Points to Ponder…
Our Community Reads 2007
Weedflower

Points to Ponder…

1.    Theme
      What important idea(s) did you come away with after reading this story? Will Sumiko ever find a place where she feels she belongs? What rewards did Sumiko receive and what challenges did she face with having friends who were not Japanese American?

2.   Characters
      Did the characters seem real? Which character left a strong impression on you? Would you choose any of the characters in the story for a friend? Sumiko describes her life in two parts–before and after Pearl Harbor. How would you handle your whole life falling apart and being taken away to another world?

3.   Reaction to the Book
      What is your reaction to this book? What was the most interesting part of the story? What did you like or dislike about this book? What connections did you make while reading the book?

4.   Significance of the Title
      Why do you think that Cynthia Kadohata chose Weedflower as the title? What would you have called the book?

5.   Point of View Author
      What was the author trying to accomplish by writing this book? What does Weedflowerreveal about the author’s view of the world?

6.   Setting
      The setting for this story is an internment camp on the Mohave Reservation in Arizona during World War II. Were the Japanese Americans as unwanted there as they had been at home in California? Would the story have the same impact had it taken place elsewhere?

7.   History of Story’s Event
      Before reading the book, had you ever heard about the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II?  Could something like this happen in today’s world?
 
8.   Language
      Did the way the author wrote the story keep your interest? Were there any particular scenes that have remained with you?

9.   Plot, Conflict, and Resolution
      What events from the story are the most memorable? What are the problems the characters faced? How do the problems the Japanese Americans face compare with those the Native Americans face? Did you expect the book to end the way it did? What do you think will happen to Sumiko in the future?

10. Book as Whole
      How would you rate this book? Would you recommend this book to a friend? Would the book make a good movie?

Funding For Our Community Reads Provided By

• Our Community Reads grant from the Kane County Regional Office of Education, Dr. Clem Mejia, Regional Superintendent
• St. Charles Public Library (Illinois Per Capita Grant)
• Elgin Community College Writers Center