The Terrible Two

Consider the incorporation of illustrations into the narrative. What is the tone of the illustrations? How do they contribute to the overall comprehension and experience of the novel? How do the illustrations help tell the story?

Describe the voice of the novel. How do the authors use and manipulate the third-person narration to give an interior look at certain characters, such as Miles and Principal Barkin?

Though the novel has a humorous tone, the authors do not shy away from dealing with difficult subjects like bullying and anxiety. How do the authors maintain a balance between the jocular antics and realistic narrative throughline?

Analyze the role of teamwork in the novel. How do characters harness the power of teamwork and collaboration to find success, particularly in fighting against injustice?

Discuss the role of adults in the narrative. How does the author portray adults in positions of power? Consider minor characters such as Miles’s mom Judy, Principal Barkin’s brother Bob, and Ms. Shandy.

In what ways is the novel geared specifically for middle-grade readers? What themes and issues are particularly relevant to this target age group? How is the novel also still accessible to older readers?

What parts of the story are unrealistic or require suspension of disbelief? Is it feasible that Miles and Niles could successfully pull off their pranks in a real-life school setting?

Pranks sometimes involve acts of deception, forgery, and outright lies. What aspects of morality are challenged in the novel? How does Niles’s assertion that sometimes a person must do something wrong in the name of justice play a role throughout the story?