1. Numerous comparisons and contrasts can be made between The Black Pearl and Herman Melville's timeless sea novel, Moby-Dick. Analyze the storylines, characters, and themes of each book, and discuss the similarities and differences you observe.

2. Compare The Black Pearl with a well-known legend or myth. Illustrate how the novel adheres to the traditional narrative structure and where it diverges from it.

3. Compare The Black Pearl to John Steinbeck's novel The Pearl, which is based on the same tale. Describe the differences in themes between the two novels.

4. O'Dell's depiction of Mexican pearl divers presents a culture distinct from that of modern-day America. Discuss the differences in values and beliefs portrayed in the novel.

5. Conduct research on the region of Baja (pronounced "Ba-ha") California and provide a report on its culture and inhabitants. Does O'Dell present an accurate depiction or not?