Anastasia Krupnik

Given that the novel was published in 1979, what can Anastasia and her problems offer to young readers today?

Consider how Anastasia Krupnik expresses racial and gender stereotypes of the time to inform the characters and conflicts in the story. If the novel was published today, how might things like Washburn’s character and the roles of Anastasia’s parents be handled differently? Provide external support for your response.

Having read the book, does “mercurial” seem like the right word to describe Anastasia’s personality? Why or why not? Why is she drawn to the term?

Compare and contrast how Anastasia grapples with emotions through her green notebook and through discussions with other people. Does one of these methods seem more effective for Anastasia’s growth? What pros and cons do these methods offer?

How does Lowry’s narrative style of writing the book in episodic, standalone chapters affect the plot and character development? How does its effect differ from a more traditional, chronological narrative?

What is the significance of Lowry having Anastasia fail the poetry assignment in Chapter 1? How does this event set Anastasia up for the internal and external conflicts she faces throughout the rest of the story?

Compare and contrast the importance of memory to Anastasia and her grandmother. How is memory significant to who they are during the events of the story? How does the death of Anastasia’s grandmother change Anastasia’s outlook on the role memory plays in life? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

How does the setting of Boston shape the narrative? What aspects of Boston’s culture in the 1970s influence Anastasia’s growth and environment?