70 pages 2 hours read

Morris Gleitzman

Once

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2005

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Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Consider the role of altruism in the novel. What are some of the characters’ altruistic acts? Which characters are the most altruistic? Which are the least? Now, reflect on your response from the Personal Connection Prompt. Is your understanding of altruism the same as the characters in the novel? Why or why not?

Teaching Suggestion: This question invites students to reflect on Altruism first from the perspective of the novel, and second from their own perspective. As most of the characters in the novel are altruistic in some form, students should have an abundance of examples to select from. This prompt might work well as an in-class discussion in which students can share their definitions and experiences with their peers.