Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. How does one’s understanding of actions and consequences develop over time, especially as they grow from a child into an adult? Provide 3-5 examples that might be considered common learning experiences that contribute to one’s understanding of consequences.

Teaching Suggestion: This Short Answer question invites students to consider the novel’s theme The Far-Reaching and Unknowable Consequences of Actions. Fleischman’s novel begins with the protagonist Brent, who decides to try to die by suicide. He intentionally allows his car to drift into oncoming traffic, and the resulting accident kills an innocent driver. Grief and guilt result from this unintended action; however, Brent’s journey results in a positive reawakening and his Atonement and Rebirth. Students might share and compare in small groups after listing their examples independently, taking note of common ideas. These and similar resources may offer additional context.

• “Actions and Behaviors Have Consequences” is a site that includes information and talking points on the topic.
• Responsibility.org provides information on “Drunk Driving Fatality Statistics” in the US.