Appendix 3: Discussion

Chapter 1

1. Poetry is like another language. How? Explain. What do you know about poetry?
2. Paris is like another world. How? Explain. What do you know about Paris?
3. Dreams are not easy, but they are very important. Explain. Do you agree? Why or why not?
4. What is your dream? Describe it. What do you hope to do someday?

Chapter 2

1. Keep Portland Weird! Why do people say this? What makes Portland “weird”?
2. Parents must give their children two things: roots and wings. Explain. What does this mean?
3. Everything is easier when you don’t care about things. What does this mean? Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Why?
4. What is another proverb from your culture? Explain it.

Chapter 3

1. Paris takes patience, and patience takes work. What does this mean? Explain.
2. Quang paints invisible paintings. Why? Give your opinion.
3. A haiku is a special kind of poem. It has three lines. The first line has 5 syllables. The second line has 7 syllables. The last line has 5 syllables. And they usually talk about something in nature. Write your own haiku. Share it with your classmates.
4. Great ideas come from anywhere. Do you agree? Why or why not?

Chapter 4

1. Think about the toy horse. Is it art? Is it a joke? Is it something else? Explain your ideas.
2. Nobody wants to talk about their dreams. Why not? Explain your ideas.
3. Alma and Quang are dating. Are they a good couple? Why or why not?
4. If people do not understand art, then does art matter? Explain.

Chapter 5

1. Did Stig expect this news from Fiona? How do you know?
2. All of my dreams are coming true.  How? Explain.
3. Quang nods his head. That means both “Congratulations!” and “I’ll miss you!” What does this mean? Explain.
4. If you have two million dollars, what do you do first?

Chapter 6

1. Stig waits to tell Oliver about his news. Why?
2. Alma’s pie hits Kensho. Why does Stig laugh?
3. But be ready now. What does this mean?
4. At the end of his poem, Stig adds: Zip, zip, zippity doo. Why?

Chapter 7

1. Time to fly, Mister Lemon Pie! What does this mean?
2. All the city maps are useless, and I like them that way. What does this mean? Do you agree? Why or why not?
3. It is not easy to leave family or friends. What was your experience? Describe.
4. Will Stig be happy in Paris? Share your opinion.