1.Why is the book called Bluish? What does the name mean to her classmates? To Dreenie? Is it derogatory? Do you think it is right to call Natalie, Bluish? Would you want a name like this?2.Why does Bluish'smom respond negatively to the nickname "Bluish"?(Did you figure out the Black and Jewish connection before they told us in the book)3.Who was your favorite character and why?4.What did you like best and least about the book?5.Were there any words you didn’tunderstand? If so what were they and did you look them up? a.Throngs –a large number6.What is a Magnet School?It is a public school offering special instruction and programs not available elsewhere, designed to attract a more diverse student body from throughout a school district. But over the last 20 years or so, some Magnet schools have taken on an a more competitive aspect in that they can only fill 10-20% of the students that apply to attend school on their campuses. The current role of Magnet schools, therefore, can often promote academic opportunity and excellence over their regular counterparts. Magnet schools often attract “gifted” students who score well in tests and receive good grades (about 1/3 of all Magnet schools use selection criteria to decide who they’ll invite to enroll for that year).7.What is the exact nature of Bluish's illness?8.How does Dreenie feel about Bluish and her condition? How does the rest of the class respond?9.Why does Bluish say, “I’m sitting right here until they look at me?”10.Have you known someone who had cancer? Were you afraid you would “catch” it if you were around them? 11.What is Dreenie's theory for why Tuli acts the way she does, with her fake Spanish and flamboyant mannerisms; (Lonely, no Mom) Do you think she is Spanish? (12.Dreenie thinks Tuli is needy and jealous? Do you have friends like that? What is the best way to deal with them?13.How would you describe each main character? a.Dreenie –caring and concernedb.Tuli –dramatic and funnyc.Bluish –courageous and perseveringd.Why does Willie call Dreenie –drain? Is it mean?14.Dreenie is only 10 and taking care of so many people. How do you think that would feel?15.What do you notice about the language that Willie uses? “I know who your Mama ain’t”16.How would you describe the neighborhoods they live in –their cultural, economic and family situations?
