Compare and contrast the two parental couples in the novel, Max’s parents and Mr. and Mrs. Montagu. How does the novel use these as a parallel to further its major themes?

In what way does the novel use its female characters to explore the role(s) of women during World War II?

How does the novel use the markers of socio-economic privilege and inequality to explore ideas of justice and injustice?

Research one of the historical figures who appears as a character in the book. In what ways has Gidwitz combined fact and fiction to create this character, and what effect has this had?

Stein and Berg alter in their behaviors and attitudes during the novel, but not in the same way or at the same pace. How do these differences inform the spirits’ roles and function in the novel?

How does the novel use humor? Consider its function to build empathy and relief tension, and its role in a book for a young readership.

The novel makes several explicit references to works of British literature and their authors. What significance do they have in the narrative? How do they function?

The eccentric setting of Tring Park functions as an unconventional training ground. How did this build on or challenge your ideas of wartime Britain and espionage?