1. How does the intriguing title It's an Aardvark-Eat-Turtle World hint at the unfolding events within the story?

2. It's an Aardvark-Eat Turtle World delves into the intricate webs of family relationships. If you had the power to design your own life, what kind of family setting would you embrace?

3. Upon reading Chapter 1, how do you feel about Rosie's heartfelt yearning to "be part of a family, all living happily under one roof"? Is such a dream attainable? What type of family might fulfill this longing?

4. Mindy expresses doubt about the stability of their new living situation, revealing her true feelings unexpectedly. Jim reassures Rosie by saying, "Honey, I know that it's hard to be certain of many relationships . . ." Do you find Jim's perspective accurate? Why or why not?

5. What are your thoughts on their symbolic ceremony to define themselves as a family? Is this a commitment they will truly honor, even in tough times? Would a legal marriage provide a stronger bond? What defines a family?

6. Rosie feels uneasy about the closeness between her mother and Phoebe's father. What causes her discomfort? If you were in her shoes, would you share these sentiments?

7. Does Mindy have the authority to tell Phoebe she shouldn't park out front with Dave and "make out"? Why? How does Phoebe's retort, "How can you tell me what's right when you and my father live together and aren't even married?" challenge Mindy? What is Phoebe asserting, and is her point valid? Why?

8. In your view, what should a healthy relationship between young men and women look like at the age of fourteen?

9. With her background of a black Protestant father and a white Jewish mother, Rosie navigates a mixed heritage. How does this influence her self-perception? What challenges arise from her diverse ancestry?

10. Rosie faces discrimination due to her skin color and is treated poorly by a man in Toronto. Do you think she managed the incident appropriately? How might you respond if faced with a similar situation?

11. After a tense moment by the waterfront, Jason, raised as a pacifist, feels a surge of anger toward the man who insulted Rosie. Why do these feelings seem contradictory?

12. Rosie firmly believes one should never have to choose between a best friend and a romantic partner, nor between a best friend and one's own parents. Do you agree with her perspective?

13. Rosie refers to her mother as "Mindy." Does this strike you as unusual? How would your own parents react if you addressed them by their first names instead of Mom or Dad?

14. When Mindy sells her book, Jim proposes that the money should support the family, since he still considers them a "sort of" family. What does this reveal about the commitment he voiced at the story's beginning?

15. Reflect on Mindy's take on perfection in marriage: "Honey, don't expect perfection. It'll only cause trouble." What insights does this offer?

16. What does Rosie imply with her final remark in Chapter 23, "I'm also very glad that she's brought me up the way she has"?