book Talk Descriptions