Buy Star Child
Available in stores + online July 7, 2012
General Discussion Guide for Star Child Readers
Both Terra and Marius must cope with the fact that their special powers make others wary, frightened or distrustful of them. In what ways do each of the star children choose to cope with this? Are their reactions typical from a gender point of view?
What is the effect of their choices in how they relate to the world around them?
As parents to Terra, how does her life with them influence her in both negative and positive ways? What are the conflicting emotional responses that most influences their behavior toward Terra?
How did Billy’s relationship influence Marius?
Both star children have opportunities to make make new choices about their lives. What are the pivotal points and responses that allow them to do this?
What is it about the Ancient Mother that gives her such insight and clarity? How did she learn this? Why does she not share more about Marius with Terra?
What is the role of nature and her creatures in the supporting the Star Children?
What must Terra do to overcome her fears?
How is it that Terra can know what herbs are healing and what will be helpful for others?
What caused Marius to begin to lose his special powers?
What is the role of the Baker in the story? How is it that learning to bake bread is so healing for Marius?
Why would Terra and Marius hold such strong feelings for the other when they had spent such little time together?
What is the central message of the book? How do we apply the lessons of the book to modern life and its challenges.
Explore the prayer spoken by the baker during the fire. What is he trying to say? How would you respond differently in that situation?
Do the characters show us any specific methods or practices that would be helpful in our own daily life? What are they?
Discussion Guide for Young Adult Readers of Star Child
Why do you suppose that Terra felt toward with the old people while she is living with them? Do you think Terra was happy growing up with her elders? If she had written a letter to them, what would she have said?
How does Marius respond to the bullying by the town boys? How does his response affect him and the boys at that time? Can you think of similar responses in your life or those of people you know? How did Marius’ choices about how to protect himself change his life going forward?
What do you think was the biggest challenge for Terra as she moved out into the world?
How did Marius feel about his life in Cler? As he worked with the Baker, how and why did his attitude change? The Baker taught him to attend to every detail of the process of baking bread. Why did he do this? How do you think this might have helped Marius?
What do you think would have happened if Terra and Marius had not had so much help from others?
Why would Terra and Marius hold such strong feelings for the other when they had spent such little time together?
The Baker’s prayer seemed to say how grateful he was for everything. Why do you think he felt that way? Would you have said that in the same circumstances?
How did Billy’s relationship influence Marius?
Both star children have opportunities to make make new choices about their lives. What are the pivotal points and responses that allow them to do this?
Was there anything you wish had been a part of the story? That was "missing" for you?
What did you like about this book?
What didn’t you like about it?
