Powerless

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Powerless presents an unusual perspective in superhero fiction by following Daniel, an ordinary boy, rather than focusing on the superpowered children. How did this reversal affect your experience of the story compared to traditional superhero narratives? Did it make you think differently about what constitutes a hero?

2. The novel explores both overt and subtle forms of power. Which characters’ abilities did you find most interesting, and why? How does Cody’s approach to powers in Powerless compare to his treatment of extraordinary abilities in his other works like The Dead Gentleman, where a young boy also discovers a world beyond his understanding?

3. How did you react to the revelation that Herman Plunkett had been stealing children’s powers for generations? Were there any clues earlier in the book that made you suspect his true identity, or was the twist surprising?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Daniel often feels “as unremarkable as bread” compared to his superpowered friends (64). Have you ever felt ordinary or inadequate in comparison to others? How did you overcome those feelings?

2. In the story, the children lose both their powers and memories of those powers when they turn 13, symbolizing the transition from childhood to adolescence. What aspects of your own childhood do you wish you could remember more clearly, and why?

3. Eric maintains a positive attitude despite the pressure of leadership and his impending 13th birthday. He tells Daniel, “I can only do my best and believe that one day I’ll be able to do more” (173). How do you maintain optimism when facing challenges or uncertainties in your own life?

4. Daniel uses his analytical thinking and detective skills rather than superpowers to solve problems. What unique skills or talents do you possess that might not be immediately obvious but have proven valuable in challenging situations?

5. The rules that govern the supers shape their identities and relationships. What unwritten rules or expectations have shaped your life, and have you ever questioned or broken them?

6. Several characters respond differently to the prospect of losing their powers: Louisa welcomes it, Rohan accepts it, and Eric hopes to avoid it. How do you typically respond to major transitions or changes in your life? Are you more like Louisa, Rohan, or Eric?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. Powerless explores the idea that extraordinary abilities come with responsibilities. How does this concept reflect broader societal expectations about talented or privileged individuals? Do you believe that those with special talents or abilities have an obligation to use them for the greater good?

2. The story reveals that Herman Plunkett began stealing powers out of jealousy but justified his actions as protecting the world. How does this reflect ways in which fear and prejudice can lead to oppressive systems in our society? What examples can you think of where a group was restricted “for their own good” or “for public safety”?

3. The meteor crashes that give people powers in the book occur cyclically throughout history. How might this relate to how each generation faces its own set of challenges and opportunities? Do you see any parallels with how different generations approach contemporary social issues?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. Consider how the novel explores the meaning of heroism. How do different characters—Daniel, Eric, and even Herman Plunkett—define what it means to be a hero? What does the novel ultimately suggest about heroism?

2. The losing of powers at age 13 symbolizes the transition from childhood to adolescence. How does this metaphor work throughout the novel, and what does it suggest about growing up?

3. Herman Plunkett and Daniel share similarities—both are ordinary boys surrounded by those with powers. How does the author use this parallel to create a more complex villain? What distinguishes Daniel’s path from Plunkett’s?

4. How does Powerless compare to other coming-of-age stories involving children with special abilities, such as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone or The School for Good and Evil? What similarities and differences do you see in how the protagonists handle their exceptional circumstances?

5. How does the setting of Noble’s Green—with its mountain, quarry, and small-town atmosphere—contribute to the themes and plot of the novel? What symbolic purpose does each location serve?

6. The climax of the novel has Daniel facing the Shroud alone, using his ordinary abilities to defeat him. Analyze this scene’s significance to Daniel’s character arc and the novel’s overall themes.

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Daniel keeps the ring Plunkett gave him at the end of the novel, wondering if he’ll ever need to use it. What adventures do you envision for Daniel and the supers in the next book? What new challenges might they face?

2. The powers in Powerless correlate somewhat to the personalities of the characters who possess them. What superpower would best match your personality or strengths, and how might it manifest in your daily life?

3. You are tasked with casting a film adaptation of Powerless. Which actors would you choose for the main roles, and what qualities would make them perfect for portraying these characters?

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