Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Have you read other novels by Noelle Ihli? How does Such Quiet Girls compare to them? What kind of plot were you expecting, if you were already familiar with titles by this author?

2. Were you surprised to learn that the plot of Such Quiet Girls is inspired by true events? What do you think about the events of the Chowchilla kidnappings and how they were adapted in this text?

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

1. Sage becomes frustrated when she perceives that Jessa is not showing leadership. However, she is not aware of the history of trauma that Jessa carries. Have you ever misunderstood or misinterpreted someone’s actions because you were unaware of their personal history?

2. Sheena makes a difficult choice when she opts to follow the ransom instructions and not involve the police. Have you ever had to make a decision you were uncertain about? What was the outcome of that choice?

3. Ted relies on Andy’s help to execute the kidnapping plan, but he also knows that Andy creates additional risks because of his erratic nature. Have you ever had to collaborate with someone you didn’t fully trust? How did you manage it?

4. Jessa initially believes that being compliant is the best way for the children to stay safe. However, she eventually realizes they need to fight for their survival. Have you ever had to change strategies or approaches when facing a challenging situation?

5. At the end of the novel, there is hope for a reconciliation between Jessa and her daughter, Sophie. What do you think makes forgiveness and reconciliation possible in strained family relationships? Have you ever initiated or accepted forgiveness after a relationship became strained?

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

1. When the parents at Bright Beginnings see police, they initially fear that a school shooting has taken place. Do you think that children face more dangers in the present era than they have in the past? How does the novel reflect current discourses and concerns around child safety?

2. Both Ted and Jessa are depicted facing challenges in finding work and rebuilding their lives after criminal convictions. How does the novel reflect current debates around criminal activity and the possibilities of rehabilitation/reintegration in society?

3. Sheena struggles to care for both her young children and her elderly father. What social structures do you think could better support caregivers, especially women? How does her dilemma contribute to ideas about the “sandwich generation” and the roles women are expected to perform within families?

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

1. The novel alternates between narrators and points of view. How does this structure impact the tone and mood of the novel?

2. Discuss the novel’s title. Who is (or is not) depicted as “quiet”? What is the value of being quiet, or alternatively, speaking up and asserting oneself in the novel?

3. Discuss the arc of Ted’s character development. How is he depicted? How does he change, or fail to change, over the course of the novel?

4. How does the novel depict class and socio-economic status in contemporary America?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Create a soundtrack for the music Sheena might have played while driving around and carrying out the ransom request. What songs would she select to remain motivated and focused?

2. Imagine that Bright Beginnings is reevaluating its technology policy in the wake of the events depicted in the novel. Stage a town hall-style debate on whether children should be allowed to have access to their phones on the bus. Reference events from the novel in order to develop arguments for both sides.