1. Why does Brent initially depend on outward appearances and material possessions to boost his self-esteem? What gives you a sense of self-worth?

2. How does alcohol impact a person's ability to reason and make decisions?

3. How does the second chapter, "Weeksboro, Maine," integrate into the story? It is a flash forward. Explain what that means. How did Fleischman approach writing these independent stories that weave into Brent's narrative?

4. In "The Afterlife" chapter, Brent seeks punishment, while his father wants to "get him off" without jail time. Reflect on Brent's feelings of guilt, remorse, and apathy towards life.

5. What is probation? Does it apply exclusively to the justice system?

6. Fleischman writes, "We never know all the consequences of our acts. They reach into places we can't see. And into the future, where no one can." What does this imply?

7. Do you recall doing something impulsively that caused problems for you or someone else? What were the outcomes? Did you have to make amends?

8. What is restitution? Restitution is part of Brent's probation sentence. What is atonement? How are restitution and atonement distinct?

9. Can the words "I'm sorry" ever suffice? Explain. What would you expect from Brent as restitution?

10. Mrs. Zamora says she does not believe in retribution. What is retribution? How does it differ from restitution?

11. Does everything happen for a reason? What could possibly justify the death of Lea, a talented and wonderful young person?

12. What is your reaction to Mrs. Zamora's request? Why did Brent or his parents not have to finance Brent's journey? They certainly had the means.

13. Fleischman uses the term karass. What does it signify? Have you ever experienced a karass? Share your story.

14. How do the chapters, "Miami, Florida"; "Bellevue, Washington"; and "San Diego, California" connect to Brent?

15. Emil, the German student Brent meets in San Diego, shares his father's favorite quote, "A teacher lives forever through his students." Explain its meaning. How is this true for you and the teachers in your life?

16. Brent views his life in segments: life before the accident, his first life, and life after the accident, which he calls "The Afterlife." Can you explain his sense of disconnection?

17. In Bellevue, Washington, Anthony, an adopted Korean boy, throws a rock at Brent's whirligig because of its constant noise. His mother has a different perspective. How did Brent hope people would react to the whirligig?

18. Why was Brent able to confess to the painter in Weeksboro, Maine, that he was responsible for Lea's death and that he had attempted to take his own life?

19. How did the painter's statement alter Brent's self-perception? "I could be wildly wrong. But my sense of you is that you're a good person, not a bad one."

20. Ending one's own life is known as suicide. It is an extremely serious issue and is generally disapproved of by most people in our society. Why is this behavior considered unacceptable? Would Brent have resolved any of his issues if he had succeeded? Is suicide ever a solution to someone's problems? What impact does it have on those who are left behind?

21. Brent's life undergoes a transformation with the completion of the fourth whirligig. Describe this change.
22. What have you learned about making choices and the repercussions of those choices? How do you make decisions? What helps you in making positive choices?

23. Describe the evolution of the main character, Brent Bishop.

24. Analyze the effectiveness of the plot structure chosen by Fleischman.