How does The Cookie of Doom explore the grieving process through Janet’s experiences? How does her grief complicate Having the Courage to Try New Things?

Compare and contrast Ben’s initial assumptions about Mrs. Ezra with the reality. How does his growing friendship with her shift his perspective on the world?

How do Swanson’s text and Behr’s illustrations work together to create a distinct narrative voice for the story?

How does the device of Ben’s list help structure Swanson and Behr’s narrative? How does it contribute to the narrative pacing and resolution?

Compare Ben to other protagonists of middle-grade graphic novels, such as Greg from Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney or Jordan from Jerry Craft’s New Kid. How are they similar? How do their approaches to life differ?

Fortune cookies are a Japanese invention, eventually popularized in Chinese restaurants in the United States. How else is the mixing of cultures shown in this story?

In the next book in The Cookie Chronicles series, Ben’s fortune encourages him to take steps toward happiness. How do the lessons Ben learns in The Cookie of Doom lay the groundwork for this next adventure?

What is the significance of the title, The Cookie of Doom, and how does it connect to the novel’s central theme, The Importance of Living Life to Its Fullest?