Snoop

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What was your overall reaction to the novel’s blend of humor, middle-grade adventure, and serious themes like the illegal wildlife trade?

2. Korman is known for his many novels, including the bestseller Restart. How does Carter’s journey of rebuilding his identity after his accident compare to the experience of a character like Chase Ambrose, who has to start over after amnesia?

3. How effective was the use of public surveillance cameras as the central plot device? Did you find Carter’s ability to access and use them to be believable?

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

1. Carter justifies his snooping by arguing that he’s observing “the real thing” instead of “make-believe” videos (33). Where do you personally draw the line between harmless people-watching and an invasion of privacy?

2. “The Great Disconnect” forces Carter offline and away from his friends (94). Have you ever experienced a period when you were cut off from your usual online spaces or social circle? How did it affect you, and what did you notice about your reliance on technology?

3. Carter redefines strength by developing new skills in response to his physical limitations. In what ways has a challenge in your own life prompted you to discover or develop a different kind of strength?

4. Ethan’s loyalty is tested by peer pressure, and he temporarily distances himself from Carter. Have you ever felt pressured to step back from a friendship to protect your own reputation or social standing? How did you handle it, and what did you learn about loyalty or forgiveness from that experience?

5. Carter feels the weight of his knowledge about the animals but is afraid to act because of how he obtained the information. Can you relate to the feeling of knowing something important but hesitating to share it?

6. For much of the book, Carter is deeply embarrassed by “The Diaper Shot” (35). Have you ever held onto an embarrassing moment longer than others did? How did it shape the way you saw yourself, and what helped you move past it—or why was it hard to let go?

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

1. How does the novel contribute to the ongoing conversation about surveillance, privacy, and civic responsibility in the digital age? Does Carter’s discovery of a real crime ultimately justify his methods?

2. By focusing on a ring of animal smugglers, the book brings a major global crime into a quiet, suburban setting. Did this narrative choice make the issue of the illegal wildlife trade feel more immediate or impactful to you?

3. What does Carter’s experience with being ostracized by his classmates reveal about the power of rumors and the speed at which reputations can be damaged in a connected community?

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

1. Carter’s character arc takes him from a self-absorbed snoop to a community hero. What specific moments or turning points do you see as most crucial to his transformation?

2. How does the wheelchair’s symbolism evolve throughout the story, shifting from a representation of Carter’s confinement to a tool of his empowerment?

3. The misidentification of Mr. Grimes serves as a major red herring. How does Korman use this plot device to explore the theme of perception versus reality and comment on the unreliability of observation without context?

4. The premise of an immobilized person witnessing a crime is a classic trope, seen in works like Alfred Hitchcock’s film Rear Window. In what ways does Snoop update this narrative for a contemporary, middle-grade audience?

5. The drone is another key symbol in the story. How does its function change from a tool for petty snooping to an instrument of justice, reflecting Carter’s own moral development?

6. What is the effect of the ending’s tidy resolution, which wraps up not only the smuggling plot but also several smaller subplots like the restaurant rivalry and the man in the Maserati?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Carter gives nicknames like “Needle-Nose” and “Frankenkid” to the people he watches. Choose a minor character you found interesting and write a brief backstory for them, imagining the life they lead when they’re off-camera.

2. The story is told entirely from Carter’s perspective. Rewrite a key scene, like the chaotic party at Maddox’s house or the snow-leopard confrontation, from the point of view of Lacey or Ethan.

3. Your task is to design a “Carter Peregrine Day” celebration for the town of Sterling. What events, activities, or special honors would you include to celebrate both Carter’s heroism and the rescued animals?